Sask. chips in $600,000 to finish interpretive centre at Yorkton Brick Flour Mill

A heritage project preserving part of the province’s agricultural history is getting a big boost from the Government of Saskatchewan.

The Brick Flour Mill in Yorkton, which operated from 1890 to 1989, is a designated municipal heritage property that currently operates as a museum, operated by a local heritage society.

An interpretive centre attached to the old mill building is currently in the works, and the Government of Saskatchewan announced a contribution of $600,000 this week to help complete the centre.

Read more:

“Since the Brick Flour Mill’s prime, Yorkton has grown into one of Saskatchewan’s strongest and most diversified value-added hubs,” David Marit, Saskatchewan’s agriculture minister, said in a statement.

“This interpretive centre will remind us how the agriculture industry has grown and why it continues to matter to our province.”

Alana Ross, Saskatchewan’s minister for parks, culture and sport, said the mill is a part of the community’s history after operating for 99 years.

“The stories that will be told here reflect the family farms that have stood at the centre of both the agriculture sector and the shaping of our province,” Ross said in a statement.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is delighted to help make sure those stories can continue to be told.”

The provincial funding comes in addition to $1 million from the federal government and $300,000 from the City of Yorkton, with the province noting that many local companies, organizations and individuals have also added donations towards the interpretive centre.

The mill is the only remaining brick flour mill in Western Canada, the provincial government noted, adding that it symbolizes “an important chapter in Saskatchewan’s history,” preserving stories of early agriculture in the area and the importance of family farms.

“The Interpretive Centre will educate visitors on the province’s agricultural development,” the provincial government noted. “Once open, the heritage property will be self-sustained through rentable event space, fundraising activities and various grants.”

Larry Pearen, president of the Yorkton Brick Mill Heritage Society, expressed his gratitude for the “significant investment” into the project.

“These funds allow us to complete the Interpretive Centre and open it as a fully accessible, year-round gathering space where schools, seniors, families, and visitors can learn about the importance of agriculture and Saskatchewan’s rich history,” Pearen said in a statement.

“This support brings us to the finish line and ensures the Mill can now be fully used by the community. We also sincerely thank our many sponsors, donors, volunteers, and community members whose generosity and belief in this project made this achievement possible.”

Read more: