(Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Historic post office future

Melfort Historic Post Office Advisory Group outlines plans, looks for feedback

Nov 5, 2025 | 11:18 AM

An iconic structure in downtown Melfort may soon have a new lease on life, thanks to plans from a local group.

The Historic Post Office Advisory Group (HPOAG) held a meeting Tuesday night to discuss their future ideas for the 113-year-old building.

An enthusiastic crowd was on hand to listen to the group’s presentation and ask questions about events and plans at the HPO.

“We’re very happy that the community turned out to hear all about what’s happening with this building,” said HPOAG director Gailmarie Anderson. “Our main purpose is to raise funds to preserve and restore this historical building.”

The group is looking for volunteers, and also ideas from the community for the building going forward.

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“It is a wonderful building, a community centre,” Anderson said. The Melfort Arts Council, Melfort Youth Exhibition, and Youth Matter are set up in the main floor of the facility as they signed a three-year lease with the City. Melfort Trade Alliance Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lorana McComber also uses a room in the facility as an office.

Anderson said the building is available for rental as well, and the advocacy group is happy that so many people are interested in preserving the structure. When an historic building like the Historic Post Office is lost to time, it’s gone forever, and Anderson said it’s vital to protect them.

“It’s not only historical and a heritage building, but it is the landmark for Melfort,” Anderson said. “You look down Main Street and you see it, it’s in all of our promotion and advertising.”

Plans are in place for downtown Melfort’s most prominent landmark. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

Despite the building’s age, Anderson said it’s in good condition with a solid foundation. Much work has taken place inside and outside the structure, including the replacement of all windows, lead paint remediation, and most recently, the repair of the three flat roofs.

The first phase of the HPOAG’s 10-year-plan includes a renovation of the first floor, including work to the floors themselves. They anticipate that work could take upwards of five years. The next few years would be dedicated to repairing the second floor, while the third floor would follow. Anderson said all three floors were used in the past, with the Melfort Craft Society beginning back in 1982 in the upstairs portion of the building, complete with pottery wheels.

Giving the interior of the building some much-needed TLC will take some time and commitment from locals, and Anderson said the group is looking for ideas for the future of the building and future fundraising events to bring the building to life again year-round.

The first fundraiser that will go to the future restoration will be the annual Christmas Castle, which will be set up in the facility from Dec. 1 to 21. Hundreds of trees will be decorated to view during that time, and there will be daily entertainment as well. Anderson said during that time, the Chamber office will only be open by appointment only.

Residents can submit those ideas or discuss the facility with the advocacy group by email at hpoag2025@gmail.com. You can also contact any of the group’s directors or drop off ideas or suggestions with Lorana in the Chamber office.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com