#JustCurious: A Sask. legislative building history lesson
The Saskatchewan Legislative building is one of the most historic properties in the province. It’s where government conducts business and introduces, debates and passes laws that impact you.
According to the Government of Saskatchewan website and the Sask. Archives, the building was designed by a from Montreal callked E. & W.S. Maxwell and the construction was carried out by another Montreal-based firm called Peter Lyall & Sons. Construction began in August 1908 and finally finished in 1912.
Prior to completion, the legislative assembly of Saskatchewan was in the North-West Territorial Administration Building on Dewdney Avenue.
The premier at the time, Walter Scott, saw limitations in the space and put the wheels in motion on a new space in 1905.
The location was subject of much controversy. The City of Regina had hoped for Town Park which is now home to the Creative Saskatchewan Soundstage. Victoria Park was also under consideration. Premier Scott, however, had already eyed up the space that the legislative building is currently located on, and proceeded to buy the area for a little over $96,000. Factoring in inflation rates, the cost at the time would be roughly $2.76 million today.
The plans originally called for the exterior to be red brick but once construction began, Premier Scott, decided that limestone would give it a more grandeur look and feel.
The building itself is comprised of dolomitic limestone, more commonly known as Tyndall Stone.Tyndall Stone, is actually a trademark name owned by Gillis Quarries Ltd. It’s sort of like how a lot of people call all tissues “Kleenex” but not all tissues come from that maker.
The stone comes from Selkirk, Man., and the mottling gives the rock a tapestry-like effect.
You’ll see the same in parliament buildings in Ottawa, and a number of Federal buildings.
In 2014, the Saskatchewan government did a lot of work on the stone and the dome.
The Chambers were designed to accommodate 125 MLA’s. Premier Scott expected that people would flood into Saskatchewan, which didn’t happened the way he envisioned. There are just over 60 MLA’s today, but that does leave plenty of room for expansion if our population does increase in such a way that warrants another representative.
The first session of the legislative library was held on Jan.11, 1911.
The final cost of construction in 1912 was $1.8 million dollars. That’s roughly $49.15 million today.
The Saskatchewan legislative building was the first to be named a Provincial Heritage Property in 1978 and earned a National Historic Site designation in 2005.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.