1914 – Minto Armoury, St. Matthews Avenue, Winnipeg

In the early part of the twentieth century, Sam Hughes, Minister of Militia and Defence from 1911 to 1916, pursued a plan of providing drill halls to active volunteer Militia across Canada. Most of the armouries were designed by the Engineering Services Branch of the government to reduce costs, leaving only Class A armouries in the hands of the Department of Public Works. The Winnipeg Armoury was designed by Thomas W. Fuller who was Chief Architect for the department in Ottawa. Construction was supervised by local architect Herbert E. Matthews.

It is among the largest armouries constructed before the Second World War. Its Tudor-Revival style, exemplified by the sturdy, crenellated corner towers and low arched entrances provide the fortress motif and are decorative features of the building, all finished in brick with white stone trimmings. These fortress motifs are characteristic of Canadian armouries, although here they are more understated than in earlier buildings. This design was typical of Fuller’s work and exemplifies the monumental massing of his later designs.

Armouries, lecture rooms, messes, and administration offices surround the large drill hall. The drill hall has a viewing gallery around all four sides off which the upper rooms are accessed.

A fire destroyed the original wooden roof structure on January 22, 1956. Most of the regimental trophies and records, musical instruments, kilts, and equipment were rescued from the fire by soldiers, as the fire service fought the fire. The battle took its toll on firefighters, injuring two and killing one. After reconstruction was approved, a new and much lower roof profile was adopted, removing the building of some of its grandeur.

The armoury is currently the home base of The Royal Winnipeg Rifles, The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, and 38 Signal Regiment. The facility also hosts three regimental museums.
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