Dear Editor:
In response to the editorial in the July 7 edition of Yorkton This Week I would like to verify a few facts.The flour mill is "brick" not stone. It is built on a stone foundation. Most flour mills were a wood structure including the Provincial Heritage Mill at Esterhazy.
Yorkton has the only brick built flour mill in the Province. The original elevator was demolished andthe present elevator built in 1947.
The reason there has been no commitment by a citizen group or other groups is the property was privately owned. Recently the City of Yorkton took title to the property in lieu of back taxes. Thus, city council decided to advertise Bylaw No. 397 - to remove the Municipal Heritage status on the property.
Due to objections, the council has decided to keep the heritage status on the Mill and demolish the annex buildings and the elevator. The elevator should be saved as part of the site.
In 1997 the property was granted Municipal Heritage Status a result of the Heritage Sub Commission's efforts. The application was made to have the Mill declared a Provincial Heritage site but at that time was not eligible and was informed to apply again in the future.
Thereare not many historical sites left in Yorkton and none that are relevant to the Agriculture Heritage of our City. Money can be raised through provincial and federal heritage grants, corporations, foundations and individuals to make the site into a real attractive heritage site and tourist attraction. We have witnessed several weddingpictures being taken at the mill site.
Let us make sure we save the site - it is not to late.
Sheila HarrisYorkton, Sask.
