Province House
Prince Edward Island
Province House, located at the intersection of Richmond and Great George Streets in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, has served as the seat of the island's legislature since 1847. Designed by self-taught architect Isaac Smith and built by local craftsmen, the building showcases Greek and Roman architectural influences typical of North American public buildings in the mid-19th century. It is historically significant as the site of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, which laid the groundwork for Canadian Confederation. The building combines its role as an active legislative assembly with a restored Confederation Chamber, where visitors can explore 1860s period rooms and learn about the conference that shaped Canada’s future. Province House was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1973 and underwent extensive restoration from 1979 to 1983, with ongoing conservation projects continuing into the 2020s. The site also features several memorials commemorating military veterans and the Fathers of Confederation. Currently closed for major repairs and conservation, the legislature operates temporarily from the adjacent Hon. George Coles Building, while a replica of the Confederation Chamber has been exhibited nearby to maintain public engagement with this pivotal Canadian landmark.
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Astuce: Province House is currently closed for extensive conservation work expected to last several years. Visitors should check the official Parks Canada website for updates on reopening and consider visiting the nearby Confederation Centre of the Arts, which hosts a replica of the Confederation Chamber. Booking tickets in advance for related exhibitions and tours is recommended. The best time to visit Charlottetown is during late spring to early fall for pleasant weather and local events. Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and families through Parks Canada programs.
Faits intéressants
- •Province House is the second-oldest seat of government in Canada, after the Nova Scotia legislature.
- •The building hosted the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, a foundational event leading to Canadian Confederation.
- •A replica of the Confederation Chamber was created at the Confederation Centre of the Arts to allow continued public access during conservation work.
- •In 1995, a pipe bomb exploded near Province House, causing minor damage and injuries; it was linked to a lone individual claiming affiliation with a group called Loki 7.
- •Several military memorials stand in front of and around Province House, including the Charlottetown Veterans Memorial and the Boer War Memorial.
- •The restoration project underway has a budget exceeding C$138 million, reflecting the building's importance and the complexity of conservation work.
Histoire
The cornerstone of Province House was laid in May 1843, and the building opened in January 1847 as the seat of Prince Edward Island's legislature.
It played a pivotal role in September 1864 by hosting the Charlottetown Conference, which was instrumental in forming Canadian Confederation.
In 1973, the building was designated a National Historic Site of Canada, leading to a joint management and restoration agreement between the provincial government and Parks Canada.
A major restoration occurred from 1979 to 1983, restoring parts of the building to their 1864 appearance.
In 1995, the building suffered minor damage from a pipe bomb explosion.
Since 2015, Province House has been closed for a comprehensive conservation project addressing mechanical systems, accessibility, and interior restoration, with completion expected in the mid-2020s.
Guide du lieu
Confederation Chamber1864
The restored room where the 1864 Charlottetown Conference meetings took place, pivotal in Canadian Confederation history. Visitors can explore period furnishings and exhibits explaining the conference's significance.
Legislative Assembly Chambers1847
The current working chambers of the Prince Edward Island Legislature occupy part of Province House, continuing its role as a center of government.
Charlottetown Veterans Memorial1925
A bronze memorial by G. W. Hill located at the Grafton Street entrance, commemorating soldiers from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Afghanistan War.
Boer War Memorialearly 20th century
A monument by Hamilton MacCarthy honoring members of the Royal Canadian Regiment who served in the Boer War, located on the side of the legislature building.
Fathers of Confederation Plaquesvarious
A series of plaques along the northeast side of Province House commemorate the Fathers of Confederation from Prince Edward Island, including Edward Whelan and George Coles.
Contact
Téléphone: (902) 566-7050