Break-in at land registry building has historical society concerned

The Battlefords North West Historical Society has issued a news release stating someone broke into the land registry building over the night of July 13.

There was no damage, but the group is concerned it could be targeted for vandalism, given recent events.

“The ‘white house’ up at Government Ridge was burned to the ground on June 29, 2015. The building had been reported broken into on approximately June 21, 2015 and then a few days later, a fire was started and this building was entirely destroyed,” states the release.

The recent break-in at the land registry building saw the culprits remove the metal grate over the back window and enter the building. They then removed a door on the floor and went into the basement. An inspection of the basement and the building did not reveal any other damage, says the North West Historical Society.

“We are raising the alarm and are very concerned that this might be the next target for an act of vandalism,” the release states. “The land registry office has great historical value to our community. It was the first brick building built in the District of Saskatchewan and the first land registry office in the North West Territories. It was constructed in 1877 and is the only original Government Ridge structure still standing. This building was declared a provincial heritage property in 1983 and is currently being restored.”

The society has contacted the RCMP and asked that they would patrol this location. Gail Sack of the Battle River Settlement Foundation arranged for the steel grate to be replaced and secured back over the window.

“We would like to take all necessary steps to protect and safeguard this building,” says the society. “Another possible target may be St. Vital Church on 20th Street East in Battleford, built in 1883. It is one of three remaining buildings built prior to the rebellion.”