Other Name(s)
C.P.R Dam
Canadian Pacific Railway Dam
Links and documents
Construction Date(s)
1888/01/01 to 1888/12/31
Listed on the Canadian Register:
2006/06/22
Statement of Significance
Description of Historic Place
The C.P.R. Dam is a Municipal Heritage Property in the City of Swift Current and is located within Riverside Park. The C.P.R. Dam, first built in 1888, is approximately 139 metres in length including a low, 55-metre long, earth-filled wooden plank spillway.
Heritage Value
The heritage value of the C.P.R. Dam lies in its use as a reservoir, formerly providing water for the steam locomotives travelling the Canadian Pacific Railway's main line. With the Swift Current Creek determined to be a reliable source of water required to service the locomotives, in 1888, a 139-metre long, earth, stone and plank dam was built to fulfill this important need of the C.P.R. With the flow of the Swift Current Creek harnessed, water was pumped to the roundhouse and water tank near the station. The dam has been subsequently been rebuilt with a concrete crest, wings and walls and wood plank spillway over top of the earth-filled construction and now serves as a landscape feature in Riverside Park.
Source:
City of Swift Current Bylaw No.21-1985.
Character-Defining Elements
The heritage value of the C.P.R. Dam resides in the following character-defining elements:
-those elements that reflect the property’s use as a C.P.R. water reservoir, including its original location on the Swift Current Creek, its low profile, earth-filled construction with north and south retaining walls totaling 84.4 metres in length; an overflow 54.9 metres in length with a concrete crest, wing walls and wooden plank spillway.
Recognition
Jurisdiction
Saskatchewan
Recognition Authority
Local Governments (SK)
Recognition Statute
Heritage Property Act, s. 11(1)(a)
Recognition Type
Municipal Heritage Property
Recognition Date
1985/05/06
Historical Information
Significant Date(s)
n/a
Theme - Category and Type
- Developing Economies
- Communications and Transportation
Function - Category and Type
Current
- Community
- Civic Space
Historic
- Industry
- Water or Sewage Facility
- Transport-Rail
- Station or Other Rail Facility
Architect / Designer
n/a
Builder
n/a
Additional Information
Location of Supporting Documentation
Department of Culture, Youth and Recreation
Heritage Resources Branch
1919 Saskatchewan Drive
File: MHP 841
Cross-Reference to Collection
Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier
MHP 841
Status
Published
Related Places
n/a