Significant work already completed to safeguard the historic landmark
The Trust is pausing work on Creston’s historic red grain elevator following a review of contractor bids that would result in significantly higher costs than originally budgeted. Further work will require additional partners and funding to move to the next phase.
“This conservation project has come a long way since we purchased the elevators in 2018, and we thank everyone involved for the progress made to date,” said Johnny Strilaeff, President and CEO of the Trust. “The project is a huge undertaking and costs are significantly higher than expected. We remain committed to conserving this landmark and we’ll be reaching out to other organizations to discuss potential funding partnerships.”
The work so far has included historical, structural, and health and safety assessments; removing hazardous materials; hiring an architect and construction manager; and 3-D modelling on the red elevator to give the team the specifications it needs to proceed with conservation and to digitally store the exact configuration of the elevator for generations to come. Critical project components have been completed to stabilize the project, including a new roof, structural enhancements, further health and safety improvements and some exterior work including securing openings in both elevators.
“The Town of Creston really appreciates the considerable headway the Trust has made to conserve this building, which means a lot to the people of the Creston Valley,” said Ron Toyota, Mayor of Creston. “The elevators are an important landmark, and we recognize that further efforts are going to take time and collaborations.”
Representing a Canadian symbol that is rapidly disappearing, the Creston grain elevators are two of just four wooden grain elevators left in British Columbia. Approximately six storeys high, they were built in 1935 and 1936. During their prime they were used to collect, store and ship locally grown wheat, barley, oats and rye. They ceased operations in the 1980’s.
Learn more about the elevators and the conservation project—and do a virtual walk-through—at ourtrust.org/creston.
