JOINT INITIATIVE HELPS CONSERVE PROVINCIAL HERITAGE

Communities have a new ally in their efforts to conserve Saskatchewan's unique heritage.

The Historic Places Initiative (HPI), a joint initiative of the federal, provincial and territorial governments, offers several tools to strengthen Canada's capacity to conserve historic places.

"Historic places capture the soul and spirit of our province. They help tell the story about who we are and where we came from," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "In the past 30 years, Canada has lost nearly a quarter of its heritage buildings. We must help conserve the remainder of these important resources."

Culture, Youth and Recreation is holding a series of information sessions about HPI in seven centres throughout the province. The sessions outline the practical tools and financial incentives available to communities. Discussions will take place on how local governments, property owners, the tourism industry, local and provincial heritage organizations and other stakeholders can work in partnership to help conserve the province's heritage.

HPI tools include the Canadian Register of Historic Places and the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada.

The register is a comprehensive listing of formally recognized historic places across Canada. It is the first Canada-wide register to provide a single source for information about these sites. Its website address is www.historicplaces.ca.

The standards and guidelines are a nation-wide benchmark of conservation principles and practices to help safeguard historic places and to reintegrate them into community life. The guidelines set out a disciplined approach to the assessment of conservation projects.

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For More Information, Contact:

Maureen Pedersen Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306)787-5777