McGregor Street Armoury

This monumental armoury is distinguished by its simple Tudor-Revival façades and large drill hall. Its stepped parapet profiles, low arched troop door and corner towers recall medieval military motifs. Constructed of brick with decorative stone trim, the building stands in generous grounds. The large, buff-brick and limestone building is distinguished by sturdy corner towers and a low arched entrance on its main façade. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

The McGregor Street Armoury is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value

The McGregor Street Armoury is associated with the reform and expansion of the volunteer militia in Canada under Sir Sam Hughes. Hughes instigated the development of standard plans to aid in the efficient implementation of an intensive armoury building program. The armoury reflects a government policy to supply arms to all militias and to construct good local training facilities.

Architectural Value

The McGregor Street Armoury is a very good example of the Tudor Revival style as evidenced by its sturdy towers and low arched entrance. The fortress motifs, characteristic of Canadian armouries, are featured in its stepped parapet profile, low arched entrance and corner towers. The large, unobstructed interior of the drill hall and the axial planning inspired by the Beaux-Arts style demonstrate a very good functional design.

Environmental Value

The McGregor Street Armoury is compatible with its urban streetscape setting and is a well-known landmark in the region.

Sources: Armoury, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report (SCR), 94-023; Armoury, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Heritage Character Statement, 94-023.

The following character-defining elements of the McGregor Street Armoury should be respected.

Its Tudor-Revival style and fortress motif, the very good functional design and very good

craftsmanship, for example:

- the monumental scale and massing consisting of a principal block, sturdy, square corner

towers, and a low arched entrance leading to a large drill hall;

- the steel truss structural system that spans the large, uninterrupted space of the drill hall;

- the exterior materials such as the smooth surfaces of the brick and limestone façades,

the ashlar treatment of the masonry, and the decorative detailing which contribute a

decorative element to the building’s fortress like appearance including the stepped

parapet profile, decorative balustrade and the carved stone scrolls and shields;

- the symmetrical relationship of the multi-paned sash windows and doors with transoms.

The manner in which the McGregor Street Armoury is compatible with the character of its urban streetscape setting and is a regional landmark, as evidenced by:

- its Tudor Revival style, medieval motifs and materials which harmonizes its surrounding streetscape;

- its high visibility, due to its large scale and prominent location;

- its well-known, ongoing role as an armoury in the City of Winnipeg.