There's been a local committee hard at work trying to ensure it lasts into the future and now with the help of provincial funding comes some hope the dream can be realized.
The Yorkton Brick Mill Heritage Society was officially formed in early 2012 by individuals interested in encouraging the preservation of the oldest surviving flour mill in Saskatchewan.
Constructed in 1898 by John J. Smith to support the new settlement's agricultural base, 'The Old Mill' was reinvented a number of times by changing ownership and needs until falling into disuse in the late 1980s.
Today the local piece of history faces an uncertain future.
With that said, the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation has announced support for the project in the form of provincial dollars. The foundation recently listed its first grant adjudication for the 2013-14 fiscal year, allocating a total of $170,000 to 17 heritage conservation projects, including the Yorkton mill.
"Projects supported through the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation benefit our province and our quality of life by promoting our past, educating future generations, and creating a sense of pride in our province's rich history," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty comments.
"By working together to preserve our cultural heritage, we also create tourism opportunities and help grow our province."
The foundation received a total of 24 funding applications. Following an extensive review, 16 conservation projects and one research project were selected for funding assistance.
Individual grants include $40,000 to repair the Melfort Post Office, $15,000 to restore the Yorkton Brick Mill and $5,000 to perform archeological excavations at the Original Humboldt Site.
"Foundation grant programs compliment the efforts of communities, individuals and heritage property owners wishing to conserve and research our province's heritage," Foundation Chairperson Wesley Moore adds.
"Historic places not only strengthen our communities, but link us with the past by sharing the visions and contributions of those who came before us."
The Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation is a government agency that works closely with the Heritage Conservation Branch of the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport. The foundation supports the preservation and development of the province's culture heritage by providing financial assistance to community-based projects that help conserve historic places. Grant applications are reviewed by the foundation twice a year. Application deadlines are March 15 and September 1.
The foundation also acquires, manages and develops real and moveable property in the name of the Crown and accepts the donation of cash monies, property and other bequests.
For additional information on the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation, visit www.pcs.gov.sk.ca/SHF.
