Description of Historic Place

Building 41, also known as the Former Expense Magazine, is located in the southeast corner of Dalhousie Bastion at the end of the casemates in the Québec Citadel National Historic Site of Canada. It is a small, two-storey masonry building with a projecting drum on the upper floor. It has a gable roof, covered in sheet copper, which is assembled with wood batten beams. Two doors and one window pierce the walls while a small porch protects the entrance. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

Building 41 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value
Building 41 is associated with the defense of British North America during the final years of construction of the Citadel (1839 -1857) against the threat posed by the United States. It was used to store a small quantity of ammunition gunpowder for immediate use. Building 41 is also part of the historic district of Old-Québec, which was created in 1963 and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.

Architectural Value
Valued for its good aesthetics, Building 41 is a utilitarian military building of austere appearance. Its solid masonry walls are clearly defensive while its good functional qualities can be seen in its simple design. The stonework displays good craftsmanship.

Environmental Value
Building 41 reinforces the historic character of its military site within 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, Québec, Québec, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 88-161; Former Expense Magazine, Building No. 41, Cote de la Citadelle, City of Québec, Québec, Heritage Character Statement 88-161.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of Building 41 should be respected.

Its good aesthetics, functional design and quality materials, for example: the two-storey massing, and the gable roof covered in sheet copper, assembled with wood batten seams; the solid construction of irregularly coursed stone, and the wooden roof rafters; the plain interior with exposed masonry walls and ceilings, and the two unconnected rooms, one on each level, the vaulted, bomb-proof drum, and the wooden floors.

The manner in which Building 41 and adjacent buildings reinforce 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 Québec’s old defense system; the structure’s visibility and ongoing relationship to nearby defense works.

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 Expense Magazine was built between 1841 and 1850 from plans drawn up by the Royal Engineers. It was used to store a small quantity of ammunition and gunpowder for immediate use. This small building does not appear to have been altered over the years. The upper floor is currently unused, while the lower floor is used as a garbage room. The former Expense Magazine is located in the southeast corner of Dalhousie Bastion at the end of the Casemates. It is a component of the Citadelle of the city of Québec, a national historic site. The building is owned by the Department of National Defence. Refer to FHBRO Report 88-161.

Reasons for Designation

Building No. 41 was designated a “Recognized” Federal Heritage Building for its architectural and environmental value.

The former Expense Magazine is a small, two-storey masonry building with a projecting drum on the upper floor. Because of its materials and austere appearance, it is compatible with other Citadelle buildings. Its thick stone walls and bombproof vaulted ceilings still attest to its original function.

The relationship between the former Expense Magazine and the immediate site and other works at the Citadelle has changed very little over the years. From a military standpoint, it can be said that this small building reinforces the defensive character of the Dalhousie Bastion.

Character-Defining Elements

The heritage value of Building No. 41 lies in its architectural form, its building materials and construction techniques, and its strategic placement.

The former Expense Magazine is a tiny, two-storey masonry building partially hidden behind the ramparts; its west wall runs into the Casmates wall. It has a gable roof covered in sheet copper assembled with wood batten seams. The small porch, which opens to the upper floor, has a steeper gable roof than the main building. The functional appearance of Building No. 41 is achieved through its two doors and its one window that allows light into the porch. The irregularly coursed stone siding is the same as the siding used on for the parapet of the Bastion.

Using this building for a purpose other than its original purpose should not jeopardize these formal characteristics that define its heritage value. It is recommended that an ongoing maintenance program be established to ensure the longevity of the building and its components. To preserve the integrity of the building, it is important that all new replacement joints and stones blend seamlessly into the historical texture of the building, in keeping with the original spirit, in terms of material, colour, profile and coursing.

The former Expense Magazine had two unconnected rooms, one on each floor; this separation, which has remained intact, should be preserved. The upper floor and the drum are vaulted to protect the building from bombs; the floor is wood plank, and the masonry of the walls and ceilings is exposed. These architectural characteristics, which are an integral part of the original design, should be preserved. To improve inside air quality, the original ventilation holes that were later blocked in could be reinstated.

This small utilitarian building was used to serve a very specific part of the Citadelle. Its heritage value thus lies to a large extent in its relationship with the site and the works of the Dalhousie Bastion. For this reason, this part of the fortress should be altered as little as possible. Development of the surrounding area should be compatible with the military character of the buildings and works nearby.

For guidance on interventions, please refer to the FHBRO Code of Practice.

2001.08.27