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Saskatchewan Crossing Warden’s Residence No. 1

Parc national du Canada Banff / Banff National Park of Canada, Alberta, Canada

Formally Recognized: 1993/11/18

View of the Warden's Residence, showing the enclosed sun porch projecting on the front, 1992.; Parc national du Canada Banff / Banff National Park of Canada, 1992.
Front elevation
View of the Warden's Residence, showing the wood siding is finished in red-brown paint with light trim, 1992.; Parc national du Canada Banff / Banff National Park of Canada, 1992.
Rear elevation
View of the Warden's Residence, showing the simple one-storey structure with a medium pitch truncated hipped roof, 1992.; Parc national du Canada Banff / Banff National Park of Canada, 1992.
South elevation

Other Name(s)

Saskatchewan Crossing Warden’s Residence No. 1
Wardens Residence No.1
Résidence des gardes du parc, no 1

Links and documents

Construction Date(s)

1939/01/01 to 1940/01/01

Listed on the Canadian Register: 2008/10/08

Statement of Significance

Description of Historic Place

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.

Heritage Value

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.

Character-Defining Elements

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.

Recognition

Jurisdiction

Federal

Recognition Authority

Government of Canada

Recognition Statute

Treasury Board Heritage Buildings Policy

Recognition Type

Recognized Federal Heritage Building

Recognition Date

1993/11/18

Historical Information

Significant Date(s)

n/a

Theme - Category and Type

Function - Category and Type

Current

Historic

Residence
Single Dwelling

Architect / Designer

James T. Childe

Builder

n/a

Additional Information

Location of Supporting Documentation

National Historic Sites Directorate, Documentation Centre, 5th Floor, Room 89, 25 Eddy Street, Gatineau, Quebec

Cross-Reference to Collection

Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier

3540

Status

Published

Related Places

n/a

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