For Immediate Release April 25, 2008
Government Declares Fleming Grain Elevator a National Historic Site
Ottawa (April 25, 2008)-- Ed Komarnicki, M.P., Souris- Moose Mountain- On behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird, Ed Komarnicki, Member of Parliament for Souris-Moose Mountain, is pleased to announce the designation of the Fleming Lake of the Woods Grain Elevator at Fleming, Saskatchewan, as a site of national historic significance.
“Nothing symbolizes the legacy of the prairies better than the iconic image of a grain elevator,” said Komarnicki. “While the past decade has seen the demise of many of these prairie sentinels, today’s designation ensures the elevator will always have a prominent place in our nation’s history.”
“This announcement has bestowed a great honour upon our town,” said Fleming Mayor Philip Hamm. "On behalf of the local committee and the entire community, it is with great pride that I thank our M.P., Ed Komarnicki, and Minister John Baird for understanding the value to all Canadians in preserving the country's oldest grain elevator.”
Minister Baird made this designation on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC). Parks Canada and the HSMBC will work with local community and stakeholders to plan future placement of the commemorative plaque that will highlight the importance of the elevator in Canada.
Built in 1895, the Fleming Lake of the Woods Grain Elevator is one of the oldest standing grain elevators in Western Canada. It retains many of its original features, mostly in form, materials and roof profile. In addition to personifying the earliest phase of grain elevator design on the prairies, Fleming Lake of the Woods Grain Elevator also exemplifies the early development of the grain handling industry in Western Canada.
Canada’s system of national historic sites now includes over 930 national historic sites, over 600 national historic persons and almost 400 national historic events. The majority of national historic sites are owned and operated by private individuals, not-for-profit groups and corporations. Parks Canada protects and presents 157 of these special places on behalf of Canadians.
