Recognized Federal Heritage Building

Communications School, Building 67

Esquimalt, British Columbia

Also known as Naden No. 67, Naden no 67

View of the main (northwest) elevation, 1989.

View of the main (northwest) elevation, 1989.

Photo: Agence Parcs Canada/Parks Canada Agency, Ian Doull, 1989.

Built
1941–1942
Recognized
1991
By
Government of Canada

The register’s text, word for word

Description

Building 67 is a two-storey, flat roofed structure occupying a sloping site facing the current parade ground. Its front and rear facades are composed of seven bays consisting of large windows separated by flat pilasters. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage value

Building 67 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value

Building 67 is associated with the development of the Royal Canadian Navy training school at Naden. The commission of HMCS Naden in 1922 established the first permanent naval training center on the west coast. Post-war financial restraint produced a government strategy based on naval reserves. Reserve units were established across the country, but training was centered in Naden and Stadacona in the east. The communications or signals school replaced a smaller facility which, given wartime training needs, had proven inadequate.

Architectural Value

Building 67 is a good example of the influence of Modern Classicism on Department of Public Works designs during the 1930s and 1940s. It is distinguished by its formal symmetrical massing, classically inspired tripartite organization and simplified classical detailing typical of this style.

The Environmental Value

Building 67 is compatible with the character of its military base setting. Prominently located on a rise above the main route into Naden, Building 67 is a well-known local landmark.

Sources:

Ian Doull, CFB Esquimalt-Naden (26 Buildings), Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, British Columbia, Federal Heritage Building Report, 89-204.

Naden Building 67 (Communications School), CFB Esquimalt, British Columbia, Heritage Character Statement, 89-204.

Character‑defining elements

The following character defining elements of Building 67 should be respected, for example:

Its Modern Classical design, good craftsmanship and materials such as:

-Its formal symmetrical massing that consists of a two-storey, flat-roofed structure whose front and rear facades are composed of seven bays divided by pilasters, with the narrower center bay marked by monumental piers and a projecting roof line.

-Its tripartite organization of the exterior achieved by the use of materials with red brick walls which are distinct from the white basement storey, while an entablature is suggested by the cast stone string course below the copper coping.

-Its decorative brickwork and cast stone ornamentation found in the recessed brinck panels on the side elevations and over the main door, and in the string course, window sills, and prominent door surround of cast stone.

-Its main entrance bi-fold wood door and ornamental fanlight.

The manner in which Building 67 is a prominent landmark within Naden as evidenced by:

-The building’s prominent location on a rise above the main route into Naden.

-The building’s relationship to the parade square.

End of the register’s text

Location

Esquimalt, British Columbia, Canada

48.43000° N, 123.43500° W

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Nearby

All 44 places in Esquimalt

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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.