Description of Historic Place

Building 7, also known as Memorial Building, forms part of a complex of three structures, which includes a chapel and a workshop, situated near the parade ground of the Quebec Citadel National Historic Site of Canada. They are attached by a 19th century protective wall. Building 7 is a small, rectangular, one-storey masonry building with a pyramidal stone roof and a row of windows on all four elevations. Its principal façade is distinguished by a modern porchway. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

Building 7 is a Classified Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value
As the former Cooperage, Building 7 is one of the best examples associated with the final phase of construction of the Citadel. Built to provide space in which to make barrels to store gunpowder, the small structure contributed indirectly to the defence of the fortress. Renovated as the Memorial Building in 1964, Building 7 is dedicated to the memory of members of the Royal 22nd Regiment who died in battle in one of the three wars in which the regiment took part. It is also where former Governor General of Canada, Georges Vanier is buried. The Memorial Building was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1964.

Architectural Value
Building 7 is a very good example of a 19th century British military defence building. It is also valued for its commemorative role at the Citadel, which is expressed in the building by its modern overlay. It displays very good craftsmanship in its solid masonry walls.

The Environmental Value
As part of a complex of three structures, Building 7 is compatible with the historical military character of the site. Grouped with its neighbouring structures, there is a contemplative atmosphere largely created by the chapel and often regarded as a sacred site. Located next to the parade ground, the Memorial Building, is known by sight to visitors and the regimental war memorial is well known to all ranks of the Royal 22nd Regiment stationed in the Citadel since 1964.

Sources: Rhona Godspeed, The Citadel, Québec, Québec, Federal Heritage Building Report 88-161; Memorial Building, Building No. 7, The Citadel, Québec, Québec, Heritage Character Statement, 88-161.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of Building 7 should be respected.

Its 19th century military design, combined with 20th century modern style and materials such as: its small, rectangular, one-storey building with a pyramidal roof and solid masonry walls with irregular courses; its roof construction of a concrete shell faced with smooth stones laid so as to create horizontal bands; its rows of small square windows just beneath the eaves; its steel and glass porch and three steps leading up to the entrance of the building.

The manner in which Building 7 is compatible with the defensive historical military character of its fort setting located at 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.

The Former Cooperage was built between 1842 and 1850 from plans prepared by the Corps of Royal Engineers. In 1964, the 50th anniversary of the Royal 22e Régiment, the building underwent substantial modifications inside and out and was converted to a memorial building; it is now known as the Memorial Building. The Former Cooperage is located immediately east of the Chapel of the Royal 22e Régiment north of the road surrounding the parade ground. It is part of the Citadel of Québec, a National Historic Site. The building is owned by the Department of National Defence. See FHBRO Report 88-161.

Reasons for Designation

The Memorial Building has been designated “Classified” because of the significance of the historical events and figures associated with it and because of its architectural and environmental features.

As the former Cooperage, Building No. 7 is associated with the final phase of construction of the Citadel (1839-1857). Built to provide space in which to make barrels to store gunpowder, the small structure contributed indirectly to the defence of the fortress. As the Memorial Building, Building No. 7 is dedicated to the memory of members of the Royal 22e Régiment who died in battle in one of the three wars in which the regiment took part. It is also where former Governor General of Canada Georges Vanier is buried; in 1983, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada recommended that Vanier be recognized as a person of national historical significance. Finally, the Memorial Building was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1964.

The Memorial Building is more of a reflection of 20th-century taste than 19th-century military strategy. The architects who oversaw the conversion of the building nevertheless managed to combine modern materials with the original stone masonry.

Located in the heart of the Citadel, the Memorial Building and the Chapel of the Royal 22e Régiment constitute very important commemorative elements. The Memorial Building is familiar to all members of the regiment who have stayed at the Citadel since 1964.

Character Defining Elements

The heritage character of the Memorial Building resides in two overlaid historic roles. The primary features of the cooperage are the general shape of the building, the clean architectural lines and the location near the Former Powder Magazine. The primary features of the building as a commemorative site are the modifications to the exterior and all elements related to the commemorative significance of the site that define the historical value of the building.

The Former Cooperage was a small, rectangular, one-storey building with a pyramidal roof. Its solid masonry walls with irregular courses blend well with the walls of the Former Powder Magazine (and its protective wall), with which it was closely associated. These formal characteristics, which have survived, are worth preserving.

Elements associated with the commemorative function of the building include the changes made to the shape of the roof in terms of the height and type of construction (a concrete shell faced with smooth stones laid so as to create horizontal bands), the raising of the walls, the rows of small square windows just beneath the eaves and the plaque on the wall opposite the Chapel. These architectural features are an integral part of the historic fabric of the building and should also be respected. However, the small aluminum porch protecting the entrance interferes with the heritage character of the building. A more compatible solution should be considered. An ongoing maintenance program should be put in place to preserve the integrity of the building.

When the Former Cooperage was converted to a Memorial Building in the 1960s, the interior was completely transformed. The lone room of this building now houses a priceless collection of old regimental colours. Modern heating, ventilation and lighting systems should be installed so that the integrity of the Memorial Building and the collection it houses are affected as little as possible.

A close relationship existed between the Former Cooperage and the Former Powder Magazine and its protective wall, just as it does now between the Chapel and the Memorial Building. The area, once military in character, has become a sacred site. It is desirable to preserve the relationship between the buildings, as their heritage value depends on that connection. Landscaping in this place of reflection should be consistent with the overall historical character of the Citadel.