.jpg)
Pump House Heritage Restoration:
Esquimalt BC
Stone & Trowel was honoured to complete the steam cleaning, repointing, and overall masonry restoration of the historic Pump House at the Esquimalt Graving Dock. Constructed in 1925 by the Dominion Government as an integral component of Canada’s second-largest dry dock at the time, this three-story rectangular brick structure was designed by Vancouver architects Max Downing and Swinburne A. Kayll. The Pump House houses the original pumping machinery responsible for watering and dewatering the dock, which opened in 1926 and remains the largest on the Canadian west coast. Its Modern Classical styling—featuring buff brick with ornamental patterning, limestone stringcourses, geometric panels, and a date stone above the entrance—contributes to the cohesive industrial character of the entire Graving Dock complex, a Recognized Federal Heritage Building since 1991.
Challenges:
After nearly a century of continuous operation in a harsh marine environment, the Pump House’s exterior brickwork had accumulated decades of heavy substrate: biological growth, salt deposits, atmospheric soiling, and failed mortar joints. The original pointing had deteriorated significantly, allowing moisture ingress that threatened the structural integrity and the building’s heritage character-defining masonry details.
Our Approach:
Working in close consultation with heritage guidelines, we employed a meticulous, non-abrasive DOFF steam-cleaning system to gently remove the decades of accumulated substrate from the buff brick façades without damaging the original fabric or ornamental brickwork. Once the masonry was fully revealed and dried, we carefully raked out all failing mortar and repointed using traditional Hotlime (hot-mixed lime mortar). This breathable, high-performance mix was formulated on site to match the historic performance characteristics while providing superior durability and compatibility with the existing brick. Selective stabilisation and minor repairs were completed where needed, always preserving the maximum amount of original material.
Results:
The Pump House now stands clean, structurally sound, and true to its 1925 heritage appearance. The restored brickwork once again displays the crisp lines of the original decorative patterning and limestone accents, ensuring the building remains a functional landmark within the active Esquimalt Graving Dock while fully complying with federal heritage conservation standards. This project underscores Stone & Trowel’s expertise in sensitive, high-profile public heritage restorations on Vancouver Island.
This project highlights Stone & Trowel’s expertise in sensitive heritage masonry work on significant public and industrial landmarks throughout Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island.
Ready to discuss your project?
If you own or manage a Heritage-designated property in Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Vancouver BC or anywhere on Vancouver Island, we’d be honoured to help. Contact us to discuss your project and schedule a professional masonry assessment.
Call 250-986-0324 or email stoneandtrowelrestoration@gmail.com. We respond within 24–48 hours.
Request A Consultation
In need of an assessment when it comes to your heritage masonry project? Fill out the contact form below and we'll be in touch as soon as possible.
Contact us for a consultation or explore our heritage restoration services.