#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
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.