Government House (Nova Scotia)

• Location: Halifax, NS, Canada

• Architect: Isaac Hildrith

• Style: Georgian

• Completed in: 1805

Government House of Nova Scotia is the official residence of the lieutenant governor of Nova Scotia. It's known as the oldest official residences in Canada.

The building serves not only as the residence but also as an office of the lieutenant governor where he/she performs constitutional duties including issuing of writs of election and swearing in the new members of the Executive Council. The building is also used to host visiting dignitaries and public engagements.

Nova Scotia, originally known as Acadia, was a region of strategic importance during the early colonial period where the British and French competed for control over this area. The position of Lieutenant Governor was established after the British gained control of Nova Scotia.

Halifax was founded by Governor Edward Cornwallis in 1749, which became the capital of Nova Scotia, aiming to establish a British stronghold in Nova Scotia and counter French influence in the region. The city quickly became the capital and a central administrative and military hub. The role of the Lieutenant Governor became more important to include civil administration, governance, and oversight of local affairs of the province as well as its strategically important capital.

By the late 18th century, it became evident that the Lieutenant Governor needed a permanent residence and office space. Prior to this, governors had lived in various temporary accommodations. The decision to build Government House was influenced by the growing importance of Halifax as a key administrative and military center in British North America. The construction of Government House in Halifax was completed in 1805 and it further solidified the Lieutenant Governor's presence and influence. It was one of the first permanent structures built specifically for the Lieutenant Governor in British North America.

Government House showcases the Georgian architectural style, which was popular in England and its colonies from 1720 to 1840. This style is evident in its classic design elements, including symmetrical windows, hipped rooflines, and chimneys on either side of the building. The house also features a rusticated lower storey and projecting wings with semi-circular bays, typical of late 18th-century gentlemen's residences in rural England, all hallmark characteristics of Georgian architecture.

"Main Floor Layout" (taken from the brochure "GOVERNMENT HOUSE HALIFAX")

The entrance on the east side was once used as a main entrance, however, it was moved to the west side later on.

"Morning Room (formerly Reception Room)"

"Drawing Room"

The Drawing Room is where, in 1848, Sir John Harvey, then the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, met with nine members of the House of Assembly to be sworn in as members of the provincial cabinet to form the first "responsible government" in what is now Canada.

"Looking west into the Dining Room"

"Dining Room"

It is believed that the Dining Room table is the only piece of furniture in this room that is original to the building. The table can seat up to 24 people. The Dining Room was used for the meeting with Mi'kmaq Grand Council for granting a posthumous pardon to Mi'kmaq Grand Chief.

"Grand Staircase"

The Grand Staircase separates a private quarter of the building from its public section.

"Ballroom looking east"

The Ballroom is often used for formal events and ceremonies including state dinners, official receptions, gala events, and sometimes important public or cultural events. It is a grand space designed to accommodate large gatherings and is often richly decorated to reflect the prestige of the venue.

"Portrait of Viola Desmond"

At the southwest corner of the Ballroom, a portrait of civil rights activist, Viola Desmond is permanently installed in honour of the pardon and official apology granted to her.

References:

GOVERNMENT HOUSE HALIFAX The Ceremonial Home of All Nova Scotians, Brochure, Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Government House National Historic Site of Canada. Halifax, Nova Scotia. Parks Canada. Retrieved May 19, 2024, from https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=279#:~:text=Government%20House%20was%20designated%20a,for%20more%20than%20175%20years

Government House (Nova Scotia). Wikipedia. Retrieved May 19, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_House_(Nova_Scotia)