For over 150 years, Rideau Hall has served as the official residence of Canada’s governors general. There are seven greenhouses nestled within this beautiful 32-hectare estate, all designated as classified heritage buildings.
Over the years, the NCC has undertaken rehabilitation work on several of the buildings. Greenhouse 1 (the ceremonial greenhouse) and its two connected linking sections are now due for major upgrades. The deterioration is caused in part by the harsh extremes in weather and the organic content of the greenhouses, which promotes mold, rot and rust.
This next phase of repairs will help preserve the integrity of the structure for years to come.
This project will restore the interior and exterior of Greenhouse 1 and its two linking sections.
Specifically, the work includes:
- replacing the greenhouse glass and support bars, including aluminum bars, where needed;
- removing hazardous materials;
- replacing ventilation windows;
- replacing decorative wood scrolls;
- installing a new automated system to replace the manual one;
- painting and replacing shades;
- improving the rainwater system.
About the greenhouses at Rideau Hall
The current layout of the greenhouses at Rideau Hall dates back to 1926. The ceremonial greenhouse serves as both an event venue and as a home to a variety of plants, including rare and historically significant species.
The two linking sections are working areas that connect to the utilitarian greenhouses, where staff tend to the plants and prepare arrangements for all official residences.
The NCC is committed to addressing official residence rehabilitation in the National Capital Region. In 2021, we published a report on the condition of Canada’s official residences. Our assessment ranked the ceremonial greenhouse as a major rehabilitation project within the Official Residences portfolio.