Description of Historic Place

The Heating Plant is located within the walled Tete de Pont barracks in Fort Frontenac which lies at the eastern edge of the City of Kingston. The rectangular stone structure has a low-hipped roof and windows arranged symmetrically around a central doorway. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Heating Plant is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value:
The Heating Plant is one of the best examples of a structure associated with the defence of Upper Canada against the threat of invasion by the Americans. The construction of the storeshouse illustrates the fort’s important role as a centre for Britain’s defence of the colony.

Architectural Value:
The Heating Plant demonstrates good aesthetic qualities as used in military architecture of the 1820s. Its simple, well-balanced design, robust use of materials, and spare utility are typical of British military construction of the period. Adapted to changing requirements, its functional and utilitarian design also exhibit good quality craftsmanship and materials.

Environmental Value:
The Heating Plant reinforces the present military character of the barracks within Fort Frontenac and is a familiar landmark to residents and visitors.

Sources:
Jacqueline Adell, Fort Frontenac (8 buildings), Kingston, Ontario.
Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 89-040.

The Heating Plant (Former Commissariat Storehouse), Fort Frontenac, Kingston, Ontario. Heritage Character Statement 89-040.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the the Heating Plant should be respected, for example:

Its good aesthetic design and good quality materials and craftsmanship as evidenced in:

- The simple form and proportions of the rectangular, two-storey structure with a low-hipped roof.
- The masonry construction using rough-hewn limestone blocks laid in irregular courses with simple details such as projecting windowsills, dressed stone quoins, and flat arches above the windows and doors.
- The six-over-six windows and the multi-pane transom over the door

The manner in which the Heating Plant reinforces the present character of the military setting and is a familiar landmark within the base, as evidenced by:

- The height and domestic scale of the building that maintain a visual and physical relationship between the adjacent buildings within the barracks.
- Its familiarity to staff and visitors within the barracks.