SASKATCHEWAN DIRECTORY OF HERITAGE CONTRACTORS RELEASED

Architectural Heritage Saskatchewan and its partners, Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport and the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation released "reNEW": The Saskatchewan Directory of Contractors for Historic Building Conservation.

"This new publication helps property owners and others involved in maintaining older buildings to identify, interview and engage individuals and firms who are experienced with trades and crafts related to heritage conservation," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Christine Tell said. "Historic buildings are sources of pride for the people of Saskatchewan and make a significant contribution to the provincial economy as tourist destinations."

Undertaking appropriate and timely repairs and interventions ensures that important community landmarks will continue to benefit both present and future generations. The reuse of these places is also good for the environment; it reduces landfill waste and the use of natural resources associated with demolition and new construction.

"reNEW furthers our organization's efforts to raise public awareness of the province's built heritage and increase the work being done to conserve these important places," Architectural Heritage Saskatchewan President Al Gill said. "The project-planning suggestions, contractor hiring tips and topic-based list of contractors featured in the directory will be an invaluable resource for all those who wish to renovate or restore their properties."

The Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation, an arm's length government agency, provided financial support and content guidance to the reNEW project as part of their ongoing efforts to conserve and promote heritage properties in the province though grant programming and other initiatives. Project funding was also provided through the Historic Places Initiative, a federal-provincial partnership to promote the conservation of historic places across Canada.

"reNEW" is available by contacting Architectural Heritage Saskatchewan at 306-585-3955 or at sahs@sasktel.net.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Janice Wilby
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781

Audrey Price
Architectural Heritage Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-585-3955