Minto Armouries is a prominent and historic structure in the west end of Winnipeg, Manitoba. The armouries are currently the home base of The Royal Winnipeg Rifles, The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, 38 Signal Regiment, 38 Service Battalion, 17 Medical Company, 13 Military Police platoon and a Battle School as well as several cadet units. The building remains an active military structure.
Construction started: 1914
Opened: 1915
Architect: David Ewart
Province: Manitoba
Architectural style: Tudor Revival architecture
A fire destroyed the original wooden roof structure on January 22, 1956. Most of the regimental trophies and records, musical instruments, kilts, and rifles were rescued from the fire as responders got to the scene. The roof was then replaced over about two years with its current steel truss structure that is in use today. The building was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1991.
The fire was believed to have started in the Sergeants’ Mess. The fire caused $600,000 in damage and spawned a number of investigations. On March 16, 1956, it was announced the cost to restore Minto Armouries was $470,000, considered within reason by the Defence Department. Work began soon after and the building reopened gradually.
(Left) 1956 Minto fire (Right) After rebuild – present day