Rideau Hall, Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Good afternoon, everyone!

Today, we are here to launch rehabilitation work on the grounds of Rideau Hall in preparation for Canada’s sesquicentennial.

Not only will 2017 mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation, it will also mark 150 years of Rideau Hall serving as the residence of every governor general. I’m sure that many of my predecessors would be very pleased with how the residence has evolved and how the grounds have become steeped in a rich and powerful history.

Rideau Hall may have undergone changes over the course of its evolution and will certainly change again in the future, but some things remain constant: History happens here. Recognition happens here. Celebrations happen here.

There’s a great example just behind me: The Fountain of Hope, which was built from 1981 to 1982 to mark the International Year of Disabled Persons and named to honour Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope that brought him and his important journey through the grounds of Rideau Hall.

Every time I look at this fountain, I am reminded of Terry Fox’s perseverance, determination and the hope his efforts inspire in millions of Canadians to this day.

This fountain, as with many important landmarks spread throughout the grounds, not only reminds us about dates, people and events, but also speaks to our collective identity as a people.

This area behind me is known as the forecourt and is familiar to many Canadians as a place where dignitaries are received, where changes in our government are marked and where Canadians come together for special events.

I am happy to announce that the forecourt will be transformed into a site for celebrations over the coming months with a renewed Fountain of Hope. This is a legacy project as part of our 150th celebrations. It will allow us to extend our ceremonial and cultural spaces outdoors with a capacity to accommodate over 1,000 people.

I am sure that this space will be well used throughout 2017 and beyond.

I would like to thank our colleagues at the National Capital Commission for their hard work and dedication to their role as stewards of the official residences. Their commitment to heritage and their expertise will ensure the preservation of Rideau Hall for future generations. And for that, I am very grateful.

During my visits across Canada and abroad, people are often impressed when I tell them that the grounds and residence welcome over 200,000 visitors a year because we are open year-round to the public. This unique feature is something for us, as Canadians, to be very proud of.

I’m pleased to say that, in working with the NCC on this project, we have been able to ensure that the grounds and the residence will remain open throughout the construction period.

In two days, the federal government will begin the 150-day countdown to 2017. Next year promises to be very exciting. We at Rideau Hall are planning many great events for Canadians that will highlight milestones such as the 50th anniversary of the Order of Canada and the 125th anniversary of the Stanley Cup.

As we wait for the kickoff to 2017, I invite you to continue to enjoy the home of the people of Canada, where visitors will always be welcome. I certainly look forward to inviting all of you back, when we are ready to inaugurate the new and improved forecourt in 2017.

Thank you.