Recognized Federal Heritage Building
RMC Buildings: Gatehouse #3
Kingston, Ontario
Also known as Gatehouse No. 3, Corps de garde no 3, Gatehouse, Building 3
Exterior photo
Photo: DND, 1988
- Built
- 1816–1819
- Recognized
- 1991
- By
- Government of Canada
The register’s text, word for word
Description
RMC Buildings: Gatehouse #3 is located on Point Frederick, the former site of a large naval base which is now part of the Royal Military College campus. It is a small, hipped roof structure constructed of stone with classically inspired proportion and details. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.
Heritage value
RMC Buildings: Gatehouse #3 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.
Historical Value
RMC Buildings: Gatehouse #3 is closely associated with the city of Kingston’s role in Britain’s defence against the United States after the War of 1812. The building dates from the first permanent development of the Point Frederick dockyard, one of Britain’s largest naval bases in Canada and was commemorated in 1973 as part of a National Historic Site.
Architectural Value
RMC Buildings: Gatehouse #3 is a good aesthetic example of an early 19th century, standard military design with classically inspired scale and proportion. It is also of good functional design as evidenced in its solid construction and choice of materials. The very good craftsmanship of the building is demonstrated in the rubble stonework including the decorative cut-stone quoins and voussoirs.
Environmental Value
RMC Buildings: Gatehouse #3 reinforces the character of its military setting on the campus of the Royal Military College and is a familiar building in the area.
Sources:
Gatehouse #3 and Guardhouse #14, Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report 89-137; Gatehouse #3, Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement, 89-137.
Character‑defining elements
The character-defining elements of RMC Buildings: Gatehouse #3 should be respected:
Its early 19th century, standard military design, good functional design and very good craftsmanship, for example:
-the small, one-storey, hipped roof form;
-the solid random-rubble and coursed rubble stonework;
-the decorative cut-stone quoins and voussoirs;
-the multi-pane sash windows.
The manner in which RMC Buildings: Gatehouse #3 reinforces the character of its military setting at the campus of the Royal Military College and is a familiar landmark, as evidenced by:
-its scale and specialized military design which compliments a group of structures dating to the years immediately after the War of 1812;
-its ongoing relationship with the adjacent guardhouse and stone wall which form a cohesive visual unit surrounded by open space;
-its visibility and familiarity at the campus given its distinct appearance and location at the entrance to the former naval base at Point Frederick National Historic Site.
End of the register’s text
Location
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
44.23330° N, 76.46668° 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.