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Local building gets heritage designation

Oct 4, 2018 | 9:00 AM

A building in Prince Albert has received official recognition for its historical importance.

The Government of Saskatchewan announced Wednesday that the Prince Albert Immigration Hall would be receiving a provincial heritage designation.

Gene Makowski, minister for parks, culture and sport, said the designation of the building will help tell an important part of the province’s history.

“By designating this property, the story of the province’s settlement and growth can be more fully told and illustrated for present and future generations,” he said in a release.

A provincial heritage designation gives a property legal protection and potential access to grant funding to help preserve it.

The hall, which is located at 94 15th St. E., was originally opened by the Government of Canada in 1929. It was used as an immigration hall until 1938, when it became government offices. In 1995 the building became home to the Indian-Métis Friendship Centre, before being sold to the YWCA in 2008. The building is now known as Our House, and is used as a men’s shelter.

Donna Brooks, CEO with the Prince Albert YWCA  said her organization sees the importance of the building’s history and was happy to nominate it for the designation.  

“The YWCA recognizes that the building stands as a landmark to our shared heritage and a symbol of our community’s welcoming of new immigrants and helping persons in need – past, present and future,” she said.

 

panews@jpbg.ca

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