Mewata Armoury
801 11th St SW, Calgary, AB, T2P 2C4
Calgary’s contribution to Canada’s military history still stands today.
Category:
Visual Arts Location
What:
| Type | | Historic Building |
Where:
| Neighbourhood | | Calgary |
Profile Last Updated: September 23, 2008
A Piece of History Right Downtown
Built between 1915 and 1918, the Mewata Armoury was originally conceived as barracks for ten local militia units based in Calgary. Unfortunately, when the First World War broke out, the Mewata Armoury was refitted to just one quarter of the regular force. Furthermore, during World War I, Mewata served as an induction and training center for new soldiers and as a demobilization depot for returning soldiers. The Armoury is built in a Goth/Tudor revival style, constructed with red brick along the exterior. Of note, the interior Drill Hall is renowned for its large, continuous span of steel trusses.
O Be Joyful
The name Mewata originates from the Cree word meaning “O Be Joyful.” In 1979, the building was declared a Provincial Historic Resource. In 1991, it was declared a National Historic Site, which became only the fourth site in Calgary to be declared as such by the federal government.
Current Uses
The Mewata Armoury is currently home to, primarily, The King’s Own Calgary Regiment and The Calgary Highlanders. It is also used as a venue for the Regimental Pipes and Drums of the Calgary Highlanders, the Militia Training Detachment Calgary, and various cadet units. In addition to military uses, the Mewata Armoury has also been used by the Calgary Police Department and the Calgary Fire Department for training purposes; additionally, marching bands are sometimes kept in the drill hall during parades.
Built between 1915 and 1918, the Mewata Armoury was originally conceived as barracks for ten local militia units based in Calgary. Unfortunately, when the First World War broke out, the Mewata Armoury was refitted to just one quarter of the regular force. Furthermore, during World War I, Mewata served as an induction and training center for new soldiers and as a demobilization depot for returning soldiers. The Armoury is built in a Goth/Tudor revival style, constructed with red brick along the exterior. Of note, the interior Drill Hall is renowned for its large, continuous span of steel trusses.
O Be Joyful
The name Mewata originates from the Cree word meaning “O Be Joyful.” In 1979, the building was declared a Provincial Historic Resource. In 1991, it was declared a National Historic Site, which became only the fourth site in Calgary to be declared as such by the federal government.
Current Uses
The Mewata Armoury is currently home to, primarily, The King’s Own Calgary Regiment and The Calgary Highlanders. It is also used as a venue for the Regimental Pipes and Drums of the Calgary Highlanders, the Militia Training Detachment Calgary, and various cadet units. In addition to military uses, the Mewata Armoury has also been used by the Calgary Police Department and the Calgary Fire Department for training purposes; additionally, marching bands are sometimes kept in the drill hall during parades.
