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Online Heritage Inventory

McKay and Sons Dairy Barn

General Information
Thumbnail photograph of McKay and Sons Dairy Barn
Click to see full image
Type of Resource: Building
Common Name: McKay and Sons Dairy Barn
Address: 5031 No 7 Road
Neighbourhood (Planning Area Name): East Richmond
Construction Date: 1915
Current Owner: Private
Designated: No

Statement of Significance
Description of Site
This McKay dairy barn is part of a complex consisting of connected gambrel and gable structures which run parallel to the road. It is located in an area with a very rural character. Surrounding the barn are grass fields, other agricultural enterprises such as plant nurseries, and residential houses on large lots. The ditch system is visually prominent in this area.

 Statement of Values
The McKay dairy barn is part of a rambling series of connected buildings indicating the growth of the business over time. The gambrel roofed structure, the prominence of the dyke and drainage system, and the agricultural field patterns give a particular character to this part of East Richmond. The McKay barn is associated with dairy farming when it was growing to become very important in the area, and Richmond was known for being in the forefront of technical advances in the dairy industry. The barn and its connected structures, its agricultural setting, and its continued us as a dairy barn are symbolic of a way of life, and of the importance of Richmond’s agricultural heritage.

 Character Defining Elements
Key elements that define the heritage character of the site include:
· The defining features of a gambrel barn as illustrated by a steep dual pitched gambrel roof, exposed rafter ends, sliding entry door with two loft doors above, monitor vent and shed dormers
· The associated gable barn structures, connected in a linear pattern, and sited parallel to and close to the road
· The continuity of use as a dairy barn
· The prominence of the necessary and effective dyke and ditch system.

 History
This McKay dairy barn is part of a complex consisting of connected gambrel and gable structures which run parallel to the road. It is located in an area with a very rural character. Surrounding the barn are grass fields, other agricultural enterprises such as plant nurseries, and residential houses on large lots. The ditch system is visually prominent in this area.

 Architectural Significance
Architectural Style
Gambrel Barn

 Building Type
Agricultural

 Design Features
This McKay dairy barn is a gambrel roof, dual pitched barn of heavy timber construction. The roof cover is sheet metal, but the original may have been long barn shakes. There is a shed dormer in the roof and monitor vents on the top. It has a concrete foundation, is rectangular in plan, and clad in drop-siding. The barn has hayloft doors and multi-paned, wooden sash windows, both with simple wood trim.

 Construction Method
Heavy timber construction.

 Landscape Significance
Landscape Element
Dyke System, Rural Settlement Patterns. The most significant landscape elements associated with the McKay and Sons Dairy Barn, and other farms in East Richmond, is the complex and effective dyke and ditching system. As well the pattern of agricultural development in the area is a significant cultural landscape feature.

 Integrity
Alterations
A concrete block addition was constructed to the east of the existing barn in 1962, and a metal clad structure was added to the south; the date of the latter addition is not documented.

 Original Location
Yes

 Condition
The condition of the barn is very good.

 Lost
No

 Documentation
Evaluated By
Denise Cook BLA, PBD (Public History)

 Date
Sunday, September 24, 2000

 Documentation
Inventory Sheets by Foundation Group Designs, January 1990
“Heritage Inventory Phase II” by Foundation Group Designs May 1989
“Richmond, Child of the Fraser” by Leslie J. Ross 1979

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