WHITEHORSE - Tourism and Culture Minister Elaine Taylor will unveil a plaque next Friday that designates the Mayo Legion Hall as a Yukon historic site, under the Yukon Historic Resources Act.
"On behalf of the Yukon government, it is an honour to attend this special ceremony," Taylor said. "I commend the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun, and all the citizens of Mayo, for their commitment to preserving Yukon’s built heritage."
The Mayo Legion Hall was nominated for designation as a historic site by its owner, the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun. This First Nation has a strong connection to this building and was the site of many land claims meetings. This nomination was evaluated and recommended for designation by the Yukon Heritage Resources Board and is supported by the Department of Tourism and Culture.
The Legion Hall was built in 1936 by Alex Nicol, one of Mayo's founders. He constructed the building as a speculative venture during a mining boom in the Mayo Mining District. For much of its history, the building served as a meeting place and learning centre. The Royal Canadian Legion occupied the building from 1972 to 2003. This is the last remaining historic building in Yukon to serve as a legion hall.
The Yukon government supported the Mayo Legion Hall with $85,000 toward stabilization and restoration work. The building is the fourth place to be designated as a Yukon Historic Site. The Mabel McIntyre House in Mayo was the first to be designated, in December 2003.
The public is invited to attend this special ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. at the Mayo Legion Hall on Friday, August 10. Refreshments will be served.
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| Contact: |
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| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications 867- 633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca |
Alicia Debreceni Communications, Tourism and Culture 867-667-8589 alicia.debreceni@gov.yk.ca |
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