Golf Clubhouse (B7)

The Golf Clubhouse, also known as Building B7, is a rectangular, log structure overlooking Clear Lake and surrounded by the well-manicured greens of a golf course. Designed in the rustic Tudor style, the building features a prominent gable roof, large enclosed verandah, and exhibits stonework and log construction techniques. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

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

Historical Value

The Golf Clubhouse is associated with the early development of National Parks in Manitoba. A year before the inception of Riding Mountain National Park, at a time when sites were being considered for a national park in Manitoba, the Minister of the Interior made a commitment to a nine-hole golf course. Upgrading of an existing course at the eastern end of Clear Lake was an early priority during the preliminary development phase of the park. In 1931, the preliminary greens were improved and work began on the development of an additional nine holes, which were constructed with the assistance of relief labour.

Architectural Value

The Golf Clubhouse is a building with very good functional design. It is also a very good example of the Tudor rustic aesthetic and high standard of log construction applied in National Parks. The aim was to develop a distinctive architectural appearance for Canadian parks, which was grounded in the English Picturesque movement, combining Tudor Revival elements with rustic materials and construction techniques.

Environmental Value

The Golf Clubhouse maintains an unchanged relationship with its site and reinforces the picturesque character of its park setting. The building is a conspicuous landmark in the park.

Sources:

Edward Mills, Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report, 85-054; Golf Clubhouse, Wasagaming, Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba, Heritage Character Statement, 85-054.

The character-defining elements of the Golf Clubhouse should be respected.

Its rustic Tudor style, function-oriented design, construction techniques and good quality craftsmanship, for example:

- the informal massing of the building with its prominent gable roof and large verandah;

- the use of natural building materials evident in the stonework and horizontal log construction with saddle-notched corners, the cobblestone detailing, and the split fieldstone foundation;

The manner in which the Golf Clubhouse maintains an unchanged relationship to its site, reinforces the character of its park setting and is a conspicuous landmark, as evidenced by:

- its ongoing relationship with its site on the ridge of a promontory adjacent to the golf course and overlooking the lake;

- its overall Tudor rustic aesthetic which is compatible with the style of the other park buildings and complements the picturesque grounds which include the manicured greens of a golf course and a contrasting backdrop of mature trees;

- the high visibility of the building from the golf course and from across the lake.