MEDIA RELEASE

April 9, 1999

Federal-Provincial - 279

$2 MILLION CONTRIBUTED TO CONSERVATION OF CLAYBANK BRICK PLANT

Secretary of State (Parks) Andy Mitchell, Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs,
Culture and Housing Minister Carol Teichrob and Saskatchewan Heritage
Foundation President Bill Hutchinson today announced a cost sharing agreement
that will contribute $2 million to the conservation and presentation of the
Claybank Brick Plant historic site, near Avonlea, Saskatchewan.
 
"The Government of Canada is proud to provide financial support for this
important heritage resource," Mitchell said. "This funding will ensure that
the Claybank Brick Plant is conserved and presented as an example of
industrial history in Canada."
 
"The Claybank Brick Plant is a unique example of the industrial heritage of
our province and nation," Teichrob said. "We welcome this opportunity to work
with the Federal Government, the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation and the
Claybank Brick Plant Historical Society to preserve and protect this important
heritage and tourism resource."
 
"The Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation, in co-operation with its federal,
provincial and local partners, will continue to be a responsible steward of
this historically important industrial heritage site," Hutchinson said. "With
this joint funding, the Foundation will be able to continue and expand our
program of restoration development and interpretation."
 
A visitor centre will be developed in the bunkhouse building on the site as
part of an enhanced visitor program of exhibits, tours and publications.
Conservation work will include new roofs on several buildings, brickwork
repair and structural repair of kilns and smokestacks. Parks Canada and the
Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation will each contribute $954,500 over five
years. In 1997, Parks Canada provided $45,500 in emergency funding to the site
after storm damage.
 
The Claybank Brick Plant is Canada's most complete example of an early 20th
century brick making complex. The plant was built in 1912-13 and operated
until 1989. It includes a factory, several kilns, bunkhouse and other
buildings. The entire complex, a model of functional layout and efficiency,
has changed little since the 1930s. It was designated a site of national
historic significance in 1994.
 
The Claybank plant specialized in producing heat-resistant, refractory brick
and its products were used extensively in the Prairie provinces and beyond.
Brick from Claybank was used in such prestigious projects as the Bessborough
Hotel in Saskatoon and additions to the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City.
 
The Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation obtained the plant in 1992 and is
preserving it with the co-operation of the Claybank Brick Plant Historical
Society. - 30 - For more information, contact:
 
Jim Masyk Bill Hutchinson Parks Canada Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation
Phone:(306) 298-2257 Phone: (306) 522-6668
 
Patrick Hall Municipal Affairs, Culture and Housing Phone: (306) 787-0689
 
Available on the Internet at: http://www.pch.gc.ca