NWMP Married Quarters

The N.W.M.P Married Officers’ Quarters is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value

The N.W.M.P Married Officers’ Quarters is one of the best examples of a building closely associated with the North-West Mounted Police, and their role in the rapid, early development of Dawson City during the Klondike Gold Rush. The building was originally constructed to house the Superintendent and then the officers of the N.W.M.P stationed at Fort Herchmer in Dawson City. It was used for this purpose until after the First World War. From 1923 until 1945 it served as a radio station for the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals; it then reverted to its original role as housing for RCMP officers until 1966. It is also one of Canada’s only remaining N.W.M.P buildings from this period.

Architectural Value

The N.W.M.P Married Officers’ Quarters is valued for its good, simple aesthetic. An early adaption of a building designed for sub-arctic frontier conditions, the building exhibits good functional design as seen in its exterior walls of peeled and saddle-notched logs. Rapidly constructed using green wood, and with rudimentary foundations, the structure retained its makeshift, functional character despite numerous improvements.

Environmental Value

The N.W.M.P Married Officers’ Quarters maintains an unchanged relationship to its site. It also reinforces the character and previous role of the government reserve area taken in association with the surviving structures of Fort Herchmer. It is a familiar landmark to residents and visitors.