The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada celebrated their return to their Armoury on 24 September 2016 after being away for four years while it was undergoing renovations. The renovated Seaforth Armoury is part of Vancouver Garrison which also includes the newly constructed Major General Betram Hoffmeister Building. The Hoffmeister Building will be home to 39 Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters, 39 Signals Regiment, 12 Field Ambulance, a platoon of 6 Intelligence Company, and a number of other elements.
Vancouver, BC
Photo: Bombardier Albert Law, 39 CBG Public Affairs
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On a crisp morning in September 2012, the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada undertook a historic move from their iconic headquarters at the base of the Burrard Street Bridge. For the first time in over 75 years, the Seaforth Armoury, a central and vital structure for Vancouver’s military operations, was emptied of its soldiers and treasures. The move was prompted by much-needed seismic upgrades and renovations, ensuring that the future of the Seaforth Highlanders is secure, safe, and modernized.
The Seaforth Highlanders: A Legacy of Tradition and Service
The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada have a rich history, with deep roots in Vancouver and the broader Canadian military fabric. Since its establishment, the regiment has played a pivotal role in both peace and wartime efforts, providing dedicated service and leadership to Canada’s military operations. Its headquarters at the Seaforth Armoury, built in 1936, has served not only as a training ground but also as a symbol of military presence and resilience in Vancouver.
For the current generation of Seaforth Highlanders, the Seaforth Armoury represented much more than just a physical space—it was a home. It was a place where soldiers trained, bonded, and carried out their duties as reserve forces for the Canadian Army. Additionally, it was a hub for preserving the regiment’s history, housing over 8,000 artifacts and 10,000 historical images that span the regiment’s illustrious past. As such, the relocation to Jericho Garrison represents both a logistical necessity and a poignant transition into the future.
The Importance of the Seaforth Armoury in Vancouver’s Military Landscape
Located at the base of the Burrard Street Bridge, the Seaforth Armoury has long held a strategic position in Vancouver’s military infrastructure. Its central location provided a unique advantage, particularly in the event of a natural disaster. The armoury’s proximity to key transportation routes and its accessibility to various parts of the city made it an ideal location for responding quickly to emergencies, including potential bridge collapses or widespread damage caused by earthquakes.
The Seaforth Armoury’s importance as a critical emergency response area was underscored by Lt. Col. Scott Raesler, who highlighted the strategic value of the building. With the potential for natural disasters in mind, the armoury served as a critical asset not only for the Seaforth Highlanders but also for the City of Vancouver and the Provincial Emergency Program, which rely on these strategic military locations in times of crisis.
Renovation and Seismic Upgrades: A Vision for the Future
The renovations and seismic upgrades to the Seaforth Armoury were essential for modernizing the facility and ensuring its long-term viability. With a building of this historical significance, it was vital to balance the preservation of the armoury’s heritage with the need to meet contemporary standards of safety and functionality.
The upgrades were designed to make the armoury a safe and functional space for modern soldiering, ensuring that the Seaforth Highlanders could continue to operate effectively in the 21st century. This would involve improving the structural integrity of the building, updating safety features, and incorporating state-of-the-art facilities for training, storage, and emergency preparedness.
Furthermore, the renovation project would provide a chance to better accommodate both the soldiers who rely on the armoury for their training and the citizens who visit to engage with the Seaforth Highlanders’ rich history. The new facilities would ensure that the next generation of soldiers and Vancouver residents can continue to interact with the storied past of the Seaforth Highlanders while benefiting from the modern enhancements to the facility.
A Historic Move: The March to Jericho Garrison
While the decision to vacate the Seaforth Armoury was inevitable, it was far from easy. The move was a significant event in the lives of the Seaforth Highlanders, marking the first time since 1936 that the armoury was completely empty. The relocation involved meticulous planning and a great deal of coordination, ensuring that all of the regiment’s equipment, historic collections, and personnel were safely transported to the new temporary home at Jericho Garrison.
Jericho Garrison, located in Vancouver’s West Point Grey area, became the temporary base of operations for the Seaforth Highlanders. It was here that the soldiers would continue their training and activities while awaiting the completion of the Seaforth Armoury’s renovation and seismic upgrades. Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, the move to Jericho Garrison provided an opportunity for the regiment to forge new bonds and adapt to different training facilities.
The Legacy Continues: A Bright Future for the Seaforth Highlanders
As the Seaforth Highlanders embark on this new chapter, the relocation to Jericho Garrison signifies more than just a temporary shift. It represents the resilience and adaptability of the regiment, which has weathered the challenges of war, peace, and time itself. The ongoing renovation of the Seaforth Armoury, combined with the regiment’s move to Jericho Garrison, ensures that the Seaforth Highlanders will continue to thrive in the future.
While the Seaforth Armoury undergoes its transformation, the Seaforth Highlanders remain dedicated to their mission, service, and heritage. The transition to Jericho Garrison is a testament to their ability to adapt to changing circumstances while preserving the core values that have defined the regiment for over 75 years. As the building undergoes its upgrades, the Seaforth Highlanders will continue to honor their past, even as they embrace the future of soldiering in Vancouver.
Conclusion:
The historic move from the Seaforth Armoury to Jericho Garrison marks a pivotal moment in Vancouver’s military history. It is a story of adaptation, modernization, and resilience—one that ensures the Seaforth Highlanders will continue to serve their community, province, and country with pride and honor for many years to come. The renovations to the Seaforth Armoury, while essential for maintaining its relevance and safety, also serve as a reminder of the deep ties between the Seaforth Highlanders and the city of Vancouver. Through these changes, the legacy of the Seaforth Highlanders will endure, prepared for the future while respecting its storied past.