Nanton elevators are among the finalists in the Next Great Save competition

Content of the article

The non-profit group that owns and operates Nanton's elevators is among 12 finalists vying for the award. $50,000 first place prize through the National Trust for Canada.

The National Trust of Canada announced the finalists on Wednesday for the Next Great Save competition, which empowers communities to save heritage sites. The first place winner will receive $50,000 in cash, while second place will receive $10,000 and third place will receive $5,000.

Content of the article

Content of the article

Nanton has three elevators with a set dual Alberta Wheat Pool elevators and the Pioneer elevator complex.

Leo Weiser, president of Nanton The Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Center said winning the competition would be great, but the money “It's just a drop in the bucket for the overall scale of what should be on our site.”

The first-place prize will include the nonprofit's engineering documents, as well as work done on the Alberta Wheat Basin elevators and office, Weiser said.

“We've got less than five years to get started on (Alberta Basin lifts) before it becomes a big problem,” Weiser said, adding that the “lion's share” of any winnings would go towards repairing those lifts.

To support community operations, the group is also working to bring the Pioneer elevator addition to a level where it can be used year-round, Weiser said.

“It's going to be our museum and gallery, and we want to make it a 365-day-a-year space,” he said.

According to Weiser, the society is constantly applying for grants, turning to private foundations and seeking corporate sponsors.

Content of the article

Content of the article

“We are creating a multifaceted approach that will not end in the next 15 years,” he said.

Public voting determines the winner, and Weiser believes the community has a strong chance of winning.

“We want people to understand that (elevators) are going to disappear very quickly,” Weiser said. “We have over 100 wood-frame elevators in Alberta. We topped 1700 in Alberta in '33. They disappear quickly.”

The finalists for the Next Great Save competition were chosen based on their contributions to their communities while preserving their historic site and addressing pressing issues such as climate change, diversity and inclusion, the National Trust said in a news release Wednesday. .

“These projects demonstrate how heritage can lift communities by supporting economic development, community gathering, entertainment and education. Each is led by a passionate team who care deeply about their historic place and the future of their community,” said National Trust Executive Director Dr Patricia Kell.

“Through this competition, we are helping to extend the life of these valuable heritage sites and raise awareness of the social, environmental, economic and welfare benefits they bring.”

Content of the article

Online voting begins at 10 a.m. on April 18, with the public allowed to vote hourly throughout the day www.nextgreatsave.ca. Voting ends on May 6 at 17:00 The top three will be announced on May 7.

The other finalists are:

• Cape Bear Lighthouse and Marconi Station – Murray Harbor, PEI
• Cité-des-Hospitalières – Montreal, Ext.
• Greenlee Island Homes – Blanc Sablon, Sq.
• LaSalle Theater – Kirkland Lake, Ont.
• Mon Kiang School – Vancouver, BC
• Old St. Thomas Church – Moose Factory, Ont.
• Our Lady of Mercy Heritage Church – Aguatuna, NL
• Roxy Theater – Coleman, Alta.
• St. Andrew's Lodge – Qualicum Beach, BC
• St. John's Arts Center – Arihat, NS
• Welland Central Fire Station – Welland, Ont.

Content of the article