St. Catharines Armoury

The St. Catharines Armoury is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. The building is currently used by the Canadian Armed Forces as a drill hall.^[1] It was built in 1905 to replace a previous drill-shed that was destroyed by an 1898 tornado. It served as the headquarters for the 10th Battery of the 56th Field Regiment. Before being paved over for use as a parking lot, grass outside the building was used for military drills.^[2] The interior of the building has been used for local gatherings and events, such as a 1907 exhibition by the St. Catharines Horticultural Society.^[3]

In the Canadian Forces, an armoury is a place where a reserve unit trains, meets, and parades. The Armoury is currently home to:

• A Company, Lincoln and Welland Regiment
• 10th Battery, 56th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA

The Lincoln and Welland Regiment Association Band used the armoury as a rehearsal venue for more than a century. They peformed in local events and festivals. In 2024, they were ordered to leave as the military had a new prohibition regarding bands performing in public. The band renamed itself to remove its association with the regiment.^[4] The band is composed of civilian volunteer musicians and does not receive government funding.^[5]

• Downtown St. Catharines
• List of Canadian tornadoes and tornado outbreaks
• List of armouries in Canada
• Military history of Canada

• History from Here: The Lake Street Armoury at 81 Lake Street

43°09′47″N 79°15′04″W / 43.163°N 79.251°W / 43.163; -79.251