Rossland Drill Hall
2282.0001: Drill Hall in Rossland, BC, circa 1910
Historical Name: Drill Hall
Common Name: Armories, Annex
Physical Address: 2095 Monte Christo Street
Date of Construction: 1904
Architect: David Ewart, Chief Dominion Architect for Ministry of Defense
2283.0001: Dance at The Armoury in Rossland, Rossland, B.C. c.1909
Built in large part in response to the Boer War, the Rossland Drill Hall became the largest indoor recreation building in Rossland for the first half of the 20th century due to its large training area on the upper floor, while also offering a well fortified space beneath for storing weapons.
The building is a strong reminder of the region’s connection to the British Empire and the Canadian Military, being home to different groups including the Rocky Mountain Rangers. However, the building has also served other purposes, notably functioning twice as a school after fires destroyed the Central School in 1912 and the MacLean School in 1981, as well as the Rossland Legion Branch from 1919-1945.
Architecturally, the Drill Hall is also noteworthy, boasting a locally-quarried granite base and a floor made of eucalyptus wood - a rarity for BC buildings at the time. The building still has the original copper roof tiles, which each have an embossed maple leaf. The building has and continues to be an important community space, due to its facilities and history of use, although it is currently not publicly accessible.
For More Information:
Rossland Heritage Commission Official Heritage Register - Buildings:
Historic Places Canada: Drill Hall
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