Recognized Federal Heritage Building
Building D51
Esquimalt, British Columbia
Also known as Factory, Usine, Dockyard D51
General view of building D51's main (western) and side (northern) elevations showing the red brick walls, stone dressings, corbelled friezes, vaults and arches, 1989.
Photo: Parks Canada Agency / Agence Parcs Canada, I. Doull, 1989.
- Built
- 1889
- Recognized
- 1991
- By
- Government of Canada
The register’s text, word for word
Description
CFB Esquimalt, Dockyard, Factory, Building D51 is located on Hospital Road, the main road through the Dockyard at Esquimalt. It is a composite structure with irregular massing consisting of a two-storey, hipped-roof block with a single-storey wing, and two single-storey gable-roofed blocks to the south. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.
Heritage value
CFB Esquimalt, Dockyard, Factory, Building D51 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.
Historical Value:
CFB Esquimalt, Dockyard, Factory, Building D51, as one of the principal industrial shops in the Dockyard, is central to ship repair operations and was one of the first buildings to be built under the Royal Navy’s rebuilding program of the late 1890s and early 1900s. It was also one of the largest non-warehouse structures built during this period.
Architectural Value:
CFB Esquimalt, Dockyard, Factory, Building D51 is a good example of naval industrial shop design. It exhibits good functional design and a high level of craftsmanship and materials where the exterior of the building is unified by the brickwork. It is distinguished by its richness of detail and its classical decorative elements.
Environmental Value:
Although altered the CFB Esquimalt, Dockyard, Factory, Building D51 still reinforces the present character of the dockyard setting. The building is a familiar landmark to familiar with the dockyard. .
Sources:
Ian Doull, Dockyard, Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, Esquimalt, British Columbia. Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 89-204; Building D 51 (former Factory), Esquimalt Dockyard, Esquimalt, British Columbia Heritage Character Statement 89-204.
Character‑defining elements
The following character-defining elements of CFB Esquimalt, Dockyard, Factory, Building D51 should be respected.
Its functional design and good quality materials and craftsmanship, for example:
-the composite structure exhibiting dissimilar massing consisting of three components: a two-storey, hipped-roof block with a single-storey wing, and two single-storey, gable-roofed blocks to the south;
-the exterior, which is unified by the consistent use of materials and detailing;
-the red brick walls, stone dressings, corbelled friezes, vaults and arches;
-the configuration and treatment of window and door openings with stone sills, arches, labelled surrounds, and tall, divided light glazing on each component of the building;
-the corners of the elevations marked by stone quoins;
-the capped buttresses set against the principle façade.
The manner in which CFB Esquimalt, Dockyard, Factory, Building D51reinforces the present character of the dockyard at Esquimalt as evidenced by:
-its size, design and placement in the urban environment of the dockyard;
-its form, scale and relationship to the associated surrounding buildings from the same period.
End of the register’s text
Location
Esquimalt, British Columbia, Canada
48.43000° N, 123.43500° W
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From the Canadian Register of Historic Places, as last updated on December 12, 2025. The register’s text is shown word for word.