Building 51

Building 51, also known as Hangar 3, is part of a hangar line located at the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) in Trenton. It is a large, rectangular hangar with an exterior clad in metal siding. The building has a flat roof and a stepped roofline on one elevation. Both regular and large size doors and windows are symmetrically arranged on the facades. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Building 51 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value

Building 51 is closely associated with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) at Trenton, and its important role during the Second World War as the Central Flying School for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP). It is also associated with the early development of the RCAF at Trenton, and as part of the service component represented by the hangar row, it was a key aspect in the success of the BCATP.

Architectural Value

Building 51 is valued for its good aesthetic and functional design. It was built to a standard architectural style and colour scheme as part of a distinct line of hangars dating from the early development phase of RCAF Trenton. Designed to house pre-Second World War aircraft used in the training of the RCAF operational unit as well as civilian pilots, its flat roof features double Warren trusses and provides unobstructed interior volumes.

Environmental Value

Building 51 is compatible with the present character of its military base setting at CFB Trenton. As part of a distinctive and unified hangar row, it is a familiar building on the base.

Sources: Marilyn E. Armstrong-Reynolds, Eight Buildings, Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Trenton, Ontario, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office, Building Report, 89-027; Building 49, Hangar #5 and Building 51, Hangar #3, CFB Trenton, Trenton, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement, 89-027.

The character-defining elements of Building 51 should be respected.

Its good aesthetic and functional design and good materials and craftsmanship, for example:

- the flat-roof profile with a stepped profile on its west elevation;

- the regular pattern of windows;

- the double Warren truss system;

- the large, open interior.

The manner in which Building 51 is compatible with the present character of its military base setting at CFB Trenton and is a familiar building at the base, as evidenced by:

- its overall scale, massing and materials, which contribute to the distinctive and unified hangar row;

- its familiarity to those working on the base.