Description of Historic Place

Overlooking Waterton Lake, Kitchen Shelter 1 sits within the public campground and picnic area of the Waterton Lakes townsite. It is a simple, rectangular, one-storey, timber structure in a rustic style enclosed on three sides by log siding. Four vertical timbers on the open front support its gable roof. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

Kitchen Shelter 1 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical value
Kitchen Shelter 1 is strongly associated with the theme of automobile accessible campground development in Canada. Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada was one of the first National Parks to develop a series of specific facilities for park visitors. The construction of these support facilities is associated with Depression relief activity.

Architectural value
Kitchen Shelter 1 is a good example of a simple utilitarian structure in a rustic style and reflects the aesthetics favoured by National Parks during the 1920s and 1930s. Built based on a standardized plan, the use of natural materials and uniform design result in structures sympathetic to the picturesque environment. It exhibits very good craftsmanship and use of materials.

Environmental value
Kitchen Shelter 1, as one of the few permanent structures of the campground, is linked to the other buildings by its standardized design and appearance and also by the uniform colour scheme. Kitchen Shelter 1 reinforces the present character of the site and is familiar to wardens and campers within the park.

Sources: Kitchen Shelters, Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada, Waterton Lakes, Alberta, Heritage Character Statement 90-235; Edward Mills, 16 buildings, Townsite Campground and Playground Area, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Heritage Character Statement 90-235.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of Kitchen Shelter 1 should be respected.

Its rustic style, utilitarian design and craftsmanship for example:
- the simple, low massing of the one-storey structure;
- the moderately pitched gabled roof and the use of log siding for the walls;
- the peeled logs used as freestanding columns;
- the uniform colour scheme with white trim;
- the perimeter subwalls that rise to approximately one foot above ground level;
- the central metal cooking stove with a masonry chimney.

The manner in which Kitchen Shelter 1 is reinforces the campground and picnic area setting within Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada as evidenced by:
- its compatible scale, materials and paint colours in relation to the adjacent buildings.