Historic brick making plant gets help to preserve kiln

The historic Claybank Brick Plant, southwest of Regina, will soon be able to refurbish one of the kilns that was used to make bricks for such buildings as the Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon and the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City.

The provincial and federal governments are chipping in a total of $95,000 for the work.

The brick factory, near Avonlea, Sask., is noted as the most intact facility of its kind that shows the way bricks were made for much of the 20th century.

It was in operation from 1912 to 1989.

Most of the bricks it produced were noted for their ability to withstand very high temperatures.

Today, the plant is a national historic site.