Royal Canadian Air Force Cottage (B16)

The secluded Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Cottage, also known as Building B16, sits protected by forest cover, on the lakefront at Clear Lake, two kilometers from Wasagaming townsite in Riding Mountain National Park of Canada. It is a one-storey building of log and stone in the rustic style. Its two projecting gabled wings create a modified L-shaped structure. It has a medium pitched hipped roof and details of stucco and half timbering. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

The RCAF Cottage at Clear Lake is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical value:

The RCAF Cottage is associated with the development of Canada’s National Park system and early Canadian tourism. It is a very good example of a facility associated with the brief phase of RCAF forest surveillance in Riding Mountain National Park of Canada (RMNP). The residence was constructed to accommodate pilots operating an aerial patrol service during periods of forest fire hazard. It was constructed as a Public Works project using Depression-relief funding shortly after the Park was established in 1930.The wardens enforced laws and regulations in the park; this was rendered more important in the case of RMNP as the Park is surrounded by agricultural land.

Architectural value:

The RCAF Cottage is one of four log residences built at RMNP in 1933-1934. This building typifies the architectural theme, construction practices and craftsmanship evident in buildings designed by the Architectural Division and erected in the Park during the Depression relief period. It is a good functional structure in an informal style that was perceived as harmonious with a park setting.

Environmental value:

The RCAF Cottage remains secluded in its historically intact setting. The small bay on the south shore of Clear Lake provided a sheltered anchorage for RCAF floatplanes. Emphasizing natural building materials, the RCAF Cottage reinforces the dramatic natural setting.

Sources:

The RCAF Pilots’ Residence, Deep Bay, Clear Lake, Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba. Heritage Character Statement 85-054; The RCAF Pilots’ Residence, Deep Bay, Clear Lake, Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba. Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 85-054.

The character-defining elements RCAF Cottage should be respected.

Its rustic style and good quality materials and craftsmanship, for example:

- the simple, low massing of the one-storey structure;

- the rectangular plan with two projecting gabled wings, the gable ends with milled fascia boards, the exposed log purlins, prominent crowns at the corner joints and a shingled roof with chimney;

- the peeled log walls that are saddle-notched at the corners, the exposed rafter ends, and the screened front verandah that extends along the front of the living room;

- the multi-pane casement windows;

- the prominent random-course stone facing at the foundation.

The manner in which the RCAF Cottage reinforces the picturesque character of its lakeside setting within Riding Mountain National Park of Canada as evidenced by:

- the emphasis on natural building materials;

- its dramatic situation in a secluded, natural setting on a small bay on the south shore of Clear Lake.