LEGISLATIVE GROUNDS AND JOHN NUGENT STUDIO BEING CONSIDERED FOR DESIGNATION

The Saskatchewan Legislative Building and Grounds in Regina and the John Nugent Studio in Lumsden are being considered for Provincial Heritage Property designation. Under The Saskatchewan's Heritage Property Act, the designation recognizes and protects Saskatchewan's historic places.

Properties nominated by the public or any organization are evaluated for their historical significance and merit by the Saskatchewan Heritage Advisory Board, which makes recommendations to the Minister of Saskatchewan Culture, Youth and Recreation.

The John Nugent Studio represents a regionalized form of modernist architecture, which is demonstrated by the conical-shaped concrete roof atop the foundry. "The heritage value of the John Nugent Studio lies in the fact that it was designed by internationally renowned architect Clifford Wiens, and it is the workshop of nationally renowned sculptor John Nugent," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "The John Nugent Studio is also associated with an important period of artistic development in Saskatchewan during the late 1950s and 1960s."

The Saskatchewan Legislative Building was designated in 1978 as Provincial Heritage Property and is now being re-designated to include the surrounding landscape grounds. The re-designation of the Legislative Building and Grounds is also supported by Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Property Management Corporation Deb Higgins and Minister responsible for the Wascana Centre Authority Mark Wartman.

"The Legislative Building and Grounds is the most readily recognized symbol of government in Saskatchewan," Higgins said. "The building, designed by architects Edward and William Maxwell and completed in 1913, was assured its continued place in history with a four-year rehabilitation project that stabilized the foundation and updated the facility to ensure it meets modern safety and accessibility codes."

"The Legislative Grounds, designed by landscape architects, Frederick G. Todd and Thomas W. Mawson, are being added to the designation because of their historical significance and to preserve one of Saskatchewan's most important public spaces," Wartman said.

The Legislative Grounds are a rare Canadian example of a park developed according to the "City Beautiful" master plan drawn between 1907 and 1913. The grounds remain today a popular site for recreational activities, and public celebrations and gatherings.

Under the Act, the government must publish its intention to designate a property as a Provincial Heritage Property in a local newspaper and the Saskatchewan Gazette. After this notification, there is a 30-day review period, during which time the public can make an objection to the proposed designation.

If approved, these designations will bring the total provincial heritage properties to 42. To view all provincial heritage properties, go to www.cyr.gov.sk.ca and follow the heritage links. Individuals and organizations are also encouraged to nominate properties they believe have provincial heritage significance.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967