Government House Reopens Its Doors to Visitors

Released on June 18, 2021

The PCC Welcomes Guests Back to Government House

The Provincial Capital Commission (PCC) is excited to announce that Government House is reopening its doors to visitors on Sunday, June 20.  Guest safety is a priority.  All visits will be by pre-booked tours with safety protocols in place including mandatory mask use and physical distancing.

"With the return of tours occurring at Government House, Saskatchewan residents can once again plan a visit and learn more about Saskatchewan's history and heritage," Minister Responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission Don McMorris said.  "The location is both a Provincial Heritage Property and National Historic site, and is home to the beautiful Edwardian Gardens."

Government House offers visitors both permanent and temporary exhibits.  The current art exhibit in the Queen Elizabeth II Gallery - From La Ronge: Get to Know Us - is presented in partnership with the La Ronge Arts Council.  Works of art from nineteen artists in a variety of media provides a glimpse into what makes La Ronge special, including its landscape, crafts and traditions.

The new feature exhibit, Rehab - Rest - Recreation, Government House Convalescent Period from 1945 to 1957, profiles a little known period in Government House history.  In 1945, Government House became a rest home for returning Second World War veterans.  Healing, therapy and recreation were the three pillars of rehabilitation.  Through interactive displays, including a miniature putting green, guests gain appreciation of what life was like in the convalescent home.

"In addition to our brand new exhibit highlighting life after the Second World War, history buffs may also enjoy touring the Amédée Forget Museum set in the early 1900s when the first Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan lived in the House," Provincial Capital Commission CEO Monique Goffinet Miller said.  "Our visitor experience hosts help make history come to life for our guests.  Also, with June being National Indigenous History Month this is a fitting time to take in the J.E.N. Wiebe Interpretive Centre on the second floor of Government House with exhibits providing historical information on treaties and relationships between the Indigenous peoples of Saskatchewan and the Crown."

For plants lovers, Government House offers the Sylvia Fedoruk conservatory with its assortment of tropical foliage.  For those that prefer to enjoy nature outside, Government House is providing guided tours of the 3.5 hectares of charming Edwardian Gardens.

A maximum of eight people from the same social group will be allowed for outdoor garden tours and six for indoor tours.  More Government House tour information and online registration are available at https://governmenthousesk.ca/public-programs or by calling 306-526-7090.

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