When it comes to a community there is one thing which is unique to each one, its history. While there are general similarities, such as almost all communities on the Prairies being born out of the immigration movement west, most emerging in support of farmers.
However, once you dig into the history a bit deeper, you find unique people, businesses and events.
Those are things which a community can build on in multiple ways. We have seen that in Yorkton over the years in events such as the Threshermen's Show and Seniors' Festival, and the now, sadly defunct live history play created by Kathy Morrell. Such events show how history can be of interest as an event impetus locally, and as a tourist attraction.
To the credit of the City of Yorkton, it is now moving forward to bring more of the history of the community to the forefront following a unanimous decision of Council at its regular meeting Monday (see related story this issue).
The decision will see six historic markers installed throughout the downtown area, a project where funding was approved in the 2010 budget.
The six markers will be installed off the sidewalk and into public green spaces or boulevard so as not to interfere with pedestrians.
The idea is a great one, as it promotes physical activity, allowing people to walk through the downtown and gain some insight into Yorkton's past.
The six markers cover a rather broad cross-section of the City's downtown from its earliest days.
One marker will be placed on the north side of Livingstone Street looking north to the Cornerstone Credit Union, comprising photos and text telling the story of the Balmoral Hotel, while another marker will be located on Broadway Street near the corner of Third Avenue telling the story of the beginnings of the liquor empire created by the Bronfman family. The Balmoral and Bronfman's have always had a connection back to the days of liquor running south, and that is the sort of history which can be grown into a tourist attraction. Anyone doubting that only need to look at what the tunnels have done for Moose Jaw.
Other markers will focus on early businesses, the history of fire protection, and the opulent, but long lost, Levi Beck home.
The project has been co-ordinated by Terri Lefebvre, the City's Heritage Researcher, and also the Heritage Sub Committee, is one of those which makes so much sense, it is amazing it has not been done before.
It is also an idea which has huge opportunity for growth and expansion moving forward.
Most of the street names in Yorkton are connected to people who played an important role in the city or province, from Livingstone, to Betts to Haultain. The opportunity to create markers along Broadway detailing the accomplishments of the people behind the street names would expand the idea of combining history with the idea of a healthy walk.
The announced markers are just the tip of a huge iceberg of potential to bring the City's history forward as an asset now in terms of tourism, and beautification, since the markers are designed to be aesthetically pleasing and add to the ongoing revitalization of the city core.
It is to be hoped the idea takes hold and grows as the City moves forward.
