Rossland is an historic gold mining town perched high in the Monashee Mountains above the Columbia River in BC’s southern interior. The drill hall opened in 1904, as part of the national movement to train militia following the Boer War (1899-1902). It was built as a training facility for the local contingent of the Rocky Mountain Rangers militia, and its presence strengthened Canadian government visibility in the region as American miners and investors flocked to the mines.
Rossland’s drill hall is unique because it’s made of local granite and brick — it was built shortly after a fierce miners’ strike and was intended to serve as a fortress if needed. Other regional halls were made of wood, and Rossland’s is the only one left in near original condition. It has maple leaf embossed copper shingles, and some of the original eucalyptus flooring has been preserved. As a military facility, the first generations trained here to protect their city and country. As a recreation facility, the next generations trained to win sports championships – from basketball intra-murals to Olympic medals. As a school, the next generations trained their minds to meet new challenges. Now, as an arts centre, future generations will train as artists and innovators, and build a better world.
