The fortress-like Prince of Wales Armouries located just north of the downtown core is among Alberta's most important military buildings. Erected in 1915 and exalted as one of the province's most significant early armoury buildings, the landmark, originally constructed as the Edmonton Drill Hall, engendered a rich history as a military training site for the Department of National Defence before its transference to the City of Edmonton in 1982.

Prince of Wales Armouries, image by Flickr user Kurt Bauschardt via Creative Commons

The 51st Battalion and the 233rd French-Canadian Battalion were stationed at the Drill Hall during the First World War. In 1921, shortly following the end of the war, the institution's name was changed to the Prince of Wales Armouries. It then served as the home of the 101st Edmonton Fusiliers, the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, the 49th Regiment, the International Order of Old Bastards, and the Garrison Officers Club.

Prince of Wales Armouries, image retrieved from Google Street View

The two-storey brick and sandstone structure bears a design reminiscent of a medieval castle, with its crenelated corner towers giving the building a fortress-like appearance. Under the City, the building became host to organizations and community groups like the Cadets and the Edmonton Food Bank. 

A building within a building, image via City of Edmonton

Today, the Prince of Wales Armouries is now a dedicated heritage centre housing the City of Edmonton Archives — a standalone building inside the original structure — and a number of other cultural institutions, including the Edmonton Arts Council and the Edmonton Heritage Council. Its regal banquet rooms are also available for rent, making the complex a popular spot for wedding receptions. 

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