Canada's Top 10 Endangered Places List for 2018

The National Trust for Canada names historic places at risk in 2018

OTTAWA, May 23, 2018 /CNW/ - The National Trust for Canada has released its 2018 Top 10 Endangered Places List, which shines a national spotlight on historic places at risk due to neglect or lack of funding.

The Top 10 Endangered Places List is compiled from nominations as well as reports and news items the National Trust followed throughout the year. First published in 2005, the annual Top 10 Endangered Places List includes a wide range of places in danger, from beloved community landmarks to architectural and engineering icons, from heritage districts to sacred Indigenous landscapes.

The 2018 List includes (from west to east):

• Victoria High School (Victoria, B.C.) ? Seismic upgrades threaten the oldest high school in Victoria.
• A. Minchau Blacksmith Shop (Edmonton, Alta.) ? Weak legislation and inadequate financial incentives place this Old Strathcona boomtown gem at risk.
• Moose Jaw Natatorium (Moose Jaw, Sask.) ? Iconic Depression-era swimming facility will disappear if creative solutions for its renewal aren't found.
• Muscowequan Residential School (Lestock, Sask.) ? Local Indigenous community fighting to save this crumbling residential school as a testament to resilience.
• Former Carnegie Library and City of Winnipeg Archives (Winnipeg, Man.) ? Winnipeg's first public library languishes years after storm damages roof.
• St. Mary's Pulp and Paper Mill (Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.) ? Monumental Pulp Tower in historic industrial complex needs investment and vision to prevent its loss.
• White House (Stratford, Ont.) ? A majestic home risks losing its larger-than-life portico and its spacious grounds, key elements of its character that have made it a prominent local landmark.
• Royal Victoria Hospital (Montreal, Qué.) ? The future of this historically significant, yet largely-abandoned complex is in limbo.
• Covered Bridges (New Brunswick) ? These iconic structures are being lost across the province to flooding, maintenance issues and lack of expert attention.
• 1029 Tower Road (Halifax, N.S.) ? Located just outside a heritage conservation district, this beautiful 19^th century cottage may fall prey to densification pressure.

Click here for more about the endangered places.

"The Top 10 Endangered Places List is an important tool that helps draw attention to the diversity of Canada's historic places and the challenges they face," says Natalie Bull, the National Trust for Canada's executive director. "We hope the release of the 2018 List will help support local community groups involved in saving these 10 great historic places."  

As part of its 100^th anniversary celebrations, the Canadian Construction Association has partnered with the National Trust for Canada to sponsor the 2018 Top 10 Endangered Places List.

"Our member companies contribute so much to their communities. The buildings ? be it a school, a library or sports facility, to name a few ? and places they construct make a difference in people's lives. They have likely built some of the buildings featured on the 2018 Top 10 Endangered Places List or live closeby," said Zey Emir, CCA chair. "Helping the National Trust for Canada shed light on these places is a great way to celebrate CCA's centennial. We encourage our members and the public to check the 2018 list to see if a nearby or otherwise cherished place is on the list and see how they can help save places that matter."

About the National Trust for Canada

The National Trust for Canada is a national charity that leads and inspires action for places that matter. Our sites, projects and programs engage Canadians, enhance local identity, and bring heritage to life. nationaltrustcanada.ca 

About the Canadian Construction Association

Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is the national voice for the construction industry in Canada representing over 20,000 member firms in an integrated structure of some 63 local and provincial construction associations. cca-acc.com

SOURCE National Trust for Canada