Melfort’s Historical Buildings: Court of King’s Bench

While pictures inside the building are prohibited, it features distinctive features like oak woodwork, a surfaced terrazzo floor, and brass doorknobs with the provincial crest of Saskatchewan.

“These details really show how much care went into the design of the building, and it does give it a sense of dignity, permanence, and importance,” Mellon said.

The building is one of the courthouses across Saskatchewan that was designed by the office of provincial architect and engineer Maurice Sharon.

“These courthouses were intended to provide functional government spaces, but also created impressive civic landmarks in the communities,” said Mellon.

The landscaping of the building has also added to its stature on Main St., with arrangements made to terrace the grounds. Landscape artist George Watts also enhanced the grounds with native trees and shrubs, and it is regularly one of the most immaculately kept properties in Melfort.

The facility has served many functions throughout its existence, with courtrooms, a judge’s room, a sheriff’s office, other offices, prisoners’ cells, a storage vault, and a heating plant.

“Interestingly, there were separate rooms for male and female witnesses, so the building was designed to accommodate the full range of activities associated with a court system,” explained Mellon.

The courthouse was designated as a provincial heritage site in 1991. Mellon said the designation recognizes both its architecture and historical importance and acknowledges the role the building played in the community.

The building itself underwent a significant restoration several years ago, with a courtroom expansion and upgraded security measures. A window replacement project in 2023 replaced inefficient windows that were installed four decades previous.

Earlier articles highlighting historic buildings in Melfort included spotlights on the Clift Building and the Historic Post Office.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Melfort’s Historical Buildings: Court of King’s Bench

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