For many decades, the grain elevators in Creston have served as two iconic landmarks representing the community’s agricultural heritage.
Originally built in 1935-36, the six-storey-high buildings are two of only four wooden grain elevators left in the entire province. In their prime, the elevators collected, stored, and shipped locally-grown wheat, barley, oats, and rye. In 1971, operations ceased and closed to the public. Ever since, the buildings have received little use or upkeep.
Six years ago, Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) purchased the elevators in efforts to preserve history for the Kootenay region. In 2021, restoration work began on the red structure, coming to a halt less than a year later when costs became higher than expected. Luckily, other funding partners stepped forward to complete the project in the summer of 2023.
But now, due to continued degradation, the small town’s skyline will soon be forever changed with the demolition of the white elevator.
“The decision to deconstruct the structure was not made lightly, but the white elevator’s condition had unfortunately deteriorated beyond feasible restoration,” said Johnny Strilaeff, president and CEO, Columbia Basin Trust. “However, we are committed to preserving its legacy by salvaging materials and working closely with the community to repurpose them in meaningful ways.”
Phoenix Enterprises Ltd., the contractor hired by CBT, began the deconstruction process on Nov. 18, with the goal of preserving historical elements while prioritizing community safety.
First, the shed structure, also known as the drive aisle, will be removed, after which scaffolding will be erected to carefully dismantle the remains of the building.
CBT will also capture videos and photographs to document the deconstruction and honour the elevator’s legacy. Upon completion, community engagement will determine how to give new life to the recovered pieces of the building, including valuable first-growth timbers and historic equipment.
The deconstruction is expected to be complete by June 2025.
