Prior to World War I, the Canadian Red Cross Society's work was undertaken only overseas.

[4] Due to a lack of training combined with unmet needs, nurses would often operate beyond their scope of practise, in areas such as obstetrics and public health programs.

[2] The Canadian Red Cross program of building nursing outposts bolstered colonisation efforts and also demonstrated to government the need for healthcare in remote locations, advancing the creation of the social welfare state in Canada.

[2] The two-storey building was constructed in the normal local style for private residences with timber framed walls, a truncated hipped roof, and open porch on the front above the main entrance door.

[2] It is situated on a quarter-acre plot between two private residences, slightly set back from Burleigh Road/Ontario Highway 648 with Dark Lake to the rear.