CBC’s virtual road trip series, Land of Living Stories, is delving into the hidden treasures of Saskatchewan. Reporter Janani Whitfield embarked on a journey to Gravelbourg to uncover tales of community resilience. This installment is the second of a four-part series focusing on Gravelbourg.
Maria Lepage, overseeing a historic B&B, gazes out at the vacant school and convent where she once roamed as a child. The imposing 90,000-square-foot edifice stands as a landmark in the town of Gravelbourg, a community known for its European charm.
The building, now up for grabs, awaits a visionary individual with a sustainable plan to revitalize it. Lepage treasures this gem and laments the idea of demolishing the historic structure, emphasizing its unrecognized value in the town.
Gravelbourg, initially established by French settlers, boasts a heritage marked by sturdy brick constructions dating back to the early 20th century. The convent, built in 1917 alongside the renowned cathedral and bishop’s palace, aimed to position Gravelbourg as a prominent French hub in the West.
Despite its rich history, the convent has faced challenges since its closure, with the town struggling to maintain the aging structure for potential rentals. Various ideas have been proposed, including unconventional uses like a casino or a penitentiary, but a viable long-term solution remains elusive.
Town officials are eager to see the convent repurposed, preferably as a housing initiative to address the community’s pressing needs. The allure of preserving such a unique historical site resonates with locals, like Toos Giesen-Stefiuk, who actively advocate for the restoration and maintenance of Gravelbourg’s architectural heritage.
While previous attempts to transform the convent into a housing complex faltered due to funding constraints, renewed interest in housing projects across Canada has reignited hopes of realizing this ambitious vision. The community remains optimistic about the transformative potential of repurposing the century-old convent, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical landmarks for future generations.