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.
