Overview

This multipurpose facility which opened July 3rd, 2004, featured innovative and energy efficient building design and integrated heating, cooling and renewable energy systems. The building was destroyed by fire on March 24, 2016. The strawbale walls were left standing even after the roof had collapsed. The cause of the fire has not yet been officially released.

The Craik Eco-Centre served as a focal point for indoor and outdoor demonstration and educational programming on sustainability. Its construction also provided the opportunity to increase local expertise in alternative building and system design.

The Eco-Centre was located just east of the Louis Riel Trail (Highway #11), one of the busiest and well-maintained highways in the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada. The location is situated approximately midway between the major centres of Saskatoon and Regina, and less than an hour's drive from Moose Jaw.

The Eco-Centre was located on the edge of the scenic Arm River Valley, overlooking Arm Lake, Craik and District Regional Park and next to the Craik and District Golf Course.

Funding for the Eco-Centre was being generated through:

- Fund raising campaigns such as 'Buy a Bale' and the 'Green Lottery'
- Corporate, foundation and organizational sponsorship
- In-kind contributions and volunteer service
- A grant and loan from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Green Municipal Funds.

The Project Manager during construction of the Eco-Centre was Cory Gordon.

Slumping of the hillslide overlooked by the Eco-Centre was a cause of concern for a number of years. Efforts by the RM to address the issue seemed to slow but not stop the erosion.

In 2016, several "food guilds" of apple trees and fruit-bearing bushes were planted out front of the Eco-Centre, with funding by from EcoFriendly Saskatchewan and volunteer efforts of Glenn Hymers.

In 2015, the loan for the Eco-Centre was fully paid off.

On March 24, 2016, fire destroyed the Eco-Centre.

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