Description of Historic Place

Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) Building 36, also known as the Former Stables and Hayloft, is located on an attractive landscape at the north end of the RMC campus in Kingston. This red brick building was built as an addition to the earlier Riding Instruction School and is distinguished by its high, dormered gable-roof with a major cross-gable set toward the north end. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

RMC Building 36 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value
RMC Building 36 is closely associated with the program of equestrian training for the officer corps. The building is also associated with the RMC’s equestrian demonstrations for the public, including a version of the ‘Musical Ride’. The building and its grounds are a significant component of the RMC’s local relationships alongside its national importance.

Architectural Value
RMC Building 36 is of good visual quality. The simple plan of the building, designed as an addition, complements the adjoining RMC Building 3, the former Riding Instruction School. Also of very good functional design, the building’s high, dormered, gable roof with a major cross-gable at its north end, is perpendicular to the axis of the adjoining building and provides for a high attic and large ground level openings. Good craftsmanship is evidenced in the masonry work.

Environmental Value
RMC Building 36 is compatible with the character of its campus setting at Royal Military College. The building is familiar in the area.

Sources: Joan Mattie, former Riding School, Buildings #3, #5, and #36, Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report 93-099; Building 36, former Stables and Hayloft, Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement, 93-099.

Character-Defining Elements

The following character-defining elements of RMC Building 36 should be respected.

Its good aesthetic, very good functional design, good craftsmanship and materials, for example:
- the building’s connection to, and complementing of, the form and character of RMC Building 3, the former Riding Instruction School;
- the combination of gable-roofed skyline, brick-arched openings and stone base typical to the buildings of the immediate complex and other structures nearby;
- the wooden details of windows and roof eaves.

The manner in which RMC Building 36 is compatible with the campus setting of Royal Military College and is a familiar landmark, as evidenced by:
- its design and materials, which complement the cohesive complex of structures set in an attractive landscape at the north end of the RMC campus;
- its pivotal location in an attractive, visible and historically functional setting.