CBC’s Land of Living Stories virtual road trip series delves into the hidden treasures of Saskatchewan. Reporter Janani Whitfield sets off to Gravelbourg on a quest for heartwarming tales of community resilience, marking the second segment of a four-part series from the area.
Maria Lepage, overseeing a historic B&B, gazes out at the now-deserted school and convent where she once roamed as a child. The looming, unoccupied 90,000-square-foot building at Gravelbourg’s entrance sparks contemplation about its future in this charming town known for its European flair on the prairies.
Lepage treasures the edifice, viewing it as a community gem worth preserving. The notion of demolishing this historical edifice deeply pains her, emphasizing its significance beyond mere bricks and mortar.
Gravelbourg’s architectural legacy traces back to French settlers erecting enduring brick structures that define its quaint heritage ambiance. Dating back to 1917, the convent, alongside the renowned cathedral and bishop’s palace (now Lepage’s B&B), were emblematic of Gravelbourg’s aspirations as a prominent French hub in the West.
Despite the closure of the convent and relocation of students to a new facility, preserving the historic site posed financial challenges, prompting the town’s call for innovative solutions. Numerous proposals have surfaced, yet few have materialized into viable projects, with housing initiatives being a preferred avenue for revitalizing the convent.
Residents like Toos Giesen-Stefiuk, drawn to Gravelbourg’s architectural splendor, advocate for preserving and restoring historic landmarks. Giesen-Stefiuk’s involvement in initiatives like the Friends of the Gravelbourg Convent underscores the community’s determination to repurpose the convent into a housing development, aligning with the pressing need for accommodation solutions nationwide.
Amidst the grandeur of the century-old convent, stakeholders envision a future brimming with possibilities, emphasizing the enduring legacy and communal significance of preserving such iconic structures for generations to come.