Government of Canada Building

The Government of Canada Building is situated in New Glasgow’s downtown core. Designed in the International Style, it is comprised of simple, cubic volumes featuring large glass planes anchored by sturdy corner bays finished in exposed concrete panels. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

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

Historical Value

The Government of Canada Building in New Glasgow is associated with the continuing expansion of the federal government and its services after the Second World War and into the 1960s. The building was constructed under a federal government winter works project.

Architectural Value

The New Glasgow Government of Canada Building is a good example of the use of the International Style in Canada as it evolved through the late 1950s and into the early 1960s. The Department of Public Works’ (DPW) adaptation of the International Style was characterized by simple, cubic volumes, curtain-wall framing in-filled with glass and spandrel panels, minimal applied decoration and a preference for new technologies and machine-made materials. The New Glasgow Government of Canada Building follows the standard layout developed by the DPW in the early 1950s for combined function (post office and office space) Government of Canada Buildings, thus providing functional and discrete spaces for different government departments. It exhibits the standard construction materials and finishes for Government of Canada Buildings.

Environmental Value

The Government of Canada Building is compatible with the character of its mixed residential/ commercial setting. The building is highly visible and a well-known city landmark.

Sources:

Government of Canada, 340 East River Road, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report 98-047; Government of Canada Building, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Heritage Character Statement, 98-047.

The character-defining elements of the Government of Canada Building should be respected.

Its International Style, functional design and good craftsmanship, for example:

-the simple cubic volumes, and the use of exposed concrete, juxtaposed with large expanses of curtain wall in-filled with glass and spandrel panels;

-the treatment of the poured concrete panels with their minimal geometric adornment which brings out the modern character of the design;

-the building’s open interior space that is flexible to accommodate different uses and

which includes public space and separate public access;

-the building’s layout, comprising a main floor post office area and upper floor office space.

The manner in which the Government of Canada Building is compatible with the character of its mixed residential/ commercial setting and is a city landmark, as evidenced by:

-its scale which is compatible with the surrounding mixed residential/ commercial neighbourhood;

-its high profile within the community and its visibility given its prominent downtown location which makes it a landmark in the city.