History
Rideau Hall, officially known as Government House, serves as the official residence in Ottawa for both the Canadian monarch and the governor general of Canada.
The site was selected and the original structure built by stonemason Thomas McKay. In 1864, the Crown leased Rideau Hall from the McKay family for $4,000 per year, originally intended as a temporary residence for the viceroy until a permanent government house could be constructed. Over time, it was expanded to three or four times its original size, with various enhancements made, including the installation of gas chandeliers and a telegraph wire, as well as the construction of the ballroom.
The house evolved into the social hub of Ottawa—and even Canada—hosting foreign dignitaries, investitures, swearing-in ceremonies, balls, dinners, garden parties, children's events, and theatrical productions in the ballroom, where members of the household and viceregal family often participated. One of the largest events was a fancy dress ball hosted by the Dufferins on February 23, 1876, which attracted around 1,500 guests.