A Message from the Lieutenant Governor
of British Columbia

Version française

May is a busy and exciting month here at Government House. On May 9, I will cut the ribbon to officially open the Cary Castle Tea Shop, Interpretive Centre and Costume Museum in the Cary Castle Mews. Dating back to the 1870s, the Mews are the original service buildings on the estate. The opening of these buildings provides an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the history of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Government House grounds. The tea shop, interpretive centre and costume museum will be open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am – 3pm until the end of August and will be run by our volunteers, the Friends of Government House.

At a public ceremony at 2pm on Monday, May 21, I will unveil a new statue of Sir James Douglas on the front lawn of Government House. Douglas was governor of Vancouver Island and the first governor of British Columbia. The bronze statue, created by renowned sculptor Armando Barbon, is a fitting tribute to our enduring connection to the Crown as we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Following the statue unveiling, the doors to Government House will open to the public.

I will greet visitors as they arrive and invite everyone to tour the main floor, view our Diamond Jubilee exhibit, enjoy tea and refreshments and be entertained by the Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific.

On my travels throughout the province I am always met with much warmth and hospitality from our citizens. Open houses and public events at Government House are my opportunity to return this hospitality and welcome people to the ceremonial home of all British Columbians. I look forward to seeing you on May 21!

  • The Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC
  • Xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl
  • Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia