$150,000 TO NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE AND PROVINCIAL HERITAGE PROPERTY

The Government of Saskatchewan recently approved an additional $150,000 in funding for the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation to undertake emergency restoration work at the Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site. This commitment brings the government's total allocation to the Heritage Foundation to $650,000 for the current fiscal year.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to support the Heritage Foundation's efforts to conserve the Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site and Provincial Heritage Property," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Christine Tell said. "This unique industrial heritage site is the most complete early 20th century brick plant remaining anywhere in North America. It represents an interesting component of the province's economic development, and 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 receipt of this enhanced funding," Heritage Foundation chairman Dr. Bill Brennan said. "The monies will permit some much needed upgrades to components of the brick plant that have continued to deteriorate, and which now require attention if the site is to continue to be visited and enjoyed by school groups, heritage enthusiasts and the general public."

This unique industrial heritage site is an important part of Saskatchewan's inventory of provincially and nationally recognized heritage properties. Located west of Avonlea and southeast of the Village of Claybank, the property features more than 20 structures, including a brick factory, clay-pits, former residences, a bunk house, 10 down-draft kilns, a carpenter's shop and more than a mile of rail line.

Since 1996, a good deal of stabilization and conservation work has been undertaken at the brick plant, but much remains to be done.

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For more information, contact:

Janet Peters
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4967
Email: janet.peters@gov.sk.ca