Harold Kopetsky was skeptical when he first heard talk of turning five abandoned elevators into an historic site and tourist attraction at his hometown of Inglis, Man.
The elevators needed work and he wondered what appeal they would have for tourists.
“I was one of the naysayers,” said Kopetsky, who used to work part-time at one of the elevators.
But these days he is less skeptical. Restoration of the elevators began last year, and the project has already earned Inglis some national attention.
Read Also
Genesis Fertilizers seeks government funding
Genesis Fertilizers is actively seeking funding from government and a strategic partner. The company dispelled a rumour that DL E&C has abandoned the project.
“Now that they’re starting to fix them up, it may not be such a bad idea,” Kopetsky said.
Leading the project is the Inglis Area Heritage Committee, which plans to restore the five elevators at a cost of $2 million.
New siding has been affixed to one elevator and its cribbing has been repaired.
There is a steady trickle of people visiting Inglis to see the prairie sentinels.
“We’re really pleased with where we’re at,” said Marcia Rowat, who heads the Inglis Area Heritage Committee.
Local support has helped move the project forward, along with funding from the federal and provincial governments.
Ottawa has promised up to $1 million for the project over four years. Manitoba has committed about $300,000.
The heritage committee plans to have an interpretive centre at the site. A history of agriculture, grain handling and rail transportation will be featured.
The committee is keeping its options open in terms of other attractions. A micro-brewery and milling of organic grains are among the possibilities, Rowat said.
With a population of about 200 people, Inglis is battling for its survival. The community hopes the heritage project will help.
“It’s put Inglis on the map,” Kopetsky said.
