Description of Historic Place

The Main Hatchery Building, part of the Miramichi Fish Hatchery, is prominent within a small cluster of buildings set in a landscaped park-like setting amongst fishponds and waterways. It is a one-storey wood structure and its symmetrical façade is highlighted by a gabled portico and dormer windows on the hipped roof ends. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Main Hatchery Building is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value
The Main Hatchery Building is one of the best examples of the early development of aquaculture by the federal government, which began at Miramichi in 1873-74 as a response to depleted fish stocks. The hatchery is associated with the stimulation of the economically important local sports and commercial fishery.

Architectural Value
The Main Hatchery Building is a good example of the Classical Revival style of architecture popular in government buildings in the early 20th century. It presents a well-ordered symmetrical façade, whose classically derived detailing belies the building’s utilitarian function. The structure established the proportions and stylistic theme followed by the more recent buildings.

Environmental Value
The Main Hatchery Building reinforces the aquaculture research character of the hatchery compound setting in a park-like location set against a backdrop of forest. It is a familiar landmark to those working at the Miramichi Fish Hatchery.

Sources: Joan Mattie, Main Hatchery Building, Miramichi Fish Hatchery, R.R # 1, Newcastle, New Brunswick. Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 93-090; The Miramichi Fish Hatchery, Newcastle, New Brunswick. Heritage Character Statement 93-090.

Character-Defining Elements

The following character-defining elements of the Main Hatchery Building should be respected.

Its Classical Revival style and good quality materials and craftsmanship, for example:
- the low massing of the one-storey, wood structure with its symmetrical façade and hipped roof with gabled dormer windows;
- the prominent portico set on columns with panelled pedestals and capitals, the entrance door, panelled in the lower portion and glazed above, surmounted by a rectangular transom;
- the horizontal wood siding of the exterior walls and the black and white exterior trim;
- the regular fenestration;
- the interior layout, which provides a large open space for water tanks.

The manner in which the Main Hatchery Building reinforces the aquaculture research character of the setting and is a familiar landmark, as evidenced by:
- its scale and design and park-like setting which established the character of the other buildings;
- the prominence of the hatchery by nature of its function.