Description of Historic Place

Building 2 of the Connaught Barracks stands within the walls of the Saint Louis Bastion in the City of Québec’s old defence system, an important part of the military landscape of Upper Town. It is composed of three rectangular two-storey wings set at different heights due to the slope of the site. The solid masonry walls of the original portion clearly convey the building’s defensive function. The shed roof is clad in copper, and the rear elevations are almost entirely below ground level. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

Building 2 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value
Building 2 is a very good example of a building associated with the defence of the City of Québec in the colonial defence system under the British Regime. At the turn of the 19th century, a deteriorating political and military situation led authorities to increase the number of personnel in the city of Québec. Construction of the barracks met a pressing need for adequate housing of troops. The original rooms in Building 2 were used as a kitchen and guard post. In the 20th century, the barracks were used for a variety of purposes including a military prison, artillery magazine, depot and later as offices. The Connaught Barracks are also part of the historic district of Old Québec City, which was established in 1963 and later declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.

Architectural Value
Valued for its good aesthetics, Building 2 is constructed on the principals of English military classicism. Its solid masonry walls are clearly defensive, while its functional qualities are demonstrated through its adaptability. The construction work exhibits good craftsmanship.

Environmental Value
Building 2 reinforces the historic character of its military site near the citadel of Québec, and together with the associated adjacent buildings is a well-known local landmark.

Sources: Rhona Goodspeed, Reports 88-161, 90-312, 90-313, 90-314, 90-315, Buildings, Citadel, Quebec, Quebec, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 88-161; Connaught Barracks (No.2), Cote de la Citadelle, City of Quebec, Quebec, Heritage Character Statement 88-162.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of Building 2 should be respected.

Its good aesthetics, functional design and quality materials, for example: the two-storey massing with a sheet copper shed roof; the ground floor’s solid masonry construction and the stucco finish of the upper storey; the restrained decoration that includes the textured stone on the lower floor, the multi-pane windows, and the pediment awnings over the entrance.

The manner in which the Building 2 and adjacent buildings are compatible with the historic character of the fortress setting, and is a familiar regional landmark, as evidenced by: the design and form, which complement the location in Quebec City’s old defence system; the structure’s high visibility due to its close location to the Saint-Louis Gate, the Québec Garrison Club National Historic Site of Canada and the entrance to the hill leading to the Québec Citadel.

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.

Building No. 2 of the Connaught Barracks was built in stages. Between 1808 and 1814, the British army erected two small stone buildings. During the first quarter of the 20th century, a central addition filled the space between the two buildings, and a second storey was added to tie the whole together. Building No. 2 is owned by the Department of National Defence and is used as office space. See FHBRO Report 88-162.

Reasons for Designation

Building No. 2 of the Connaught Barracks was designaed a “Recognized” Federal Heritage Building for its historical significance and environmental qualities.

The Connaught Barracks bear witness to the strategic importance of the city of Québec in the colonial defence system under the British Regime. At the turn of the 19th century, the deteriorating political and military situation led authorities to increase the number of personnel in the city of Québec. Construction of the barracks met a pressing need for adequate housing of troops. The original rooms in Building No. 2 were used at that time as a kitchen and guard post. In the 20th century, the buildings were consolidated into a single two-storey building used for administrative purposes.

The increase in military personnel, which led to the construction of several buildings for their exclusive use, had a major impact on the urban fabric as well as the economic, administrative and social life of the city. Soldiers consumed goods and services and contributed to municipal services that were sometimes lacking. However, they also attracted taverns and brothels that disrupted community peace.

Building No. 2, which now stands at the entrance of the throat of the Saint-Louis Bastion, Quebec City’s old defence system, is an important part of the military landscape of Upper Town. Due to its location close to the Saint-Louis Gate, the Garrison Club and the entrance to the hill leading to the Citadelle, the building profits from excellent visibility. The Connaught Barracks are also part of the historic district of Old Quebec City, which was created in 1963 and declared a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO in 1985.

Character-Defining Elements

The heritage value of Building No. 2 lies in its footprint and massing, the choice of materials, its architectural details and its excellent integration into the surrounding urban environment.

The two-storey building consists of a rectangular main section to which a more compact building is attached on the north side. The exterior treatment and roof-lines of the two sections are different, heightening the illusion of two interlocking buildings.

The quarried limestone façade of the ground floor main section contrasts with the white stucco used on the upper floor. The rear elevation, meanwhile, is all stucco. This section of Building No. 2 has a gable roof covered with sheet copper assembled with wood batten seams. Different periods of construction can be delineated in the limestone walls of the other part of the building. This section has a gable roof with a hip on the north side. As in the barracks at the rear, materials convey the history of the building, and should be preserved. Repairs to the roofs and chimneys should follow recognized traditional techniques.

The main façade is compatible with its entranceway, dormers and large multipane windows. The elevation overlooking the yard has a more functional look; the only decorative touches are multipane windows and pedimented awnings over the doors. These architectural details merit protection. However, because the windows are recent additions, which do not appear to be the same size as the old ones, it would be best to base the design of new windows on original models once replacement becomes necessary. It would also be worthwhile to seek a more compatible solution to the existing metal post system, for supporting the awning over the main porch.

The masonry walls of Building No. 2 show many signs of repairs and modifications to the openings. To avoid a patchwork effect, replacement stones and new joints should be carefully matched to the construction of the old walls. The wood components should always be sealed, and the parging should be inspected regularly.

Inside, only the window frames and the openings in the partition walls to permit horizontal circulation recall the original use. Rooms have been refurbished to meet modern needs; the original layout is gone, and the old finishes have been covered or removed. A careful stripdown may reveal some interesting detailing and restore the period feel, but that process would have to be compatible with the viability of the building.

Without the cannons mounted in the grassy area in front, this military building could be mistaken for a middle-class house from the last century. Ideally, the building should be maintained in its current state. The building is fully compatible with urban setting. The courtyard is currently needed as a parking lot. However, a buffer zone could be created between the wall of the building and the asphalt to permit a better appreciation of the building.