Government of Canada recognizes the National Historic Significance of the Dominion Exhibition Display Building No. 2

In 1913, this impressive yet functional hall in Brandon helped farmers discover the latest in agricultural innovation

October 18, 2018                          Brandon, Manitoba                            Parks Canada Agency

With an eye-catching exterior, reflecting Beaux-Arts principles of design, and enough open space to showcase livestock on the inside, the Dominion Exhibition Display Building No. 2 speaks to the importance of agricultural fairs in Canada’s history.

Today, Dr. Richard Wishart, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada representative for Manitoba, celebrated the national historic significance of the Dominion Exhibition Display Building No. 2 with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the newly restored building. The announcement was made on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna.

Built in 1913, the Dominion Exhibition Display Building No. 2 is a rare surviving structure associated with the Dominion Exhibition, an agricultural fair held annually in various Canadian towns and cities from 1879 to 1913 to promote progressive farming methods. The city of Brandon was the last place to host the agricultural event and the building is now one of the only structures left from the Dominion Exhibition.

The Dominion Exhibition Display Building No. 2 is an imposing exhibition hall inspired by the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, also known as Chicago’s World Fair. Its classically detailed entrance facades and domed corner pavilions evoke both the festive character of agricultural fairs and the city of Brandon’s vital role in the agricultural history of the Canadian West.

The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our country’s diverse heritage. The commemoration process is largely driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,000 designations have been made.

The Government of Canada is celebrating families with free admission to Parks Canada’s places for youth 17 and under, and free admission for one year for new Canadian citizens, starting in 2018 and beyond. We invite Canadians to learn more about our history – from lighthouses to battlefields, historic neighbourhoods to Indigenous contributions to Canada, there is an amazing array of places and stories to discover.