Why did the grain elevator cross the road?
For a 69-year-old seed cleaning elevator at the federal agricultural research centre in Swift Current, Sask., the answer is simple.
To avoid being torn down.
The elevator was decommissioned about 10 years ago and slated for demolition. But a committee is trying to raise money to move the elevator across the highway to a new permanent home in a heritage village on the Swift Current exhibition grounds.
“It’s a short journey, but expensive,” said spokesperson Joyce Goodhand. The committee estimates an initial cost of about $110,000, made up of $30,000 to move the elevator, $60,000 to build a foundation and $20,000 to renovate the exterior, including roof and window repairs, and painting.
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Another $100,000 would eventually be needed for interior, mechanical and electrical restoration, although it could be put off until more money is raised.
A recent donation of $2,500 from South West Terminal Ltd. bumped the committee’s bank account up to about $9,000. Goodhand acknowledged there’s a long way to go, but said the committee is only now starting to beat the bushes in earnest for donations from individuals, associations and corporations.
“With harvest over, we’ve renewed our efforts to raise the money to move it,” she said.
“And people are starting to put their money where their mouth is.”
The research centre has pledged to contribute the $10,000 it has budgeted for demolition. The City of Swift Current has also provided a $20,000 loan security. Government grants could be available for the exterior restoration.
When the committee was organized in May, the goal was to have the elevator in its new home this fall. Now, said Goodhand, a more realistic target might be to have the foundation poured this fall and the elevator moved next spring.
Several attempts in the last few years to move the elevator have failed.
Goodhand said this is probably the last chance because the research centre can’t keep putting off demolition.
The committee said the elevator is of significant historical value not only to the local community but to prairie agriculture in general, having been used in the research and development of numerous grain varieties that were widely used across Canada and around the world.
The elevator is fully functional and includes a seed cleaner and a feed mill. Those who had direct dealings at the elevator over the years will help oversee restoration and operation.
Long-range plans call for interpretive displays that tell future generations about the history and operation of wooden elevators and their role in the development of the farm economy and prairie culture.
“The opportunities are endless as long as the elevator can make the one-kilometre trip from the research station,” Goodhand said.
