The former Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford is likely to be demolished in the spring of 2020, according to the province. (supplied photo/Ministry of Central Services)

By Angela Brown

Eye to the future

Old Saskatchewan Hospital expected to be demolished next spring

Sep 5, 2019 | 4:49 PM

The bell will soon toll for the former Saskatchewan Hospital.

The province confirmed the building will likely be demolished in the spring of 2020 as it has not received any response from its request for proposal (RFP) to purchase and redevelop the site.

“The building and the property has its challenges because of its age,” Ministry of Central Services Property Management Division Assistant Deputy Minister Nancy Cherney said.

Cherney wasn’t surprised in the lack of those who want to take on the challenge of redeveloping the site, however she was a little disappointed.

“We thought there was some interest from inquiries we received prior to that, some legitimate opportunity there, but it didn’t turn out to be that way, so we just move on to the next step,” she said.

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The province will save several structures on the property for their historical and cultural value. This includes the historic chapel that was hand-built by a stonemason who was a resident at the hospital for a number of years, the Veterans’ Park, and three cemeteries.

The remaining buildings not designated for preservation, such as the curling rink and former correctional facilities, will need to be taken down if they are not removed.

The Drumming Hill Youth Centre is not part of the property in question and will remain open.

Cherney said central services was in contact with the Battlefords North-West Historical Society as they wanted to try and preserve some part of the hospital for its historical significance as it was the first mental health facility built in Saskatchewan.

“We have been in discussions with them for at least a year and a half,” she said, adding central services supports the group’s efforts.

While it is likely not feasible to retain the front facade of the old building, Cherney said the organization may want to acquire a piece of the structure, such as stone-work samples or the cornerstone, before the building is demolished.

With no offers after the Aug. 21 deadline for the initial RFP, central services will issue a new RFP this fall for those who may want to acquire one or more of the buildings and remove them.

“Whatever buildings remain, we will go to the market looking for a construction company that would demolish those buildings for us and clean up the site,” Cherney said. “We need to take care of that site. It is surplus to government’s needs. It’s been a historic kind of landmark for folks and we appreciate that, but it is time to take care of it in the sense of cleaning up that property.”

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow