Heritage Awards Handed Out

As part of the Citizen and Group of the year presentations another set awards were given out to those who have worked hard to maintain not only existing heritage buildings within the community but also help to promote heritage and history to others.

Three awards were presented by the Heritage Advisory Committee - Stewardship, Adaptive Reuse and Heritage Advocacy and Education.

STEWARDSHIP

The Stewardship award was presented to Prairie South School Division for the preservation and care of the historic buildings under their care.

“Prairie South works to ensure many of our beautiful schools are still in operation today. Schools like Prince Arthur, King George, Central and Empire are great reminders of our city’s rich architectural history,” Scott Hellings, chair of the heritage advisory committee said.

Prince Arthur School is an example of the architecture history of the city - MJ Independent photo

“Over the years Prairie South has done a great job keeping the schools operational and up-to-date without sacrificing the defining features of these buildings,” Hellings said.

Speaking in accepting the award Prairie South superintendent Tony Baldwin said it was humbling to receive the award and maintaining the schools functionality and historical architecture was something the division was proud to be part of.

“We have great kids in our schools, we have great staff in our schools and we have great schools,” Baldwin said, adding “we get lots of accolades for the first two but it is not very often we get to talk about the schools themselves.”

Prairie South chair Robert Bachmann said although Prairie South was receiving the award they needed to thank their predecessors in the Moose Jaw Public School Division for their efforts in keeping the historic schools true to their original architecture.

“We want to recognize the great work that has been done for decades by the people who came before us,” Bachmann said. “So thanks to the Moose Jaw Public (School Division) for the care they did to maintain these buildings.”

“I’m grateful to see these schools, some of which are a century old, still serving the community and our students and families so thank you very much,” Bachmann said.

ADAPTIVE REUSE

Adaptive reuse is the upgrading of a heritage building while still maintaining its original architectural luster and charm. The recipient of the award this year is Wildflowers Bistro and Boutique located on Langdon Crescent.

“A lot of people think a lot of the old buildings don’t serve a purpose anymore and that is most certainly not true. You can see that here,” Hellings said.

“We as a committee are so excited this home is still standing and it is still functional and people are still getting to see it,” he said.

Boutique owner Ellen Watkinson was unable to attend the award’s presentation but Hellings said she was “thrilled to receive the award and loves operating out of this home. And she really thanks the community for their support.”

Wildflowers Bistro and Boutique located on Langdon Crescent - MJ Independent photo

HERITAGE ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION

The award for Heritage Advocacy and Education went to The Shop on Main Street.

The award is presented to recognize those who work hard to promote as well as educate others about Moose Jaw’s history.

Speaking on behalf of the award recipients who were unable to be in attendance - the Klassen family - Hellings said they were honoured and humbled in receiving the award.

“The Klassen family has been part of the business community for years and they have been promoting local history with their customers. They say it is something they really enjoy doing,” he said.

“They truly believe our history and shared heritage is vital to this city’s success and they like to discuss stories with their customers,” he said.