Released on April 17, 2014
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, a Provincial Heritage Property and National Historic Site located at Stanley Mission in Lac La Ronge Provincial Park, now has an upgraded roof and foundation, thanks to a cost-sharing agreement between the Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada.The church, completed in 1860, is the oldest standing building in Saskatchewan and a well-known landmark for travellers along the Churchill River.
“For more than 150 years, Holy Trinity Anglican Church has been a treasured place of worship and a significant heritage asset for our province,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty said. “The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to invest in this property and is appreciative of the federal government’s contribution. Part of our government’s mandate is to conserve Saskatchewan’s natural and cultural resources through provincial parks. In addition to teaching us about Saskatchewan’s history, this church attracts visitors to Lac La Ronge Provincial Park.”
The Government of Canada contributed $100,000 to the 2013-14 one-year project – the maximum amount available from the National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program. The Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport committed the matching amount of $100,000, plus an additional $130,000. A total of $330,000 has been committed for this important preservation work.
“Our government encourages Canadians to develop strong and meaningful connections with Canada’s national treasures,” said Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada Leona Aglukkaq. “Our national historic sites are vital to our history, our identity as Canadians, and our tourism industry. By investing in them and by building lasting relationships with the community groups that operate them, we ensure that they will continue to help support local economies and encourage more Canadians to explore and discover our national heritage.”
“Our government has taken a leadership role in the protection and promotion of Canada's invaluable and irreplaceable heritage such as the Holy Trinity Church National Historic Site,” Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River Rob Clarke said. "This funding will ensure the preservation of one of the boreal forest’s most treasured national historic sites for future generations and help foster a healthy local economy and thriving tourism industry.”
When the Saskatchewan Parks Division examined the condition of the church in 2011, staff found that the building required critical roof and foundation repairs and recommended their upgrade be made top priority. The report deemed these repairs essential to the building’s preservation.
Preservation of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church will continue. The Saskatchewan Parks Division staff is currently evaluating the next level of priorities in their planning for 2014-15.
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For more information, contact:
Chelsea Coupal
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781
Email: chelsea.coupal@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-8152