Historique du projet
La Société historique de la Saskatchewan a entrepris un projet d'infrastructure destiné à la communauté fransaskoise pour répondre aux besoins croissants en matière de préservation et de présentation d’archives et d’artefacts, de centralisation des espaces de travail des organisations communautaires, de création d’espaces culturels et artistiques pour la population francophone, et de mise en place d’espaces commerciaux bilingues dans l’une des deux grandes villes de la province, Regina et Saskatoon.
The Saskatchewan Historical Society has undertaken an infrastructure project for the Fransaskois community to meet the growing needs for the preservation and presentation of archives and artifacts, the centralization of workspaces for community organizations, the creation of cultural and artistic spaces for the Francophone population, and the establishment of bilingual commercial spaces in one of the province's two major cities, Regina and Saskatoon.
In the fall of 2023, steps were taken to seek the services of an expert consultant in project management and organizational development, who also has solid experience in construction and in-depth knowledge of Francophone minority communities.
The services of Ms. Karine Silva, consultant, were retained to advise and support the manager in the implementation of phase 1 of the “Maison de la francophonie” infrastructure project. Her main role is to recommend to the general management and the infrastructure committee on the planning of the infrastructure project, to analyze the documents produced by the architectural firm and the SHS concerning the infrastructure project. The services include, among other things, the organization and holding of consultations, participation in various meetings, production of documentation and coordination of the project.
From the outset, six architectural firms were pre-selected to carry out the Maison de la Francophonie project. After a careful evaluation, the firm selected to carry out this project was 1080 Architecture. Their proposal stood out for its in-depth understanding of the specific needs and unique context of the Maison de la Francophonie.
In January 2024, the partners received a survey to prepare the topics to be addressed during the consultative meetings that would follow.
On January 30 and 31, 2024, partners interested in the Maison de la francophonie project in Saskatchewan were invited to consultative meetings in Regina and then in Saskatoon. These meetings provided an open and inclusive platform for partners to share their perspectives, needs and visions, in order to shape the future Maison de la francophonie together.
The second consultation meetings aimed to meet individually with partners in their workspaces. Thus, from March 5 to 7, 2024, the partners shared their specific needs with their organizations, their audiences and their members.
Participants in these consultations included the general management and management of Francophone organizations located in Regina and Saskatoon. The involvement and voice of partners are essential to ensure that the project accurately reflects the expectations and specificities of the Fransaskois community. Their presence, commitment and reflections helped shape a first version of the needs study, which will make it possible to produce the project outlines and identify needs for the future feasibility study that will be conducted at a later date.
“The Maison de la Francophonie is above all a dynamic and unifying centre, organized around heritage, cultural and community spaces. It will be the meeting point for the Fransaskois community by offering diversified services, inclusive activities and creative spaces in French. The heart of the Maison de la Francophonie is the cultural and historical heritage, integrating the preservation of archives and collective memory as well as the presentation of Fransaskois history. The Maison de la Francophonie will contribute to the vitality and development of the Fransaskois community for future generations.”
– Alexandre Chartier, project initiator and executive director of the Société historique de la Saskatchewan.
This project represents the first step towards the establishment of a building that will serve in the long term as a Fransaskois provincial community centre.
As a linguistic minority, Fransaskois need a space where their language and cultures can be celebrated and preserved. The Maison de la Francophonie will provide a dedicated space where Francophone traditions, customs and arts can be promoted and shared.
Living in a minority situation can sometimes jeopardize linguistic and cultural identity. The Maison de la Francophonie will provide a place where Fransaskois can come together, recognize each other and strengthen their sense of belonging to the Francophone community. By preserving and promoting Fransaskois cultural and historical heritage, the Maison de la Francophonie will strengthen the cultural identity of the community. This will contribute to social cohesion and the loyalty of community members, creating an environment conducive to the development of community and economic projects.
The Maison de la Francophonie will be able to meet practical needs such as community services, cultural and sports services, an archives centre, exhibition halls, commercial spaces, all offered in French. This will facilitate access to essential services in the mother tongue of Fransaskois.
By providing a space for meeting and interaction, the Maison de la Francophonie will encourage networking, collaboration and the sharing of ideas within the Francophone community. This can lead to new opportunities for partnership, development and growth. It will play a key role as a dynamic and inclusive centre and contribute to a better integration and appreciation of Francophone culture throughout Saskatchewan, while attracting visitors and Francophiles from outside.
The Maison de la Francophonie will become a home for Francophone arts, music, theatre, literature and other forms of cultural expression. It will provide a venue for local artists to perform, exhibit their work and inspire the next generation of Francophone artists.
The Maison de la Francophonie will represent an investment in the social and cultural capital of the Fransaskois community, with positive long-term economic and commercial spinoffs. It will be a driver of local development, while preserving and celebrating the unique identity of the Francophone community in Saskatchewan. Whether in terms of the creation of direct and indirect jobs that will be generated in different sectors such as for example for construction and services related to the maintenance of infrastructure; commercial development with its creative spaces and cultural events that will attract entrepreneurs and artisans who will be able to use these platforms to promote and sell their products and services (craft markets, art exhibitions, cultural festivals, etc.); as well as through cultural tourism as a heritage and cultural centre, will attract visitors interested in Fransaskois history and culture. This will generate tourism revenue and stimulate the local economy by promoting the hotel, restaurant and retail sectors.
In addition, by staying in their communities, young Francophones have the opportunity to become local leaders. They contribute to the local economy through their work, their consumption, and their entrepreneurial initiatives. By staying in their communities, they help stimulate the local economy, creating jobs and supporting local businesses, particularly those that offer services in French.
Integrating new technologies, environmental sustainability and long-term planning are essential to ensure the relevance and prosperity of the centre over time. For example, solutions submitted include using green technologies for energy management, and adopting green building practices.
The consultations provided the data needed to conduct a needs assessment to begin the project. They highlighted the specificities of the Regina and Saskatoon regions, while developing a sense of ownership for the project and trust in the individuals coordinating it.
Following all these consultations, we came to the conclusion that the most urgent need is felt in Regina compared to Saskatoon. Indeed, several Francophone organizations in Regina will soon be faced with the loss of their office spaces, requiring rapid relocation. With this in mind, it was agreed to adopt a two-phase approach for the Maison de la Francophonie construction project.
The first phase would consist of building the Maison de la Francophonie in Regina as a priority, in order to meet the urgent needs of Francophone organizations that will see their workspaces disappear in the coming months. This step would make it possible to quickly provide a gathering and work space for the Fransaskois community in Regina, while ensuring the continuity of the activities of the various organizations.
The second phase of the project could then be devoted to the construction of the Maison de la Francophonie in Saskatoon, taking into account the specific needs of the Francophone community in this region. This phased approach would make it possible to effectively manage priorities and logistical constraints while ensuring a response adapted to the needs of both cities.
The organization of these consultations allowed us to better understand the needs and expectations of the Francophone communities of Regina and Saskatoon. By adopting a progressive approach, we will be able to respond strategically to the most urgent needs while laying the foundations for an ambitious and sustainable project for the promotion of the Francophonie in Saskatchewan.
During the consultations, participants identified the creation of accessible, sustainable and inclusive spaces as a priority. The needs include, first and foremost, preservation vaults, rooms for archival processing, rooms for welcoming the public and consulting resources, offices, as well as multifunctional community spaces.
Second, needs include permanent and temporary exhibition spaces, a small "black box" performance hall, and catering facilities. Participants also identified community needs for short-term residences and a bilingual community clinic (health services).
The next step will be to continue the search for land or existing buildings that could accommodate such a project, then to undertake the sketch work with the architectural firm.
“The Maison de la Francophonie will be able to offer opportunities in terms of strengthening the sense of belonging by presenting Fransaskois history and the sense of pride by providing a new community vision; the inclusion of newcomers by promoting Francophone cultures; support for the Francophone economy and employability.”
– Isabelle Campeau, President, Société historique de la Saskatchewan (SHS)
Alexandre Chartier is a visionary entrepreneur specializing in the promotion of culture, heritage and Francophone communities in the Canadian Prairies. With a varied expertise ranging from archiving to communication, marketing, cultural project management, education and music, he has developed an impressive range of skills.
For 15 years, Alexandre has been a key player in many community and research projects. He is notably at the origin of the creation of the Centre des Archives fransaskoises and the initiator of the fransaskoise arrowhead belt. As a strategist and diplomat, he has facilitated collaboration between various organizations to promote education in French and has revived the commitment of the Fransaskois community to its history and heritage. In 2023, he inaugurated the westernmost and northernmost French-language bookstore in Saskatoon while launching the Maison de la Francophonie project.
Karine has a rich career of 25 years in the private and
public, which has enabled her to build a vast network across the Canadian francophonie. She worked for many years at RDÉE Canada, a national organization dedicated to the economic development of francophone minority communities. This experience allowed her to understand the unique challenges of these communities, crucial for managing a project such as the construction of the Maison de la Francophonie in Saskatchewan, while ensuring that their interests are well represented.
Effective communication and relationship management with various stakeholders ensure strong community support and good coordination of the project. Her experience in francophone communities allows her to design a project that reflects the values and aspirations of the community, making the Maison de la Francophonie a true centre of dynamic life and activities meeting the needs targeted.
Karine also has a strong background in construction. Having grown up in a family of entrepreneurs in this sector, she has acquired extensive knowledge of the trade and also managed her own construction company. This experience has allowed her to understand the specific realities and challenges of the industry.
She brings a methodical and innovative approach to project management, using her organizational development and strategic planning skills to ensure the successful design and execution of the project. Her ability to manage teams and collaborate effectively with financial partners, contractors and local authorities is crucial for the success of the project.
An Infrastructure Advisory Committee has been set up to ensure the monitoring and successful completion of the Maison de la Francophonie project. This committee is made up of key members with varied and relevant expertise in our Francophone communities. The members of this committee are:
President, Société historique de la Saskatchewan (SHS)
President of Vitalité 55+ (V55) and Secretary of the Société historique de la Saskatchewan (SHS)
Executive Director, Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF) and representative of the Service d’accueil et d’inclusion francophone (SAIF)
President, Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF)
The Associate Principal Architect assigned to the project, Ms. LeeAnn Croft, has strong ties to Saskatchewan’s Francophone community, having trained in architecture and begun her career in Quebec. She has lived in Saskatchewan since 2007 and is a founding partner of 1080 Architecture in Regina, Saskatchewan, where she prides herself on leading an exceptional team founded on a true belief in the power of design to change the world. With a Master of Architecture from McGill University, LeeAnn has worked on award-winning projects throughout Quebec, New York and Western Canada.
LeeAnn is an architect who is passionate about creating beautiful and functional spaces to live, work and learn. She brings a diverse skill set and enjoys the challenges and learning opportunities that each project brings. Proud to be a creator of the fabric of our communities, her enthusiasm and passion for design shines through in her work with thoughtful responses to design, infused with a sense of play.
The project is funded by public funds and private contributions from community organizations.
Partnership opportunities are possible with several departments and agencies of the Government of Canada (e.g. PCH, IRCC, Prairie Can, BAC, SPCA, Parks Canada, ESDC), with departments of the Government of Saskatchewan (e.g. Ministry of Sport, Recreation and Arts; Ministry of Economy), with governmental and non-governmental entities of the Francophonie (e.g. SQRC, Minister of the Francophonie of France, Centre de la Francophonie des Amériques, Foundations), and with private organizations (e.g. Orano, Amex, Total, KPMG, BHP Billiton).
In addition, the Maison de la Francophonie could become a center of collaboration for various community, cultural and economic organizations. These partnerships can lead to new projects and initiatives that will stimulate the local economy.
Search for funding and commitment of the partners necessary to carry out the project.
Includes the completion of a feasibility study for the construction or renovation of an adequate structure in Regina. A study of structural needs will be conducted with Fransaskois community organizations, in accordance with Canadian standards and practices, with a vision for 2040 regarding their needs.
The community will be met again for a project update.
Sketches will be presented by the firm to the Advisory Committee.
Meetings were help to explore the possibilities of vacant land as well as potential buildings to be renovated to accommodate such a project.
Individual meetings with partners interested in the project were held. These consultations made it possible to understand the structural needs of Fransaskois community organizations.
Consultations were held with various community organizations in Regina and Saskatoon.
A survey was sent to Fransaskois community organizations.
A call for tenders was launched to select an architectural firm and the firm 1080 Architecture was selected.
Call on the services of a consultant who will monitor the project and provide advice for its success.
Felt need to create a Maison de la Francophonie in Saskatchewan.
Informations sur les événements liés au projet, comme les réunions communautaires, autres consultations, etc.
Section dédiée pour les annonces importantes et les communiqués de presse, articles, revue de presse.
Economics is a social science concerned with the production, consumption of goods and services.
Advertising Management though is a complex process of employing various media to sell a product or service.
The web development process includes: web design, web content, client-side / server-side scripting and network security configuration.
Sheet music is the basic form in which Western classical music is notated so that it can be learned and performed by solo singers.
Come Up With a Game Idea. An idea is the first thing that comes to mind when a game is being described before creating.
Sessions. If you are a photographer that spends most of the time in a portrait studio, you can charge for your session.
Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt. Duis leo. Sed fringilla mauris sit amet nibh. Donec sodales sagittis magna.
Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt. Duis leo. Sed fringilla mauris sit amet nibh. Donec sodales sagittis magna.
Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt. Duis leo. Sed fringilla mauris sit amet nibh. Donec sodales sagittis magna.
Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt. Duis leo. Sed fringilla mauris sit amet nibh. Donec sodales sagittis magna.
Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt. Duis leo. Sed fringilla mauris sit amet nibh.
Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt. Duis leo. Sed fringilla mauris sit amet nibh.
Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt. Duis leo. Sed fringilla mauris sit amet nibh.
Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt. Duis leo. Sed fringilla mauris sit amet nibh.
Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt. Duis leo. Sed fringilla mauris sit amet nibh.
Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt. Duis leo. Sed fringilla mauris sit amet nibh.
Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt. Duis leo. Sed fringilla mauris sit amet nibh.
Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt. Duis leo. Sed fringilla mauris sit amet nibh.
Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt.
Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt.
Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt.
Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt.
Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt.
Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt.
