South Gate Registration, Building 3
Recognized Federal Heritage Building
Prince Albert National Park of Canada, Saskatchewan
Corner view
(© Agence Parcs Canada / Parks Canada Agency, PNRO, S. Siepman, 1984.)
Address :
Highway 263 and 240, Waskesiu - South Gate, Prince Albert National Park of Canada, Saskatchewan
Recognition Statute:
Treasury Board Policy on Management of Real Property
Designation Date:
1988-05-05
Dates:
-
1933 to 1933
(Construction)
Event, Person, Organization:
-
Parks Branch, Architectural Division
(Architect)
Custodian:
Parks Canada
FHBRO Report Reference:
85-63
DFRP Number:
14567 00
Description of Historic Place
The South Gate Registration, Building 3 is located in Prince Albert National Park of Canada. Tudor rustic in style, the ‘T’-shaped, gable-roofed structure is constructed of horizontal logs over a stone-faced foundation. Distinctive gable-roofed bays featuring half-timbering are situated to each side. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.
Heritage Value
The South Gate Registration, Building 3 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values:
Historical value:
The South Gate Registration, Building 3 is closely associated with the theme of the development of the National Park system in Canada, designed and built at the height of the unemployment relief program. This phase, (1931-1936) coincided with a massive unemployment relief program that provided inexpensive labour and funding for projects in the park during the Depression years. It also represents the development of commercial and recreational activity at Waskesiu.
Architectural value:
The South Gate Registration, Building 3 is valued for its very good aesthetics. The building typifies the rustic architectural theme devised for park facilities at Prince Albert National Park of Canada and throughout the National Parks’ System during the Depression era. The very good functional design of both the exterior and interior exhibits very good craftsmanship. Natural construction materials are used prominently.
Environmental value:
The South Gate Registration, Building 3 maintains an unchanged relationship with its site. The Centre reinforces the natural setting of Prince Albert National Park of Canada, and designed for recreational purposes, it is familiar to wardens, visitors and inhabitants of Prince Albert National Park of Canada.
Sources: Buildings, Prince Albert National Park of Canada, Saskatchewan, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 85-04 to 85-063; The South Gate Registration Building-Building No.3, Prince Albert National Park, Waskesiu, Saskatchewan, Heritage Character Statement 85-063.
Character-Defining Elements
The following character-defining elements of the South Gate Registration, Building 3 should be respected.
Its Tudor rustic design aesthetic, quality craftsmanship and natural materials, for example: the ‘T’-shaped massing of the structure; the gabled roofs, half timbering and chimneys; the peeled log, saddle-notched wall construction, the stone-faced foundation and extensive stone detailing as on the entrance porch; the arrangement of window and door openings; the finished log interior.
The manner in which the the South Gate Registration, Building 3 maintains an unchanged historical relationship to its site, is compatible with the present national park character, and is familiar to wardens, campers and inhabitants within Prince Albert National Park of Canada as evidenced by: the building’s ongoing relationship to the road leading to the park and to surrounding open spaces and plantings; its distinctive rustic aesthetic, natural materials, proportions and massing, which harmonize with the natural surroundings of the park and with the other buildings in the townsite; its design and prominent location dominating the Park’s southern entrance, which make it well known to park visitors and the community.
Heritage Character Statement
Disclaimer -
The heritage character statement was developed by FHBRO to explain the reasons for the designation of a federal heritage building and what it is about the building that makes it significant (the heritage character). It is a key reference document for anyone involved in planning interventions to federal heritage buildings and is used by FHBRO in their review of interventions.
The South Gate Registration Building was built in 1933 to plans prepared by the Parks Branch's Architectural Division. The building is a "T-shaped" structure built of horizontal logs over a stone-faced concrete foundation. The gable-roofed bays on each side of the office section were added in 1934. The building is the property of Environment Canada Parks Service. See FHBRO Building Report 85-63.
Reason for Designation
The South Gate Registration Building was designated Recognized for its historical associations, its architectural significance and its environmental value.
The construction of the South Gate Registration Building is associated with the second phase of development of Prince Albert National Park, particularly the main access road. This phase (1931-1936) coincided with a massive unemployment relief program that provided cheap labor and funding for projects in the park during the Depression years.
Its architectural significance derives from its distinctive rustic design which harmonizes with the natural setting and which is readily identifiable with the National Parks system.
The South Gate Registration Building continues to be a dominant structure at the Park's southern entrance and typifies the rustic architectural theme devised for park facilities at Prince Albert National Park and throughout the National Parks system during the Depression era.
Character Defining Elements
The heritage character of the South Gate Registration Building resides in its overall massing and proportions, in the arrangement of window and door openings, and in its use of native materials. The saddle notched log wall construction, and stone facing combined with half-timbered gables, give the building a rustic-Tudor character which is consistent with other national park design of the period. The use of these materials and design were repeated for other buildings in the Waskesiu townsite.
Every effort should be made in future work to retain the overall form and original materials. Consideration should be given to re-incorporating leaded windows. Any new work should respect the rustic and vernacular character of the building.
A regular maintenance program would contribute to the longevity of the building and will be a critical factor in its long term survival.