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In the course of our daily reporting, we often uncover unusual projects, places, or connections that don't make the final cut. Instead of keeping it to ourselves, we're pleased to share our Architrivia.
Like its dominant orange-coloured cousin in Calgary, the Beatty Street Drill Hall is a product of the federal push to build regimental headquarters for local militia in large urban centres across the country, coinciding with the development of the Active Volunteer Militia before the onset of the First World War. Functioning as a training and recruitment centre, the Canadian Forces Armoury at 620 Beatty Street is the current home of The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own), the oldest military unit in Vancouver.
The Duke of Cornwall, later King George V, was in attendance when the building entered service on September 30, 1901. Designed by architect T.W. Fuller, the fortress-like structure sports two turrets crowned by battlements, with two tanks and a 64-pounder gun on the ground, making the building's function unambiguous. A rusticated stone trim and a limestone parapet add further texture and detail to the bright white facade.
The federally recognized heritage building is also home to the Regimental Museum of the BC Regiment, which displays a number of military artifacts, including uniforms, weapons, medals, photographs and Nazi regalia. Besides museum visitors snaking through the century-old halls of the facility, the Beatty Street Drill Hall has reportedly been a hotbed of paranormal activity. The basement has been identified as a particularly strong source of unexplained happenings — staff have recorded hearing footsteps, voices, and items falling from the walls.
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