U of S College Building Declared a National Historic Site

Posted February 27, 2001


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? February 26, 2001 2001-02-24-OTHER

U of S College Building Declared
A National Historic Site

The Federal Government has declared the University of Saskatchewan?s College
Building a National Historic Site of Canada.

This important historical status will greatly assist the university in
obtaining federal, provincial and private funding to restore the building
which has been closed since 1997 due to structural problems. A total of $20
million is needed for restoration.

The decision came after months of detailed analysis and discussions between
university staff and Federal Government officials.

University President, Peter MacKinnon, said: "This is excellent news.
Federal officials have placed the College Building among the 860 sites in
Canada recognized for their national historic significance. Federal
officials consider the building an outstanding example of Collegiate Gothic
architecture in Canada."

Last October, the College Building received a boost from the Provincial
Government when it committed one third of the funding required from its
centenary fund. It is hoped that the Federal Government will now become an
equal partner in this project. The final one-third may be raised through a
university fundraising drive.

University Associate Vice-President Facilities Management, Paul Becker,
said: "Over the next few weeks, the university will apply for the National
Historic Sites of Canada Cost Sharing Program and to other government
programs as well as private foundations. If successful, design and
restoration work will get underway as soon as possible."

Acknowledging the commitment of those involved, Mr. Becker added: "Receiving
Federal Heritage Designation was the result of a tremendous effort by many
people dedicated to the preservation of the College Building for the
university community and the people of Saskatchewan and Canada."

The 88-year-old building was designated by the Honourable Sheila Copps,
Minister of Canadian Heritage, upon the advice of the National Historic
Sites and Monument Board of Canada. It is a heritage landmark on campus that
has been closed and secured since November 1997 because of the potential
threat to public safety posed by its dangerous state of repair.

For further information, contact:

Paul Becker
Associate Vice-President (Facilities Management)
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-4532

Elaine Cadell
Executive Director, Alumni & Development
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-5176


Backgrounder

University of Saskatchewan College Building

- The University of Saskatchewan College Building was built in 1910-12. It
was the first building on the U of S campus.

- Former Prime Minister, Sir Wilfrid Laurier laid the cornerstone on July
29, 1910.

- The College of Agriculture was the first occupant of the building.

- Designed by Vallance and Brown Architects of Montreal, it is a striking
example of Collegiate Gothic architecture.

- The College Building was designated a Provincial Heritage Property in
1982.

- In November 1997, the building was vacated and closed to traffic because
of advancing structural weaknesses.

- The College Building, once restored to its original splendour, will serve
as a showcase demonstrating the university?s collective historic, ethnic and
cultural diversity. By locating such facilities as the University Art
Collection, University Archives, the Museum of Antiquities, an Aboriginal
Welcoming/Spiritual Centre and a University Interpretative Centre and
Gallery, the College Building will be the welcoming focal point for the
campus and its visitors and community.