Aubrey Island Picnic Shelter

The Aubrey Island Picnic Shelter is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value

The Aubrey Island Picnic Shelter is a very good example of a building associated with the development of Canada’s national park system and early Canadian tourism. It is also associated with the emerging ideals of protecting and enhancing designated wilderness areas for the pleasure and benefit of Canadians, and with the increase in visitors to Canadian parks during the interwar years. In response to public demand, the Crown created the St. Lawrence Islands National Park of Canada, eastern Canada’s first national park. The Aubrey Island Picnic Shelter was built in response to a perceived need for additional facilities.

Architectural Value

The Aubrey Island Picnic Shelter is valued for its very good aesthetics. It is a good example of the rustic aesthetic developed in the 1920s and 1930s for use throughout Canada’s national park system, which was thought to complement the natural setting, and reflected the picturesque aesthetic consistent with National Parks’ tradition. The Aubrey Island Picnic Shelter demonstrates the use of milled-wood frame construction as a more economical alternative to log construction, achieving a rustic image at minimal cost. Good functional design is evidenced in the open, flexible space, while good craftsmanship is evidenced in the woodwork.

Environmental Value

The Aubrey Island Picnic Shelter maintains an unchanged relationship to its site, is compatible with the picturesque character of Aubrey Island and is a familiar landmark to the local community and park visitors.