Save the Raymond School of Agriculture

In 1920 the Province of Alberta opened the Raymond School of Agriculture. It was one of six Agriculture Colleges that the Province opened in the 1910s and 1920s. The Raymond building is the only remaining original structure from those schools. It was designed by R. P. Blakey, one of the architects who designed the Provincial Legislature. The school operated on and off for about 10 years. The building served the Province as a mental health and long-term care facility from the 1930s until it was closed in 2009.

Learn more about the history of the building:

• Alberta Culture and Tourism’s 2016 Statment of Significance
• Alberta Culture and Tourism’s 2013 Mature Building Assessment
• Raymond Historical Society’s – History of Raymond School of Agriculture
• Lethbridge Historical Society’s – History of the Provincial Auxiliary Mental Hospital in Raymond

Alberta’s Minister of Health, Sarah Hoffman, sent a letter outlining her Ministry’s plans to demolish the entire facility. Sadly, neglect had brought these historic buildings to that point. In spite of sitting empty for almost 10 years, reports commissioned by AHS indicate that it is still in fair to good condition and is clear of any significant environmental contamination. In fact, as recently as 2013, Alberta Culture and Tourism recommended the site for designation as a historic site. As of December 2018, the buildings are now privately owned and demolition is no longer being considered.

The following are reports about its condition:

• 2017 Phase 2 Environmental Assessment
• 2016 Phase 1 Environmental Assessment
• 2015 Building Condition Audit
• 2013 Mature Building Assessment from Alberta Culture and Tourism
• 2011 Environmental Survey Assessment
• 2002 (ongoing) Facility Condition Assessment

See also:

• Interior Photos and Video from March 2017
• 1988 architectural plans
• Original 1919 floor plans

Quotes from the Province’s own evaluations of the buildings

“The site does merit Provincial Historic Resource designation.”
Page 4 of Mature Building Procedure Assessment – Alberta Culture – 2013

“Under the theme of Agricultural Training School there are no currently designated resources that are directly comparable with the Raymond Care Centre.”
Page 3 of Mature Building Procedure Assessment – Alberta Culture – 2013

“This building maintains the majority of heritage value and in its current overall fair condition it is worthy and capable of being conserved as a historic site.”
Page 18 of Building Condition Audit prepared for Alberta Health Services – 2015

“The majority of the facade remains intact and despite its interior modifications, it has great potential for conservation and adaptive reuse.”
Page 3 of Building Condition Audit prepared for Alberta Health Services – 2015

More quotes from the various assessment done by the Province.

We were successful in getting demolition off the table for this building and encouraging the Province to sell it. If you are interested in helping in the preservation of other historic buildings in Raymond or following the progress of the building’s restoration:

1. Join the Facebook Group
2. Follow & Share the Facebook Page

Save the Raymond School of Agriculture #savethersa

Your letters, phone calls and petitions were successful in bringing the Province to the table and facilitating a sale. Thank you!