Saskatchewan Crossing Warden’s Residence No. 1

The Saskatchewan Crossing Warden’s Residence No. 1, located near a traditional fording spot, across the upper Saskatchewan River next to the Icefields Parkway, is a simple, rectangular, one-storey structure with a medium pitch truncated hipped roof. The wood siding is finished in red-brown paint with light trim. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

The Saskatchewan Crossing Warden’s Residence No.1 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical value

The Saskatchewan Crossing Warden’s Residence No.1 is a useful example of a building designed as a residence for wardens. It is also associated with the ideals of protecting and enhancing designated wilderness areas for the pleasure and benefit of the Canadian people. The building reflects a shift in the warden activities from the back country to the front country closer to the highway. The importance of this station increased with the completion of the nearby Thompson Highway. The centralization of warden services resulted in the growth of the station to accommodate more warden residences and outbuildings.

Architectural value

The Saskatchewan Crossing Warden’s Residence No. 1 is a good example of a structure adapted from a standardized plan for park residences developed in 1918 by James T. Childe. The building also reflects the aesthetics favoured by National Parks in the west during the early-to mid 20th century. It is a good functional structure built to reflect its picturesque setting and exhibiting good workmanship.

Environmental value

The Saskatchewan Crossing Warden’s Residence No. 1, partially screened from the other buildings at the station by mature trees, is the oldest and most conspicuous building amongst approximately 12 at the station. The Saskatchewan Crossing Warden’s Residence reinforces the character of its mountain park setting. It is familiar to wardens and hikers within the park.

Sources: Warden’s Residence No.1, Saskatchewan, Crossing Warden Station, Banff National Park, Alberta, 96-007; Saskatchewan Crossing Warden’s Residence, Banff National Park, Banff, Alberta, Heritage Character Statement 96-007.

The following character-defining elements of the Saskatchewan Crossing Warden’s Residence No.1 should be respected.

Its utilitarian design and rustic character and quality craftsmanship as evidenced in:

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

- the rectangular plan and the simple, rectangular, one-storey structure with a medium pitch truncated hipped roof;

- the enclosed sun porch projecting on the front, and a smaller wing on the rear;

- the wood siding is finished in red-brown paint with light trim.

The manner in which the Saskatchewan Crossing Warden’s Residence No.1 reinforces the mountain park setting within Banff National Park of Canada.