To the Editor:
I wonder how many local residents and visitors view the two derelict grain elevators on Northwest Boulevard as symbols of Creston’s agricultural heritage, an eyesore or both?
After driving through Creston recently, I learned that these two iconic buildings are privately owned. I also learned the grain elevator in Wynndel was owned by CP Rail, but dismantled two years ago. Why haven’t they been restored in all these years?
The property owner of the Canyon Street elevators could work in partnership with the Creston Museum, one or more community organizations and the Town of Creston to restore them. The federal and B.C. governments could be approached for partial or full funding. On the Internet there is a federal application form — “Legacy Fund: Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage” — that can be filled out by any community organization. There’s also the BC Heritage Legacy Fund (heritagebc.ca). Registered non-profit societies, registered federal charities, local governments, self-governing First Nations and school boards are eligible to apply for funding.
Perhaps the two elevators could be renovated in a similar fashion to what happened in Dawson Creek. From www.dcartgallery.ca: “In 2014, the Dawson Creek Art Gallery was recognized as the northern winner of the Architecture Foundation of BC’s best building contest.
“This building is utterly unique in concept, design and its cultural value in presenting visual arts in BC. In 1982 the community recognized the value of preserving one of the iconic symbols of Dawson Creek’s agricultural heritage: the prairie grain elevator.
“Local architect Jim Rose designed the ramp system that shapes the exhibition space and interior court.
“The South Peace Art Society operates the Dawson Creek Art Gallery as an inclusive, creative, cultural centre for all members of the community and the BC Peace Region on behalf of the City of Dawson Creek. The gallery is a public gallery dedicated to the presentation, interpretation and advancement of the visual arts and crafts. The gallery features local, regional and touring exhibitions year round.”
As the saying goes, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
David Buckna
Kelowna