The first phase of the rejuvenation of the Battleford Opera House has been completed with a new roof, insulation where none existed before and the installation of new windows.
This phase has been deemed an award-winning effort.
Recently, representatives of the Town of Battleford and of Rajani Blaser Mannix Architecture received a Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Heritage Architecture Excellence Award recognizing the restoration of the town hall's roof to its original arched shape from a more recent sloped roof renovation and the upgrade in energy efficiency.
It was one of 11 awards presented by Lieutenant Governor Gordon Barnhart at Government House in Regina June 14,
"Each of these impressive heritage projects is a tribute to Saskatchewan's past and a gift to the future," said the Lieutenant Governor.
"I am grateful to the Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan for promoting and celebrating the preservation of our built heritage."
Mayor Chris Odishaw said, following the presentation, he was proud to accept the award on behalf of the residents of Battleford. The goal is to continue with the project and be able to reopen the opera house in time for its 100th anniversary in 2012.
Engineer Jeff Mannix of Rajani Blaser Mannix Architecture says, "We're extremely grateful to be able to be part of this process to restore the building to full use while maintaining its originality, and yet upgrading it to ensure that it is useful for as many years to come. Receiving an award is nice recognition, however the true reward is knowing that we're helping the future, by maintaining the past, in a way that does not spend money foolishly in a 'just because' manner, but in an intentionally considered and energy-minded way."
Also attending the 16th annual Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Heritage Architecture Awards, which are sponsored by the Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan, was Richard Hiebert of North Battleford, a provincial director for the society.
"The Battlefords Heritage Society is proud ofMayor Odishaw's and the Battleford town council'sforesight,commitment andskill in preserving ourbuilt history for future generations," says Hiebert.
He adds, "The mayor and council have also committed to saving the old St. Vital Church. Well done."
The 11 projects receiving awards at the 16th annual Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Heritage Architecture Awards were:
Bell Barn, Indian Head;
Government House Edwardian Gardens, Regina;
Heritage Park, Eatonia;
Holy Trinity Ukrainian Church, Prince Albert;
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Moose Jaw;
The Leader Building, Regina;
Legislative Library, Regina;
Opera House, Battleford;
Rumley Distinctive Lofts, Saskatoon; and
War Memorial, Moose Jaw;
Water Tower, Humboldt.
Battleford Town Hall and Opera House was built in 1912 for $40,000. It was designed by Saskatoon architect W.W. LaChance and built by Pigott and Son of Hamilton, Ont.
It was declared a Municipal Heritage Property in 1982. A symbol of town optimism, the town hall and opera house is valued for its association with the historical beginnings of the town of Battleford. Until it was damaged by fire in 1965, the opera house accommodated school plays, high school graduations, live theatre, musical talent nights, Christmas concerts, dances, and firemen's banquets.
The town hall opera house phenomenon was once a common site in Saskatchewan, but only a few are left standing. Today, only Wolseley's sees regular use. Fort Qu'Appelle's is no longer used due to fire regulations, Prince Albert's was sacrificed for office space, and Hanley's was demolished in 1982.
