YORKTON - The Yorkton Brick Mill Heritage Society has announced it has received $250,000 from PrairiesCan under the Tourism Growth Program to support the development of the Interpretive Station at the Yorkton Brick Mill.
This announcement was made at the annual Heritage Dinner, a signature fundraising event celebrating Yorkton's rich history, held on Sept. 25.
The PrairiesCan funding will provide a significant boost to the project, enabling the completion of key infrastructure elements such as roofing, windows and doors for the Interpretive Station, which will serve as a cultural and historical hub for both residents and visitors.
The Station, attached to the historic Yorkton Brick Mill, will tell the story of early agriculture and milling in the region, including the essential role family farms played in shaping Yorkton’s agri-business sector.
“We are deeply grateful to the Government of Canada - PrairiesCan for this support,” said Larry Pearen, President of the Yorkton Brick Mill Heritage Society in a release. “This funding will accelerate our progress toward opening the Interpretive Station by 2025, where we will host historical exhibits, green spaces, and even a farmer's market. The station will become a major destination for tourism and community events, helping to preserve Yorkton’s heritage while contributing to economic growth.”
“Our government is helping communities like Yorkton celebrate their history and expand tourist attractions that benefit local economies and draw visitors to the region,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan in the same release. “The Yorkton Brick Mill Interpretive Station will create jobs through construction and operation of the facility, preserve the unique culture of the community, and provide an attraction and gathering space used by visitors and locals for years to come.”
“With its wide-open spaces and unique Indigenous experiences, Canada’s Prairies have what tourists want,” said the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.
“That’s why we’re helping local tourism grow and thrive through the Tourism Growth Program. This important funding means that organizations can expand, create jobs and attract more tourists to the Prairies. I look forward to seeing the difference it makes in the years to come!”
The Interpretive Station is an integral part of the Yorkton Brick Mill’s restoration and expansion, which has already raised $2 million through federal funding and community donations.
The project requires an additional $1 million to complete all phases of construction, and the community’s ongoing support is vital.
The Interpretive Station will feature not only displays of Yorkton's agricultural history but also the Legacy Farm photo display and outdoor green space for community use.
With the help of this funding, the Society is confident the project will be completed on time and become a beacon for cultural preservation and tourism in the region.
For more information on how to support the Yorkton Brick Mill Heritage Society and its initiatives, visit www.yorktonflourmill.ca or contact Larry Pearen for more information.
About Yorkton Brick Mill Heritage Society: The Yorkton Brick Mill Heritage Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the historical significance of the Yorkton Brick Mill, one of Saskatchewan's oldest standing industrial buildings. Through various projects, including the Interpretive Station, the Society fosters community involvement, education, and tourism in Yorkton.
