Description of Historic Place

The Blockhouse at Narrows Lockstation is situated on an open site that overlooks the Rideau Canal. It is a two-storey pyramidal-roofed structure, square in plan, with an overhanging second storey. The lower storey is constructed of thick, stone masonry while the upper storey is built of squared timbers. Defence features include loopholes and the second-floor entrance accessed by an exterior stairway. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Blockhouse at Narrows Lockstation is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value
The Blockhouse is associated with the defence of British North America. The building was constructed during the period in which the Rideau Canal fulfilled a defence role for the United Canadas, and the blockhouse building type was an essential element in the defence strategy for the canal, which included a major defensible building at each locksite. The Blockhouse is one of only four completed on the Rideau Canal and is a rare surviving example of a blockhouse with a stone masonry lower storey.

Architectural Value
Valued for its good aesthetics, as seen in its functional, 19th-century defensive military appearance, the Blockhouse followed the general pattern established for blockhouses. It is one of only four blockhouses completed on the canal and is one of the few surviving examples in Canada with a stone masonry lower storey. Very good functional design is seen in the interior layout and defensive features that include loopholes and an overhanging second floor, although it deviated from the original designs by Colonel By. Good craftsmanship is evidenced in the masonry and roof-framing.

Environmental Value
The Blockhouse reinforces the historic military character of the setting and is a familiar local landmark.

Sources: James De Jonge, Fifteen buildings, Southern Area, Rideau Canal, Ontario, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office, Building Reports 89-155, 89-156, 89-157, 89-158,89-159, and 89-160; Blockhouse, Narrows Lockstation, Rideau Canal, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement 89-160.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Blockhouse at Narrows Lockstation should be respected.

Its good aesthetics, functional design and quality materials and craftsmanship, for example: the square, two-storey massing with pyramidal roof; the ground floor of stone masonry and the timber framed upper storey of squared timber; the defence-related elements such as the loopholes and the second floor overhang; the interior configuration, and the second floor entrance accessed by an exterior stairway, and the floor beams and the kingpost.

The manner in which the Blockhouse at Narrows Lockstation reinforces the historic military character of its lockstation setting and acts as a local landmark as evidenced by: its simple design and materials that harmonize with its historic Rideau Canal setting; its size and profile on a spit of land between Upper Rideau and Big Rideau lakes that make it a prominent feature of the lockstation.

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 Blockhouse at Narrows Lockstation was built in 1832-33 by the British Ordnance Department as a defensible structure for the station. Extensive renovations occurred in the early 20th century to better accommodate residential use. Further renovations were undertaken by the Department of Transport in the 1960s including the addition of the first floor entrance. Environment Canada Parks Service is the custodial department. See FHBRO Building Report 89-160.

Reason for Designation

The Blockhouse was designated Recognized because of its historical associations, its design and materials, and its setting.

During the period when the Blockhouse was constructed, the Rideau Canal fulfilled a defensive role for the United Canadas. Blockhouses were an essential element in Colonel By's strategy for the canal, which called for a major defensible building at each lockstation. The Narrows Blockhouse is one of only four completed on the Rideau Canal and, like that of Newboro, is a rare surviving example of a blockhouse with a stone masonry lower storey.

While the site has changed over time, the isolated setting of the military era remains today.

Character Defining Elements

The heritage character of this property is defined by is exterior massing, its use of stone masonry construction, and the historic character of its setting.

The Blockhouse at Narrows Lockstation is a two storey pyramidal-roofed structure, square in plan, with an overhanging second storey. The use of stone masonry construction in the lower storey, normally constructed of timber, is unusual in this building type. The upper storey is built of squared timbers, but not clapboarded as it would have been when originally built. Like the Newboro Blockhouse, the Narrows Blockhouse does not have the tin roof and wall cladding, or masonry infill 'bomb-proofing' between floors as proposed in Colonel By's original design. Defensible features include the small windows and loopholes found in the second storey and second storey entrance with exterior stair. The interior has been completely renovated with modern finishes throughout.

The craftsmanship associated with Colonel By and the Royal Engineers is evident in the surviving masonry and roof framing. It is important that the remaining original material and construction details of this building be maintained and protected.

The natural and isolated character of the setting on a spit of land between Upper Rideau and Big Rideau lakes is reminiscent of the military period. The Blockhouse, a dominant feature in this spare landscape, is a local landmark. The relationship of the building to its setting should be preserved.