A Glimpse of 2009 Sealed into Government House Walls

Government House added a little piece of the present as it readies for the future.

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks and staff today, Oct. 22, placed a time capsule into walls as Government House prepares to re-open after almost three years of renovations.

"I think this is a terrific way to mark the end of this significant project," said Mr. Estabrooks. "These renovations will preserve this historic building for future generations."

Project manager Ron Jeppesen and his team have selected several items that represent what life is like in Halifax in 2009.

"We tried to pick a variety of everyday items including a Tim Hortons cup, a newspaper, postage stamps, coins, a photo of the lieutenant governor and a copy of the project plan," said Mr. Jeppesen. "Minister Estabrooks also contributed a small painting representing the provincial legislature."

The time capsule was placed in the old kitchen of the house, which will now be an artifact room.

Government House is Canada's oldest occupied government residence and a National Historic Site. The residence belongs to the people of Nova Scotia and is maintained by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. Government House is an intrinsic part of Nova Scotia history and is near the end of an estimated $6-million renovation. Its last major renovation was in the 1950s.