Key Number:	HS 72428
Site Name:	Parade Square - Currie Barracks
Other Names:
Site Type:	1402 - Military: Barracks

Location

ATS Legal Description:

			Twp	Rge	Mer
			24	1	5

Address:	4225 Crowchild Trail SW
Number:	25
Street:	N/A
Avenue:	N/A
Other:
Town:	Calgary
Near Town:

Media

Type	Number	Date	View	Source

Architectural

Style:
Plan Shape:	Rectangular
Storeys:
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Superstructure:
Superstructure Cover:
Roof Structure:
Roof Cover:
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Exterior:	N/A
Interior:	N/A
Environment:	N/A
Condition:	N/A
Alterations:	N/A

Historical

Construction:	Construction Date:
Usage:	Usage Date:
N/A
Owner:	Owner Date:
N/A

Architect:	N/A
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Craftsman:	N/A
History:	CANADIAN FORCES BASE CALGARY (CURRIE BARRACKS) History: Currie Barracks originated as a Depression relief project under the Public Works Construction Act of 1934. The Act established a $40 million fund for the construction of necessary public projects, and for the employment of out-of-work men. At the time, the Permanent Forces in Calgary suffered inadequate accommodation at Mewata Armouries and at stables rented from the City of Calgary. The Act set aside $1.2 million for the barracks and aerodrome projects; a 1935 supplementary program provided a further $400,000. By 1935 the barracks were ready for occupation by the Regimental Headquarters and "B" Squadron of Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), and by other smaller units. The Strathcona were transferred east after the outbreak of Word War II, and during the war Currie Barracks and were joined by a battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and various service units. Since World War II, Currie Barracks has housed battalions of Lord Strathcona Horse (1946-1958), the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada (1953-1968), the Princes Patricia Canadian Light Infantry (1946-1956, 1968-1997), and a variety of support units. Currie Barracks became headquarters for the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade Group in 1958, and until 1997 remained headquarters of its successor, 1st Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. Currie Barracks was also the seat of Headquarters Calgary Garrison from 1950-1968. With the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces in the late 1960s, the Calgary Garrison became Canadian Forces Base Calgary (CFB), which included both the Currie and Sarcee (Harvey) Barracks. The Base Commander's office was located at Currie Barracks. CFB Calgary currently consists of approximately 85 hectares (155 acres) and includes a variety of buildings and landscape components constructed between 1934 and 1952. ******************* Closure of Canadian Forces Base, Calgary (Currie Barracks) In the spring of 1995, the Federal Government made public its decision to close CFB Calgary by 1997. The identification of buildings that may have sufficient historical significance to warrant their retention, either in part or in whole, in any redevelopment plans for the base began as early as 1991. * * * BUILDINGS OF HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE 1. Parade Square : The Parade Square is a rectangular open paved surface defined by formal gates, a landscaped perimeter with mature trees, a series of barrack blocks and administration buildings with large setbacks, cenotaph, and the bounding roads of Normandly Drive and Breskens Drive. It forms the central ceremonial focus of the entire military complex and is a landmark both visually and symbolically for both military and public. Warrant Officers Sergeants Quarters Athlone Building Bessborough Building Bennett Building Officer’s Mess and Formal Garden Ramshead House and Summer House (Brigade Commander’s Residence) Quarter Master Stores (Stable Building) Brad House (Base Commanding Officer’s Residence) Training Building-Harvey Hall R.C.A.F. Hangar Permanent Married Quarters Supply Depot No. 23 Forage Barn No.24 Motor Transport Garage No. 25. * * * ATTACHMENT A LIST OF THE PORTIONS OF THE FORMER CANADIAN FORCES BASE CALGARY KNOWN AS THE CURRIE BARRACKS SUBJECT TO AN ORDER DESINGNATING A PROVINCIAL HISTORIC RESOURCE. 1. Athlone Building - exterior facades only, 2. Bessborough Building - exterior facades only, 3. Bennett Building - exterior facades only, 4. Barracks Building - exterior massing, appearance and colour only, 5. Barracks Building - exterior massing, appearance and colour only, 6. Barracks Building - exterior massing, appearance and colour only, 7. Quarter Master Stores (Stable Building) - both exterior facades and interior elements of structure, 8. Brad House (Base Commander's Residence) - exterior facades only, 9. Ramshead House (Brigade Commander's Residence) - exterior facades only, 10. Officer's Mess - both exterior facades and interior elements of structure and formal garden, 11. Form of Transimene Crescent between the Brad House, Ramshead House and the Officer's Mess, 12. Form of the Parade Square.

Internal

Designation Status:	Designation Date:
Municipal A List Provincial Historic Resource	1999/06/09

Register:	11-196

Links

Internet:
Alberta Register of Historic Places: