Machine Shed Recognized Federal Heritage Building
Photo: Merna Foster, Jasper National Park | Parc national Jasper (1987)
- Built
- 1936–1947
- Recognized
- 1988
- By
- Government of Canada
The register’s text, word for word
Description
One of a complex of twelve buildings known as the National Training Centre, the Machine Shed is a low gable-roofed, rectangular log building, constructed with a rustic vocabulary of materials. Its front façade features two doors and two large picture windows. The complex is isolated and self-contained around a large grassed area. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.
Heritage value
The Machine Shed is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.
Historical Value
The Machine Shed and its complex is associated with the early development of Jasper National Park. The National Training Centre was originally part of a homestead known as the Palisades Ranch. The Palisades Ranch had been established by Lewis Swift, a personality who figured prominently in the history of the area. The Palisades Ranch was a trail-related tourist industry and, as such, contributed to the development and use of Jasper Park. It remained privately owned until 1962 when it was purchased by the National Parks Branch. It began operation as a training center for Park employees in 1964.
Architectural Value
The Machine Shed is a good example of a functional building type constructed in a rustic aesthetic. Its well-executed vocabulary of building materials conforms with the architectural character of Canada’s National Parks. Originally a utilitarian structure it also functioned as two cottage units.
The Environmental Value
As a significant building within the National Training Centre (formerly the Palisades Ranch), the Machine Shed is compatible in size, design and placement with the character of the complex. Although the complex is self-contained and not visible from the highway, the Machine Shed, by virtue of the fact that it is part of the National Training Centre, is known to the communities of Jasper and Hinton.
Sources:
Kate MacFarlane, National Training Centre (former Palisades Ranch), Jasper National Park, Alberta, Federal Heritage Building Report, 87-10.
National Training Centre (former Palisades Ranch) Jasper National Park, Alberta, Heritage Character Statement, 87-010.
Character‑defining elements
The following character-defining elements of the Machine Shed should be respected, for example:
Its functional design and rustic vocabulary of materials, for example:
-Its simple massing, consisting of a rectangular, one-storey structure with a low gable roof.
-Its horizontal log siding and log corner boards.
-Its arrangement of doors and picture windows.
-Its rock-faced concrete foundation.
The manner in which the Machine Shed is compatible with its setting, as evidenced by:
-Its scale, its functional appearance and rustic materials, all of which are sympathetic with the other buildings in the complex.
End of the register’s text
Location
Highway 16 and Snaring Road, Jasper National Park, Alberta, T0E, Canada
52.80400° N, 118.72000° 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.