St. Catharines Armoury Explained

The St. Catharines Armoury is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. The building is currently used by the Canadian Armed Forces as a drill hall.[1] It was built in 1905 to replace a previous drill-shed that was destroyed by an 1898 tornado. It served as the headquarters for the 10th Battery of the 56th Field Regiment. Before being paved over for use as a parking lot, grass outside the building was used for military drills.[2] The interior of the building has been used for local gatherings and events, such as a 1907 exhibition by the St. Catharines Horticultural Society.[3]

Lodger Units

In the Canadian Forces, an armoury is a place where a reserve unit trains, meets, and parades. The Armoury is currently home to:

Band

The Lincoln and Welland Regiment Association Band used the armoury as a rehearsal venue for more than a century. They peformed in local events and festivals. In 2024, they were ordered to leave as the military had a new prohibition regarding bands performing in public. The band renamed itself to remove its association with the regiment.[4] The band is composed of civilian volunteer musicians and does not receive government funding.[5]

See also

External links

43.163°N -79.251°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Parks Canada Directory of Federal Heritage Designations . pc.gc.ca . The Government of Canada . 16 July 2022.
  2. Web site: History from Here: The Lake Street Armoury . St. Catharines Museum . 16 July 2022.
  3. Web site: Gannon . Dennis . YESTERDAY AND TODAY: The armoury - a place to gather . . 16 July 2022.
  4. Web site: Lincoln and Welland Regiment Association Band ordered to cease operations, vacate Lake St. Armoury . Thorold Today . 21 August 2024.
  5. Web site: Walter . Karena . Lincs and Winks band free to practise at arena leading up to liberation of Bergen op Zoom anniversary . St. Catharines Standard . 21 August 2024.