The Yorkton Brick Mill Heritage Society has received $250,000 from PrairiesCan under the Tourism Growth Program to support the development of the Interpretive Station at the Yorkton Brick Mill. The announcement was made at the annual Heritage Dinner, a signature fundraising event celebrating Yorkton's rich history, held on September 25.
The PrairiesCan funding will provide a significant boost to the project, enabling the completion of key infrastructure elements such as roofing, windows and doors for the Interpretive Station, which will serve as a cultural and historical hub for both residents and visitors.
The Station, attached to the historic Yorkton Brick Mill, will tell the story of early agriculture and milling in the region, including the essential role family farms played in shaping Yorkton’s agri-business sector.
“We are deeply grateful to the Government of Canada - PrairiesCan for this support,” said Larry Pearen, President of the Yorkton Brick Mill Heritage Society. “This funding will accelerate our progress toward opening the Interpretive Station by 2025, where we will host historical exhibits, green spaces, and even a farmer's market. The station will become a major destination for tourism and community events, helping to preserve Yorkton’s heritage while contributing to economic growth.”
“Our government is helping communities like Yorkton celebrate their history and expand tourist attractions that benefit local economies and draw visitors to the region,” said Dan Vandal, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan.
“The Yorkton Brick Mill Interpretive Station will create jobs through construction and operation of the facility, preserve the unique culture of the community, and provide an attraction and gathering space used by visitors and locals for years to come.”
“With its wide-open spaces and unique Indigenous experiences, Canada’s Prairies have what tourists want,” said Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.
“That’s why we’re helping local tourism grow and thrive through the Tourism Growth Program. This important funding means that organizations can expand, create jobs and attract more tourists to the Prairies. I look forward to seeing the difference it makes in the years to come!”
The Interpretive Station is an integral part of the Yorkton Brick Mill’s restoration and expansion, which has already raised $2 million through federal funding and community donations. The project requires an additional $1 million to complete all phases of construction, and the community’s ongoing support is vital.
The Interpretive Station will feature not only displays of Yorkton's agricultural history but also the Legacy Farm photo display and outdoor green space for community use. With the help of this funding, the Society is confident the project will be completed on time and become a beacon for cultural preservation and tourism in the region.
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
Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty toured the historic Yorkton flour mill guided when he was in Yorkton on May 15 to present awards at the Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development awards, hosted by the Brick Mill Society.
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.
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.
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.
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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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