Prince of Wales Officially Opens Barrier-Free Entrance

Another chapter in the history of our province was written on April 26, 2001 with the completion of work to preserve and protect the Saskatchewan Legislative Building.

The four-year Legislative Building Rehabilitation Project was officially concluded during a dedication ceremony with His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, who opened the new barrier-free entrance named in his honour. The project, undertaken by the Saskatchewan Property Management Corporation (SPMC), included an emergency foundation repair, as well as upgrades to fire code and accessibility standards.

"We are extremely pleased the Legislative Rehabilitation Project has been successfully completed, preserving a building which has played such an important role in Saskatchewan’s history," said Doreen Hamilton, minister responsible for SPMC. "The Legislative Building is not just a centrepiece for government, but more importantly is a vital link, through tourism and education, to our heritage as a province."    

"Our project team used innovative technology in one of the largest foundation repair projects ever undertaken in North America. Four years ago the foundation was failing to such a large extent that had we not acted, portions of the building would be closed today for public safety reasons," added Hamilton.

As part of the project, a new barrier-free entrance was constructed at the building’s northwest wing to accommodate people with mobility impairments. Additional public safety enhancements include the addition of a fire detection and sprinkler system throughout the building. Cost of the four-year  project was $18. 6 M dollars.

The Saskatchewan Legislative Building was officially designated as a provincial historic site in 1978. Completed in 1912, the Saskatchewan Legislative Building is one of Saskatchewan's most popular tourist destinations attracting more than 50,000 people year.

This barrier free entrance will lead to the lower level of the building where access will lead to the remainder of the building.  The Prince of Wales entrance also leads into a new public gallery called the Cumberland Gallery.

The Cumberland Gallery was officially opened by the Prince of Wales on April 26, 2001 as well. The Cumberland Gallery features the work of First Nations artists and will also act as a display area for first time Saskatchewan artists, traveling exhibits and public education programming.

The construction of this access has  followed a strict heritage approach to meet the design of  the original construction of the building over 85 years ago. The photo library section of this site offers further photos of the new Prince of Wales entrance.

For more details on the entire rehabilitation project, visit the project updates section of this website.

Video Tour
This video tour captured  one of the most unique construction projects to take place in Saskatchewan. This video tour will allow you to view in streaming video, the excavation of earth and the installation of the new pre-cast concrete piles that recently took place directly below the Saskatchewan Legislative Building.

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