Recognized Federal Heritage Building
Cookhouse, Building 626
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Also known as Cuisine, bâtiment 626
Exterior photo
Photo: (I. Doull, Parks, 1995.)
- Built
- 1873
- Recognized
- 1996
- By
- Government of Canada
The register’s text, word for word
Description
The Cookhouse, situated in the Old Gorge Wall of York Redoubt, is a small, utilitarian structure built of brick. It has a low-pitched gable roof and prominent chimney. The slightly irregular rhythm of doors and windows reflects the building's functional interior divisions. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.
Heritage value
The Cookhouse is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.
Historical Value:
The Cookhouse is an example of a 19th century structure associated with the internal organization and operation of a permanent coastal fortification from the rifled muzzle-loading era. The upgrade of the Halifax defences had a significant economic impact on the community of Halifax.
Architectural Value:
The Cookhouse is a simple, utilitarian, storage structure of good aesthetic quality located within a permanent late-19th century fortification. The rectangular plan housed, in addition to the provisioning facilities of the bread and meat store, a field forge, an ablution room, a coal store, and a lamp store. This multi-functional structure exhibits good craftsmanship and materials.
Environmental Value
The Cookhouse reinforces the present character of its military setting within York Redoubt National Historic Site and is familiar to staff and visitors within the redoubt.
Sources:
Ian Doull, York Redoubt, Halifax Defence Complex Volume 3, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Building Report 95-001
Bread and Meat Store, Ablution Room, Cook House, Coal Store and Store for Field Forge (Cook House) (No. 626), York Redoubt, Halifax Defence Complex, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Heritage Character Statement 95-001
Character‑defining elements
The following character-defining elements of the Cookhouse should be respected, for example:
The multi-functional, utilitarian design and good quality materials, for example:
-The rectangular massing of the one-storey structure, the low-pitched gable roof, the brick walls in English bond, and the prominent, octagonal brick chimney with double course oversailing and four chimney pots.
-The opening pattern on the main elevation consisting of two doors and four windows, the segmental and camber jack arches over the doors and windows, the cast concrete and cut-stone detailing of the openings.
-The internal arrangement and solid brick partitions with no interior interconnections.
The manner in which the Cookhouse reinforces the present character of its military setting within the York Redoubt National Historic Site and is familiar within the redoubt, as evidenced by:
-The specialized, utilitarian design and materials that maintain the physical relationship between the Cookhouse and the historic alignment of buildings and road.
-Its visibility to visitors and to staff within the redoubt.
End of the register’s text
Location
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
44.59170° N, 63.55754° 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.