Local councils and residents throughout Saskatchewan are urged to identify heritage properties within their communities leading up to the province’s 125th birthday in 2030. The provincial government has launched a campaign to add 125 designated sites to its roster of buildings and landmarks that have played a role in Saskatchewan’s history.

“Heritage allows us to touch the past and embrace the future, to understand who we are as a province and people. Through the 125 for 125 Initiative, we want to work with communities to preserve and protect these places for our future generations,” says Laura Ross, the provincial Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport Minister.

Currently, there are more than 800 locally designated heritage properties throughout the province, but they are located in fewer than half of all municipalities. Although local councils must pass a bylaw to formally convey a designation, interested parties can put forward candidates. In 2020, the provincial government published a guide to help steer community groups and local governments through the process.

Designations can recognize a relatively broad range of heritage elements or characteristics, including: age, architecture and/or aesthetic details; serving as a venue for a historic or culturally important event; playing a role in the community’s social, economic, political or industrial history; or connections to notable individuals or organizations.