GRAVELBOURG — For 96 years the water tower has been a beacon of home for the residents of Gravelbourg.
At more than 150 feet, the tower is the tallest structure in the town of 1,000 and is visible from the east or west for several kilometres. Through Investing in Canada’s Infrastructure Program (ICIP) funding from the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, the town can go forward with a major infrastructure project focused on replacing water mains. This funding includes the dismantling and decommissioning of the iconic water tower.
The Town of Gravelbourg says work to decommission and dismantle the 1928 water tower is scheduled to begin on Aug. 19 for completion before the start of the school year. Due to ongoing leaks and other issues, the tower has been out of service since late 2022. Its substantial height, age, structural integrity and proximity to a school, daycare, residences and the town and Prairie South School Division shops make it a risk to public safety. Though its presence will be missed, council and administration urge the public to understand why the tower must come down.
Most of Gravelbourg’s historic buildings date back to the 1920s. From the Our Lady of the Assumption cathedral to the court house (now the town office), the value of heritage is on full display all over the town and is a key part of its appeal to tourists, a town press release states.
Despite the love of these structures, there is a limit to the capacity of ratepayers and the generosity of donors to preserve landmarks, the release says.
Gravelbourg’s 1915 Western grain elevator is the oldest of its kind still in its original location but saving this beloved prairie structure hasn’t been easy. After 30 years of dedicated fundraising and grant submissions, the elevator is only now in the final stages of restoration and preservation.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to share photos of the structure on social media to “Toast the Tower” during its final days as part of the Gravelbourg skyline.
For detailed information and updates on the water tower and Gravelbourg’s infrastructure project, visit gravelbourg.ca.
