801 11 Street South West
For this month’s edition of #InstagrammingHistory, we’re going to take a look at the Mewata Armoury. The armoury uses the name Mewata, which is a Cree word loosely meaning joy, which does not necessarily align with the aims of an armoury, but this will make more sense later on. Located on the furthermost west side of downtown, the Mewata Armoury has been a staple in the downtown skyline since 1917, and is both a Provincial Historic Resource, as well as a National Historic Site.
The Mewata Armoury was built by the Federal Department of Public works on land that was donated by the City of Calgary, which, at the time, a park known as Mewata Park (hence the aforementioned joy; I told you it would make more sense later – a joyful park is much more comprehensible than a joyful armoury). The project cost just over $280,000, which, during the development era of World War One, was a hefty sum of money. The construction of the armoury came during a time of increased attention on combat readiness, organization, and training. This aligned with the Federal Government’s initiative to build militia practice and training recruitment facilities, largely due to the outbreak of World War One, which changed the way governments viewed war, combat, and national security aims. Unfortunately, however, the Mewata Armoury was completed too late to be of any true practical value during the First World War.
Once World War One had concluded, the Mewata Armoury became the headquarters for all Calgary Militia Units, who inhabited the space from 1918 to 1939. Unfortunately, the Mewata Armoury was given a chance to be of service in a major war when World War Two began in September of 1939. When the war broke out, the armoury began to be used as a substantial training facility for those heading off to war. Since 1945, following the end of World War Two, the Mewata Armoury has been housing Militia and Cadet organizations, while providing facilities for local civil organizations. It is the only major Alberta armoury still in use.
So, in contrast to its ‘joyful’ name, the Mewata Armoury was constructed with specific federal aims. Designed by Thomas W. Fuller, the armoury is considered an extreme example of the Tudor-Gothic architectural style, crafted to look like a castle, symbolizing solidity and impregnability, much like a fortress. The medieval castellated structure was constructed of red brick and sandstone, the building has remained largely unaltered, with the exception of a second story added to the west side following the original construction. Inside, there is a large drill hall with a large uninterrupted span of steel trusses. It has maintained an unchanged relationship to the site, and has become a landmark within the neighbourhood.
So, what’s happening with the space today? The Mewata Armoury now houses many local militia units, including The Calgary Highlanders and The King’s Own Calgary Regiment and several others. Additionally, the armoury now provides the backdrop to Shaw Millennium Park, a local skatepark whose large greenspace contains a stage and amphitheatre used for concerts and festivals in the warmer summer months. Whether you’re out for a stroll by the river, or wanting to go gain historical insight into this Calgarian landmark, it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s also a great way to remember our Canadian history, and reflect on our thankfulness for the work and sacrifice of our Canadian military personnel.
Information Courtesy of the City of Calgary Inventory of Historic Resources.
