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Octagonal Building

Exhibition Grounds, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, S6V, Canada

Formally Recognized: 1983/03/14

Exterior view of the Octagonal Building, 2003.; Government of Saskatchewan, Jennifer Bisson, 2003.
Front elevation
No Image
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Other Name(s)

Octagonal Building
Agricultural Hall
Agricultural Building

Links and documents

Construction Date(s)

1905/01/01 to 1905/12/31

Listed on the Canadian Register: 2004/06/23

Statement of Significance

Description of Historic Place

The Octagonal Building is a Municipal Heritage Property located on a portion of the Exhibition Grounds in Prince Albert. The property features a unique 8-sided, two-storey wooden structure, which was constructed in 1905.

Heritage Value

The heritage value of the Octagonal Building lies in its unique architecture, which was typical of exhibition buildings at agricultural fairs on the prairies. Constructed for the purposes of agricultural displays during the annual Exhibition, this structure’s design was adopted specifically to enhance to the architecture of the city. Its unique shape, white-washed walls, red trim, and "widow's walk" roof top made this building a landmark on the Exhibition Grounds. Its two-storey construction also contributed to its prominence on the grounds since very few of western Canada's exhibition buildings consisted of two levels. Thus, the Octagonal Building is distinctive in its own right.

Heritage value also resides in the building's association with women's contributions to agriculture and community life in and around Prince Albert. Its construction was initiated by the Ladies' Section of the Lorne Agricultural Society for the purposes of displaying their dairy produce, needlework, baking, grains, grasses, and horticultural goods. In addition, the second level enabled the women's group to organize and host many social gatherings and dances in the building, which enhanced the city's community and social life.

The only surviving building of its type in Saskatchewan, the Octagonal Building remains an important structure in the life of Prince Albert.

Source:

City of Prince Albert Bylaw No. 15 of 1983.

Character-Defining Elements

The heritage value of the Agricultural Building resides in the following character-defining elements:
-those features that reflect building's unique design, such as the decorative 8"x8" wood columns at octagonal corners, the dark red trim which emphasises the unique octagonal shape of the building, the "widow's walk", and the fieldstone footing;
-those features that speak to the relationship of the building to its landscape, such as its location on the Exhibition grounds.

Recognition

Jurisdiction

Saskatchewan

Recognition Authority

Local Governments (SK)

Recognition Statute

Heritage Property Act, s. 11(1)(a)

Recognition Type

Municipal Heritage Property

Recognition Date

1983/03/14

Historical Information

Significant Date(s)

n/a

Theme - Category and Type

Building Social and Community Life
Community Organizations

Function - Category and Type

Current

Leisure
Exhibition Centre

Historic

Architect / Designer

n/a

Builder

A. Holmes

Additional Information

Location of Supporting Documentation

Department of Culture, Youth and Recreation Heritage Resources Branch 1919 Saskatchewan Drive, Regina File: MHP 354

Cross-Reference to Collection

Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier

MHP 354

Status

Published

Related Places

n/a

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