YORK FACTORY NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA ...

Depot facing the Hayes River. The courtyard is
visible. The Library is in the foreground.
(Parks Canada)
Its function as a warehouse, its
design and construction adapted
to a harsh climate and the
permafrost, and its sheer size
and presence on the northern
landscape, are characteristic of
what makes York Factory
significant. The Depot is a
Classified Federal Heritage
Building. It is in good condition
and, for the foreseeable future,
should require no more than
ongoing monitoring and
maintenance (e.g., painting,
shingling) although this is a
considerable investment given
its size and remote location.
Work was done on the foundation in the 1990s, including replacement of rotten sills
and the original main floor, and insulating the ground to stabilize the permafrost.
The Library behind the Depot dates from 1918 and its value rests with it being the
only other standing building left on site. It is not associated with York Factory’s
period of importance in the fur trade. The Library is in poor condition. Its structural
integrity is at risk because of ice heaving that is
pushing and twisting the building off its foundation.
The ruin of the Powder Magazine, which was built of
brick, stone and mortar on a wooden foundation, is
located by the cemetery at Sloop Creek. It was built
in 1838. The ruin is in poor condition and is subject to
continued collapse from freeze/thaw break-up of the
mortar and stone.
The Library off its
foundation. (K. Skaftfeld)
The deteriorating masonry of the Powder Magazine. (B. Lucki)
York Factory NHSC Management Plan Page 10