Description
The Bank of Nova Scotia is a two-and-a-half storey wooden building located in Burin, NL. Constructed between 1890 and 1910, the building served a dual function as both a residence and commercial premises. The designation covers the building and land.
Statement of Significance
Formal Recognition Type
Registered Heritage Structure
Heritage Value
The Bank of Nova Scotia was designated a Registered Heritage Structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2001 because of its historic and aesthetic value. The Bank of Nova Scotia has historic value because of its extended use as a commercial institution and its association with the early days of banking in rural Newfoundland. Following the bank crisis of 1894, the Bank of Nova Scotia sent representatives to Newfoundland to oversee the bank’s investments and offer assistance to the country’s native banks. It was the first Canadian bank to open branches in Newfoundland and by October 1910 it had opened branches in several rural areas of the island, including Burin. The building which housed the bank in Burin was leased from the company of James E. Burgess and Sons and after 1913 from Hollett and Sons, who had purchased the holdings of the former company. In 1919 the property was purchased by the Bank of Nova Scotia. Banking facilities were located on the first floor while a living space was provided in the upper storeys for the bank manager. The building served as a bank and residence until 1991. The Bank of Nova Scotia has aesthetic value as an example of an early 20th century commercial building in an outport setting. The first floor served as a bank and the upper floors were living space. While the exterior design elements are muted – resulting in a refined, respectable façade – the building’s mass speaks to its use as a combined commercial and residential space. The Bank of Nova Scotia also has aesthetic value due to its environmental setting, landmark value and proximity to the community’s historic and cultural resources. Located along a main thoroughfare and overlooking the harbour, it is a well-known landmark to residents of the community and the greater region. Source: Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador property file “Burin – Bank of Nova Scotia – FPT 1696”
Character Defining Elements
All those exterior features which speak to the date of construction, including: -mid pitch roof; -return on eaves; -chimney style and placement; -single central dormer on rear roof; -dormer window size, trim and placement; -number of storeys; -wooden corner boards; -wooden shingle cladding; -window size, trim and placement; -size, style, trim and placement of exterior doors; -sidelights and transom windows around main door; -portico on front façade, and; -dimension, location and orientation of building.
Location and History
Community
Burin
Municipality
Town of Burin
Civic Address
035 Seaview Drive
Construction (circa)
19700101 - 19700101
Style
Rectangular Long Façade
Location
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