2022 - Recognized Federal Heritage Building - CGG Officers Mess Ante Room and Staircase Landing area 2022 (August 23, 2022)

Object/Artifact

Musée Canadian Grenadier Guards Museum

Name/Title

Description

2022 - CGG Officers Mess Ante Room and Staircase Landing area The Canadian Grenadier Guards 'Home Station' Armoury located at 4171 L'Esplanade Avenue in Montreal, Quebec, Canada is a recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values. Historical Value The Armoury is closely associated with the reform and expansion of the Canadian militia. It is an important relic of the history of military architecture in Canada. Its construction was prompted by the reform of the militia undertaken in the 1890s by Frederick Borden, Minister of the Militia and Defence, which was continued after 1911 by his successor, Sir Sam Hughes. Created in 1859 under the name First Battalion, Volunteer Militia Rifles of Canada (First Prince of Wales’ Rifles), the Canadian Grenadier Guards (6th Battalion, Canadian Guards) is one of the oldest volunteer militia regiments in Canada. Its main victories are South Africa (1899-1900), Vimy Ridge, France and Flanders (1916-1918), the Rhineland and Northwestern Europe (1944-1945). Architectural Value The Armoury is valued for its good aesthetic and very good functional design. Its design details are derived from the Edwardian Classical style public buildings that are grandiose and robustly modeled and have rich surface decoration. The building’s compact plan expresses the program developed by the federal government for buildings of this type at the turn of the century. The large, unobstructed interior spaces with exposed two-hinged steel trusses accommodates drill, teaching and recreational facilities, elements considered innovative at its time of construction. High quality craftsmanship is evident throughout. Environmental Value The Armoury is compatible with the present residential character of its streetscape setting in Montréal. It is a familiar building in the area.

Created By

Bertille L. Hurel

Create Date

December 29, 2022

Updated By

Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.

Update Date

June 3, 2025