A cornerstone of Fort Qu’Appelle’s history has found new life. The 1886 McDonald House has been purchased by the Fort Qu’Appelle Heritage Museum, marking a victory for local heritage preservation.
“It was a no-brainer,” said Alan Hustak, curator of the museum. “The house is such an integral part of the town. Archibald McDonald is the father of Fort Qu’Appelle…so the house is just a natural extension of the museum.”
The house sits on the original site of Fort Qu’Appelle and was built by Archibald McDonald, the last chief factor of the Hudson’s Bay Company. It was purchased for $350,000 following an intense community-driven fundraising campaign.
In just six weeks the museum raised $150,000 through public donation from across the country, with contributions ranging from an eight-year-old’s piggy bank to cheques for $50,000. The Town of Fort Qu’Appelle stepped in with an additional $208,000 provided as a ten-year, interest-free loan to close the deal.
“We couldn’t let it slip,” said Mayor Brian Strong. “There’s too much history, like 144 years of it.”
“If we would have let it go, it would have been lost forever,” said Strong.
The Fort Qu’Appelle Museum, which saw a 50 per cent increase in visitors over the summer, plans to restore the home and open parts of it to the public by April. A full restoration is expected to take between the next 20 to 30 years.
“It’s not going to happen overnight,” said Hustak. “The whole site is going to be redeveloped, but for the moment the front room [and additional rooms on the main floor] will be open to the public.”
Future plans include establishing Archibald McDonald Park on site and possibly hosting community events such as weddings.
Despite the excitement the project presents challenges.
“We’re run by volunteers,” said Hustak. “The problem is most of our volunteers are of a certain age, and it’s getting harder and harder to just have [the museum] staffed.”
Recognizing the need for stability and growth, the museum is looking “into hiring a full-time paid position,” said Hustak. The museum also plans to apply for provincial and federal grants as the house is on a designated National Historic Site.
The McDonald House has played a role in Saskatchewan’s history. As highlighted by Hustak, it served as headquarters for Generals Newton and Miller of the Canadian Militia during the North-West Resistance of 1885 and later hosted the Prince of Wales during his visit in 1919.
Today, the house features a desk once used by former prime minister John Diefenbaker in the front room. It is accompanied by several personal items, including a 1960s Aislin (Terry Mosher) political cartoon signed by Diefenbaker.
Inside the museum, visitors can already explore artifacts from McDonald’s life; his desk, top hat, dinner set, and town blueprints will be integrated into the restored house along with period furniture, and items found on-site.
Fort Qu’Appelle’s Chief Administrative Officer Don McLeod said that the project could breathe new life into local tourism.
“Well, it’s a certain draw to the community,” he said, noting that nearby electrical vehicle charging stations also draw travelers into town.
Mayor Strong added that town council hasn’t received any complaints despite the loan being funded by taxpayers’ money.
Community members Wendy Harrison and Brent Rosbrook also voiced their support for the restoration efforts.
“I’d rather have it with the museum than see it become an Airbnb,” said Harrison, who works at the Second Hand Thrift Boutique in the old Hudson’s Bay Store. “It has so much history.”
Rosbrook, a former museum volunteer said, “The house is a unique, lively place. It makes the people reflect on the history of the North-West.”
As restoration work begins the hope is for the house to become a new focal point for tourism and community events, connecting Fort Qu’Appelle’s history and future.
