GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND SASKATCHEWAN INVEST IN HERITAGE INFRASTRUCTURE AT CLAYBANK BRICK PLANT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

On behalf of John Baird, Canada's Environment Minister, Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament for Palliser, today announced that the Government of Canada will be investing in infrastructure improvements at the Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site.

"Bricks produced at the Claybank plant were utilized in the exterior cladding of a variety of structures across this great nation," said Boughen. "Today's contribution to the restoration project helps ensure that future generations will know what a remarkable legacy the region has and will ensure the structural viability of important components of this nationally recognized complex for years to come."

Through Parks Canada's National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program, the Government of Canada will be contributing $175,500 to support a conservation project at Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site. This conservation project involves an engineering assessment of the site and interim stabilization work on the drying tunnels, east and west transfer tunnels and the waste heat tunnel system. In addition, conservation work will be done to four of the kiln chimney stacks, the east transfer track and the east and west stock sheds.

The Government of Saskatchewan had already committed $150,000 to the project. The province recently authorized the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation to access the joint funds to hire a construction company from Moose Jaw to continue the conservation work.

The Claybank Brick Plant was one of Canada's major producers of domestic clay refractory products, supplying fireproof, heat-resistant, non-corrosive bricks for construction across the country, but especially in Western Canada. The complex is also an intact example of a self-contained manufacturing enterprise that used materials extracted on site.

"This project will help ensure that Claybank Brick Plant will be enjoyed for years to come," said Baird. "Today's announcement shows the leadership role our Government is taking in the protection of Canada's heritage buildings and national historic sites. The Cost-Sharing Program plays an important part in offering support to local economies, thus contributing to a healthy state for our nation and our family of national historic sites."

"The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to work with Parks Canada to support ongoing efforts to stabilize and conserve the Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson said. "As the most complete early 20th century brick plant remaining anywhere in North America, Claybank represents a unique aspect of the province's history and our economic development. Its conservation and interpretation will result in educational and tourism opportunities today and into the future."

"On behalf of my Heritage Foundation Board colleagues, and our partner the Claybank Brick Plant Historical Society, I am very pleased to acknowledge this funding from Parks Canada through the National Cost-Sharing Program," Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation Acting Chairman Wesley Moore said. "These funds along with a previous grant from the province will allow us to address deterioration to important elements of the plant in order to ensure that the site can continue to be visited and enjoyed by school groups, heritage enthusiasts and the general public."

The Parks Canada National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program is a contribution program that can pay up to 50 per cent of eligible costs incurred by the owner to conserve a national historic site and present its significance to Canadians for their enjoyment and appreciation. With a budget of $20 million provided in part by Canada's Economic Action Plan, the program reflects the government's desire to support job creation by providing funding for conservation of national historic sites.

For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.

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For more information, contact:

Pascale Boulay
Office of the Minister of the Environment
Phone: 819-997-1441

Jennifer Johnson
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0619
Email: jennifer.johnson@gov.sk.ca