Saskatchewan’s oldest major agricultural building is getting support from one of the country’s oldest major grain companies.
James Richardson International announced last week a donation of $50,000 to the reconstruction of the Bell Farm barn near Indian Head, Sask.
The barn was built in 1882 and two years ago was named one of the top 10 endangered places by Heritage Canada.
The barn is the only structure still standing in the original farmyard where maj. William Bell and the Qu’Appelle Valley Farming Co. established the province’s first corporate farm.
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In a news release, JRI president Curt Vossen said the company is proud to help preserve agricultural heritage.
“Having been in business for over 150 years, we understand the importance of preserving the past not only for the historical value, but for future generations,” he said.
The reconstruction will include the barn and development of the yard site into an interpretive centre.
Maurice Delage, fundraising chair for the Bell Barn Society, said he hoped other grain companies would step forward with support.
JRI will donate an additional 50 cents for every dollar pledged by other grain companies doing business in the province, to a maximum of $50,000, on top of its initial commitment.
The project’s estimated cost is $1 million and should be completed by next summer. So far, the society has raised $260,000.
