The Government of Canada will be investing in infrastructure improvements at the Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site.
Through Parks Canada's National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program, the Government of Canada will be contributing $175,500 to support a conservation project at Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site. This conservation project involves an engineering assessment of the site and interim stabilization work on the drying tunnels, east and west transfer tunnels and the waste heat tunnel system. In addition, conservation work will be done to four of the kiln chimney stacks, the east transfer track and the east and west stock sheds.
The Government of Saskatchewan had already committed $150,000 to the project. The province recently authorized the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation to access the joint funds to hire a construction company from Moose Jaw to continue the conservation work.
The Claybank Brick Plant was one of Canada's major producers of domestic clay refractory products, supplying fireproof, heat-resistant, non-corrosive bricks for construction across the country, but especially in Western Canada, including the Weyburn Mental Hospital. The complex is also an intact example of a self-contained manufacturing enterprise that used materials extracted on site.
"The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to work with Parks Canada to support ongoing efforts to stabilize and conserve the Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson said. "As the most complete early 20th century brick plant remaining anywhere in North America, Claybank represents a unique aspect of the province's history and our economic development. Its conservation and interpretation will result in educational and tourism opportunities today and into the future."
