The Places of Next Great Save 2024

Cape Bear Lighthouse, operational since 1881, is undertaking efforts to rejuvenate their interpretation space and enhance accessibility to its premises. This involves relocating Marconi Hall, constructing a deck, installing an accessible ramp, and creating walking paths to facilitate movement around the site. The aim is to make the historical space more inclusive and engaging for visitors while preserving its rich heritage dating back to the late 19th century.

Cité-des-Hospitalières is a project at the center of Montreal that embodies the spirit of serving the community it operates in. This historic complex has represented the values of the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph since 1860. The revitalization of Cité-des-Hospitalières signifies an innovative approach to socio-ecological transition by reusing existing spaces and promoting diversified occupancy. This strategy not only minimizes the hospital’s environmental footprint but also strengthens the social fabric of the community.

Greenly Island is home to two weathered lighthouse keeper houses that witnessed a monumental moment in history when the Bremen airplane made its groundbreaking landing on April 13, 1928, marking the first successful eastward transatlantic flight. The Greenly Project aims to restore and preserve these historic lighthouse keeper houses, transforming them into accommodations and an interpretive space that celebrates the island’s rich maritime and aviation history.

The Nanton Grain Elevators, comprising the last three remaining row elevators in Nanton, form a significant historical site with five distinct structures. Among them are twin Alberta Wheat Pool elevators, an office building, a coal shed, a balloon annex, and a Pioneer elevator complex. The rail lands, which once occupied the space behind the elevators, dated back to 1896 as part of the Macleod subdivision, with the twin elevators erected in 1927 and the single one in 1929. Despite facing demolition, a group of concerned citizens rallied to save these prairie landmarks by purchasing them. Their collective aim is to attract visitors to the elevators, providing them with new experiences while safeguarding these valuable pieces of history.

Constructed circa 1856 by Hudson’s Bay Company craftsmen in collaboration with Cree artisans, the Anglican church stands upon an ancient summer gathering spot situated within the broader territory of the Môsonîwililiwak people. After being deconsecrated in 2006, the St. Thomas Restoration Committee has set forth plans to repurpose the building into a multi-use community center that integrates both new and traditional functions. This initiative aims to foster holistic community development by offering programming geared towards strengthening families, culture, arts, and language, thereby preserving the church’s historical significance while serving the evolving needs of the community.

The Our Lady of Mercy Complex was built by local fishermen, farmers, and miners over a span of 14 years from 1911 to 1925. This monumental effort was entirely volunteer-driven, with Acadians, Mi’kmaq people, and locals working together. As the largest wooden structure in Newfoundland, the building was acquired by the Our Lady of Mercy Complex Committee in 2022. Their Next Great Save project aims to repair the exterior of the church building, preserving the rich history it carries.

Deconsecrated in 2014 and left vacant, the historic building erected in 1895 found new purpose when the Friends of St. John’s Arichat assumed ownership in 2018. The group is repurposing the space as a Centre for the Arts, while preserving the unique heritage value of this building. Current restoration efforts entail comprehensive refurbishments, including repairs to the roof, replacement of windows, and restoration of the bell tower entrance.

Mon Keang School, established in 1925, is located on the third floor of the historic Wongs’ Benevolent Association Building in Vancouver’s Chinatown. As the first school to provide a full Cantonese secondary education, Mon Keang has played a crucial role in preserving the Cantonese language. Heritage restoration efforts for Mon Keang include fixing the deck, replacing plumbing fixtures and floor surfaces, updating bathroom tiles, and replacing lighting with period-appropriate schoolroom lights and LED fixtures.

The Roxy Theatre, erected in 1948 on Coleman’s main street, emerged as a vibrant hub for entertainment following the destruction of the original opera house in a fire. Renowned for its impeccable acoustics and timeless design, the Roxy stands as one of only three surviving Quonset style theatres in Canada. The project aims to refurbish this historic landmark into a multi-use community performing arts center, accessible to the public and managed as a social enterprise.

LaSalle Theatre, one of the few remaining intact Streamline Moderne Art Deco theatres in North America, opened in 1939 and now serves a burgeoning theatre company, offering a full movie schedule and various activities to an underserved corner of Northeastern Ontario. Restored in 2013 by SaveTheLaSalle, the theatre continues to thrive as a cultural hub. Current restoration efforts aim to return the building to its 1939 glory by restoring the roof and ceiling for safety and renting out two apartments and office space.

Constructed in 1938 on waterfront property, St. Andrews Lodge exemplifies the Arts and Crafts architectural style and has been a cornerstone of the tourism industry for over 80 years. Its rich heritage is evident in features such as old-growth cedar wainscoting, a natural river rock fireplace, hand-hewn wood beams, and floors made of clear old-growth fir. The lodge is poised to undergo a transformation into a vibrant community hub for arts, culture, and nonprofit activities.