Other Name(s)
n/a
Links and documents
Construction Date(s)
Listed on the Canadian Register:
2011/02/18
Statement of Significance
Description of Historic Place
Searchlight Emplacement #15 was constructed in 1940, one of four searchlight emplacements (#14, 15, 16 and 17) built during World War Two to replace obsolete or damaged World War One emplacements. It was designed by the Royal Canadian Corps of Engineers. The structure has remained unused since Fort McNab was closed in 1960. It is now part of Fort McNab National Historic Site. The custodian is Parks Canada.
Heritage Value
Searchlight Emplacement #15 has been designated “Recognized” because of its historical, architectural and environmental significance.
Historical Significance
Searchlight Emplacement #15 is directly associated with the defence of Canada during World War Two and the postwar period. Searchlights were essential components of coastal defence fortifications, enabling night operation of the principal guns and examination service by illuminating the fields of fire. Searchlight emplacements protected and camouflaged the light. Searchlight Emplacement #15 was controlled from the Battery Command Post at Fort McNab during World War Two. It was reactivated during the early 1950s in response to the Cold War threat.
Architectural Significance
Searchlight Emplacement #15 is a one-storey, box-like concrete structure with a semi-circular seaward front, sitting on a raised concrete base. Some interior fittings (rails, brackets and wooden components) remain in place.
Environmental Significance
Searchlight Emplacement #15 is comparable in materials and scale with other concrete military structures at Fort McNab. It is situated outside the trace of the fort and close to the shoreline, and is visible from Halifax Harbour.
Character-Defining Elements
The heritage character of Searchlight Emplacement #15 resides in the following character-defining elements:
- Its one-storey, box-like, concrete construction, and the extant interior fittings, including rails, brackets and wooden components.
- Its shoreline location and visibility from Halifax Harbour.
All maintenance and repair work, as well as future interventions, should respect these character-defining elements.
Recognition
Jurisdiction
Federal
Recognition Authority
Government of Canada
Recognition Statute
Treasury Board Heritage Buildings Policy
Recognition Type
Recognized Federal Heritage Building
Recognition Date
1997/09/18
Historical Information
Significant Date(s)
n/a
Theme - Category and Type
Function - Category and Type
Current
Historic
- Defence
- Military Defence Installation
Architect / Designer
n/a
Builder
n/a
Additional Information
Location of Supporting Documentation
Indigenous Affairs and Cultural Heritage Directorate Documentation Centre 3rd Floor, room 366 30 Victoria Street Gatineau, Québec J8X 0B3
Cross-Reference to Collection
Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier
8184
Status
Published
Related Places
n/a