Lougheed House fundraising to maintain historic gardens

The Lougheed House is trying to raise thousands of dollars so visitors can continue to enjoy their lush gardens.

The Calgary historic site says its grounds have become more popular during the pandemic, but its revenues have been declining.

Every year volunteers plant 5,000 flowers throughout the nearly three-acre property with the goal of maintaining the original Victorian gardens.

The property was built in 1891 by former Senator James Lougheed, the grandfather to former Premier Peter Lougheed.

Julia Davis and her dog Wicket live in the Beltline and walk through the grounds of the Lougheed House nearly every day to enjoy the green space and wide range of flowers.

"It's gorgeous, there's so much to see all though the park," she said. "Wicket loves smelling everything too."

Executive director Kirstin Evenden says that along with ticket sales and donations, the historic site relies on government funding. When COVID-19 hit, it saw a reduction in provincial dollars.

Ticket revenue also dropped by 30 per cent, according to Evenden, because museums have had to close.

But she says because the grounds are free, and have been open to the public throughout the pandemic, they've become more popular than ever.

Now, the Lougheed house is trying to raise $25,000 to ensure they can maintain the gardens for the rest of the season.

"Really this is about trying to not just grow for this year, but actually build capacity for the future, because we know that the gardens are receiving even more and more heavy use each year," she said.

"For us, this is becoming a really critical component to make sure that we serve the community in the way they need that from us right now."

People are encouraged to snap photos of the park, using #LoveLougheedGardens and anyone who is able to donate can do so online. This is the second year the Lougheed house has done this fundraiser.