University of Saskatchewan demolishes silos, barn on campus

On Monday, demolition crews began tearing down two silos on the University of Saskatchewan campus at the corner of College Drive and Preston Avenue.

The original dairy barn has also been torn down by the school.

In a statement, the University of Saskatchewan says the barn and silos were originally built in 1972 for the university’s dairy herd. However, the school said the infrastructure has not been used since 2013 and they were replaced by the new Rayner Dairy Research and Teaching Facility.

“The dairy barn and silos currently being demolished have no further utility, nor cultural significance to the university, nor is it registered as a historic site; however, they are located adjacent to USask’s historic Stone Barn,” the statement read.

“The demolition will not impact the existing historic Stone Barn. Future plans for the Stone Barn continue to be evaluated.”

In July of last year, students with the College of Agriculture felt the Stone Barn should be restored and maintained as part of the College of Agriculture.

A survey was launched by the college to get people’s opinions on the barn and what should happen to it next.

The statement issued Tuesday added that all hazardous materials have been removed from the facilities and the demolition does not pose any harm to people in the immediate vicinity.

“The demolition will take several weeks and all materials will be disposed as part of the environmental impact and assessment plan as part of the demolition,” the university added.

University of Saskatchewan silo being demolished on Monday afternoon. (Shane Clausing/650 CKOM)