Description of Historic Place

The South Gate Registration, Building 3 is located in Prince Albert National Park of Canada. Tudor rustic in style, the ‘T’-shaped, gable-roofed structure is constructed of horizontal logs over a stone-faced foundation. Distinctive gable-roofed bays featuring half-timbering are situated to each side. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The South Gate Registration, Building 3 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values:

Historical value:
The South Gate Registration, Building 3 is closely associated with the theme of the development of the National Park system in Canada, designed and built at the height of the unemployment relief program. This phase, (1931-1936) coincided with a massive unemployment relief program that provided inexpensive labour and funding for projects in the park during the Depression years. It also represents the development of commercial and recreational activity at Waskesiu.

Architectural value:
The South Gate Registration, Building 3 is valued for its very good aesthetics. The building typifies the rustic architectural theme devised for park facilities at Prince Albert National Park of Canada and throughout the National Parks’ System during the Depression era. The very good functional design of both the exterior and interior exhibits very good craftsmanship. Natural construction materials are used prominently.

Environmental value:
The South Gate Registration, Building 3 maintains an unchanged relationship with its site. The Centre reinforces the natural setting of Prince Albert National Park of Canada, and designed for recreational purposes, it is familiar to wardens, visitors and inhabitants of Prince Albert National Park of Canada.

Sources: Buildings, Prince Albert National Park of Canada, Saskatchewan, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 85-04 to 85-063; The South Gate Registration Building-Building No.3, Prince Albert National Park, Waskesiu, Saskatchewan, Heritage Character Statement 85-063.

Character-Defining Elements

The following character-defining elements of the South Gate Registration, Building 3 should be respected.

Its Tudor rustic design aesthetic, quality craftsmanship and natural materials, for example:
-the ‘T’-shaped massing of the structure;
-the gabled roofs, half timbering and chimneys;
-the peeled log, saddle-notched wall construction, the stone-faced foundation and extensive stone detailing as on the entrance porch;
-the arrangement of window and door openings;
-the finished log interior.

The manner in which the the South Gate Registration, Building 3 maintains an unchanged historical relationship to its site, is compatible with the present national park character, and is familiar to wardens, campers and inhabitants within Prince Albert National Park of Canada as evidenced by:
-the building’s ongoing relationship to the road leading to the park and to surrounding open spaces and plantings;
-its distinctive rustic aesthetic, natural materials, proportions and massing, which harmonize with the natural surroundings of the park and with the other buildings in the townsite;
-its design and prominent location dominating the Park’s southern entrance, which make it well known to park visitors and the community.