Beatty Street Drill Hall

The Beatty Street Drill Hall was constructed by the federal Department of Public Works in 1899-1901 for the British Columbia Regiment, Duke of Connaught’s Own (D.C.P.), Vancouver's oldest military unit, formed in 1883. It is Vancouver’s earliest drill hall.

The building represents the development of the Active Volunteer Militia during the period preceding the First World War. During the First World War, the structure functioned as both training and recruitment centres.

Notable features of its design are two round towers, a crenellated parapet and rusticated stone trim. Three and one- half foot thick brick walls and the parapet of Gabriola limestone sit on a foundation of massive granite blocks.

The current parking lot across the street from the building was formerly the parade ground for the hall.

Source

Canada's Historic Places and Vancouver Heritage Inventory Summary Report Phase II 1986, Courtney Stickland "The forgotten front": a walking tour of Vancouver during the First World War (2013)

More information

http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=4344&pid=0