1915 – Design for Power Station on the Winnipeg River, Manitoba

“Reproduced herewith is the winning design for a power developing station at Du Bonnet Falls, on the Winnipeg River. The design, of which Mr. Harold R. Watson, of Toronto, is the author, was awarded First Prize in a competition conducted by the Department of Architecture of the University of Toronto. It is understood that Mr. Watson’s design will be adopted by the Government.

The proposed building will be 80 x 312 feet. The site at Du Bonnet Falls was chosen after a careful survey of the Winnipeg River, which at this point has a drop of some sixty feet, and affords an opportunity for a lock connecting the two levels of the river, and making it navigable for large boats. The building is to be constructed of reinforced concrete and steel. It will contain seven units on 41-ft. centres, as shown in the block plan to the left of the illustration. An additional seven units are to be added later, thus making the structure over 600 feet long. The design calls for two reinforced concrete bridges to connect the building with the mainland.

The illustration gives a good idea of the character of the building and of the immense scale of its side bays, each of which is 25 feet wide and 40 feet high, constructed of steel sash. The building will be roofed in red tile.

Mr. Watson received his early education at the Technical School, Toronto, from which he graduated in 1913, entering the Department of Architecture in the University of Toronto with Class ’17. He has had considerable experience, having been on the staff of the Technical School for two seasons. Mr. Watson intends to specialize in architectural design.”
Engineering and Contract Record, August 18, 1915

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