Released on November 22, 2017
Former Premiers Thatcher, Blakeney, Devine, Romanow Honoured
The Government of Saskatchewan today announced a new policy for naming buildings and other provincial landmarks after former Premiers. It also announced the naming of three provincial landmarks after former Saskatchewan Premiers, in accordance with the new policy.
“Bestowing the name of these past premiers on Saskatchewan landmarks is a demonstration of gratitude for their years of dedicated service to our province,” Premier Brad Wall said. “This is an appropriate way to honour their contributions to Saskatchewan.”
The new naming policy follows the recommendations of a report by former Lieutenant-Governor Gordon Barnhart. Under the new policy, buildings or landmarks that do not already bear the name of a person can be named after former Premiers, except for the immediate past Premier.
The government will work with former Premiers and their families to determine an appropriate building or landmark to be renamed. When appropriate, the government will also work with municipalities and school boards to arrive at specific naming options.
Earlier this fall, under the new policy, the Regina Public Schools Adult Campus was officially opened in its new location in Regina and renamed the Allan Blakeney Adult Campus, for former Premier Allan Blakeney (Premier from 1971 to 1982).
Today, three more structures are being renamed under the new policy:
- The main building at the Moose Jaw Campus of Saskatchewan Polytechnic is now named the W. Ross Thatcher Building, for former Premier W. Ross Thatcher (Premier from 1964 to 1971);
- The reservoir and dam near Alameda, Saskatchewan are now named the Grant Devine Lake and the Grant Devine Dam, for former Premier Grant Devine (Premier from 1982 to 1991); and
- The Saskatchewan Provincial Laboratory in Regina is now named the Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory, for former Premier Roy Romanow (Premier from 1991 to 2001).
“Naming provincial facilities after past Premiers serves as a way to preserve our province’s history,” Central Services Minister Christine Tell said. “They are deserving of our respect and appreciation for the service provided to the people of Saskatchewan during their time as Premier.”
Wall said that after he leaves office next year, the government will look for a suitable building or landmark to name after former Premier Lorne Calvert, in accordance with the new naming policy.
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For more information, contact:
Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927
Alyssa Pittet
Central Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4460
Email: alyssa.pittet@gov.sk.ca