Fire Hall

In the centre of Jasper, the Fire Hall stands near the Administration Building, and adjacent to Athabasca Park. It is a two-storey, stucco-clad building in the Rustic Style with a steeply gabled, irregular roof and a corner tower. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

The Fire Hall is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values:

Historical value:

The Fire Hall is a useful example of a utilitarian structure that respects the aesthetic principles of the Rustic theme favoured by the National Parks in the 1920s and 1930s. The Fire Hall is also associated with the theme of the development of one of Canada’s first National Parks and of early Canadian tourism.

Architectural value:

The Fire Hall is a good example of a building favouring the Rustic theme established by the National Parks in the 1920s. An example of Queen Anne Style with Tudor Revival detailing, the irregular massing, the visually lively roofline and the corner tower combine to produce an economical, utilitarian, and functional structure with a picturesque effect.

Environmental value:

The Fire Hall remains a prominent landmark within downtown Jasper because of its scale, design and the prominent tower. The architecture and materials harmonise with both its immediate setting in the park and with the majestic mountain surroundings. Emphasising natural building materials, the Fire Hall establishes the character of the area and complements its environment.

Sources:

Kate MacFarlane, Four Jasper Buildings, Jasper Townsite, Jasper National Park, Alberta. Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 87-134, 135, 136, 137;

Fire Hall, Elm and Patricia Streets, Jasper, Alberta. Heritage Character Statement 87-135.

The character-defining elements of the Fire Hall should be respected.

Its rustic style and very good quality materials and craftsmanship as manifested in:

-the building’s scale, irregular massing, and overall picturesque design;

-the wall finish in stucco, imitation half timbering in the shed dormers and tower, mock beams above the windows, and brick detailing on the principal façade;

-the small paned-windows of irregular size and shape;

-the slightly projecting porch at the rear.

The manner in which the Fire Hall establishes and harmonizes with the picturesque character of the park setting and its historical relationship to the site as evidenced by:

-its aesthetic design and its prominent tower.