Description of Historic Place

The Poultry Shed at the Bar U Ranch complex is a very small and simple structure, which is low to the ground and has a recessed opening at one end. Its exterior walls are sheathed with shiplap and its gabled roof is clad with cedar shingles. Continuing a tradition across the Prairies and matching other buildings on site the Poultry Shed's walls are barn red with white trim. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Poultry Shed is a Classified Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value
The Bar U Ranch complex is one of the best examples of the development of the ranching industry in Alberta and its importance in the development of Canada. The Poultry Shed as part of a cohesive complex of buildings reflects this development as a structure believed to have been associated with poultry raising. The Poultry Shed is also associated with Patrick Burns, who purchased the Bar U Ranch in 1927 to add to his vast cattle empire. Burns, who is recognized as the kingpin of the meat processing industry in western Canada during the mid 1920's, has been designated a person of national significance.

Architectural Value
The Poultry Shed is a very good example of a simple utilitarian design. It is characterized by its simplicity in construction and the use of utilitarian materials and fasteners.

Environmental Value
The Poultry Shed reinforces the cohesive complex of the Bar U Ranch. The structure which maintains a physical and functional relationship with the Poultry Building, sits within the management and residential area of the ranch.. The building's colour scheme continues a tradition across the Prairies and follows other buildings on the ranch.

Sources:
Edward Mills, Historic Bar U Ranch Headquarters, Longview, Alberta, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Building Report 92-017.

The Poultry Shed (Building 21a), Bar U Ranch, Longview, Alberta. Heritage Character Statement 92-017.

Character-Defining Elements

The following character defining elements of the Poultry Shed should be respected:

Its very good simple construction, utilitarian design and materials as manifested in:

-Its small, simple structure.
-Its shiplap sheathing.
-Its gabled roof clad with cedar shingles.
-Its recessed opening at one end.
-Its colour scheme.

The manner in which the Poultry Shed as part of a cohesive complex of buildings, reinforces the visual character of the Bar U Ranch.