Weather conditions allowed construction to continue through much of the winter.
The Yorkton Brick Mill Heritage Society has launched a campaign focused on farmers in the region, to pay tribute to their farms in recognition of charitable donations to the Mill’s capital campaign.
To support the Legacy Farm Campaign, participating farmers are able to contribute directly to the Heritage Society, or through grain delivery settlements at many of our area elevators and processors.
Donations can take place all at once or can be made over time. Details about the pay-as-you-deliver option are available at participating locations.
In recognition of a $3,000 donation, the farm will be honoured on the yorktonflourmill.ca website. Farmers can provide photographs and a short write up to be featured online.
In recognition of a $5,000 donation, the farm will be honoured both online and inside the new facility with an 11” x 17” framed photo, and plaque featuring the write up.
“This will create a fitting and lasting tribute to family farms in the Interpretive Station at the Mill, a space dedicated to building connections between society and our agricultural roots,” capital campaign chair Terry Tyson noted.
"As construction work is set to begin this winter, our aim is to raise the remaining 20 per cent of our capital requirements. This program provides an opportunity for farmers to establish a lasting legacy for their family farms while also helping us achieve our ag-advocacy mission.
"Most farmers get the work done and don’t go around tooting their own horns, but they have so much to be proud about, and we would love to celebrate them and their farms on our walls and our website.
"We believe we need farmers and their agri-food production now more than ever. That’s why we think this program is such a perfect fit."
Terry Tyson, Chair
Capital Campaign
Taking part in the sod turning were, from the left, MLA Greg Ottenbreit, Garth Pugh (Board Member, Saskatchewan Heritage Society), Harley McClughan (General Manager, Legacy Co-op), Jessie Huber (Marketing Manager, Legacy Co-op), Ernie Anuik, Mayor Mitch Hippsley, Kenn Propp (General Manager, Harvest Meats), Terry Tyson (General Manager, Grain Millers), Keith Belitski (Senior Director of Operations, Richardson Oilseed Processing), Yorkton Tribal Council Tribal Chief Isabel O’Soup, and Larry Pearen (President, Yorkton Brick Mill Heritage Society).
Photos courtesy Lindsey Kautz, LF Photography
You can support the historic Yorkton flour mill by purchasing a membership. They are available for individuals, families and businesses. A membership entitles you to vote at our annual meeting and receive our newsletter.
There was a large turnout for the Mill society annual meeting on February 21, where reports were presented about the past year's activities and board members were elected.
Elected to the board for three-year terms were Kevin Pickup, Terry Ortynsky, Thom Weir and new director Mel Puritch. They join Juanita Brown, Janice Pilipow, Bonnie Rushowick, Darren Mountenay and Terry Tyson, as well as President Larry Pearen, Past President Vern Brown, Vice-president Thom Weir and Secretary-treasurer David Harris.
Vic Surjik retired from the board, and was thanked for his many many years of service. He was presented with a polished railway spike from the mill railway line.
Financial reports were presented, as well as an overview of the past year, during which more than 500 visitors toured the mill over the course of four summer months.
Read, download or print the report (in PDF format) of the past year's activities.
Among those attending the AGM were three city councillors, a nominee for his party's MLA candidacy and Member of Parliament Cathay Wagentall.
Mill society president Larry Pearen, right, and secretary-treasurer David Harris at the AGM.
The Yorkton Brick Mill Heritage Society Inc. was formed in early 2012 by individuals interested in encouraging the preservation of the oldest surviving brick flour mill in Saskatchewan.
Constructed in 1898 by John J. Smith to support the new settlement's agricultural base, the mill was reinvented a number of times by changing ownership and needs until falling into disuse in the late 1980s.
This heritage site is being developed by and for those who believe that history need not exist only in photographs and books.
The Society holds several fundraising events each year, and solicits donations and grants from various sources to pay for the restoration of the original mill, the improvement of the grounds, and future expansion.
The Society invites anyone interested in its work to become a member, or become a Friend of the Mill by making a donation. A charitable receipt will be issued by the City of Yorkton for donations.
The historic Yorkton flour mills kicked off a fundraising drive on Dec. 6, 2021 to raise $2 million for a major expansion of the mill which will include an interpretive centre, multi-purpose and meeting spaces, a patio and enhanced gardens and grounds.
We are looking for volunteers to help with all kinds of activities and events related to the mill, including:
Want to help us with this important local heritage project? Fill in the form and we will be in touch to discuss your interest with you.
Our newsletter is published when there is important news to share, or when a major event is coming up.
Copyright © Yorkton Brick Mill Heritage Society Inc. All rights reserved.
Yorkton Brick Mill Heritage Society Inc.
Box 1062 Yorkton SK Canada S3N 2X3
Located at the corner of Livingstone Street and Beck Avenue.
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