Formerly the Royal Bank Building, the Heritage Arts Centre was originally constructed, in 1905, as the Union Bank. In 1925 the Union Bank was absorbed by the Royal Bank, which operated from this building until 1977. Originally three stories in height, the top floor of the buff-coloured brick structure was destroyed by fire in 1928. The second story was then converted into an apartment for the bank manager and his family. This straightforward design was popular for many storefront commercial structures which lined the main streets of Manitoba’s towns and villages from the mid-1880’s into the mid-1980’s. The facade of the building has a large plate glass window on the ground floor and corbel led brickwork below the second floor cornice. Transom lights are above all windows. The interior features original oak woodwork, skylights and a fireplace on each floor. Designated as a Municipal Heritage building, the refurbishing project has been undertaken by the Mid-West Arts Council, a volunteer arts and culture organization, which encompasses the Town of Hamiota, as well as the R.M.’s of Hamiota, Woodworth, Miniota, and Blanschard. With funds received through various programs, partnerships, organizations and private donations including the Designated Heritage Grant, Manitoba Community Services Council, Heritage, Culture and Tourism, Brandon & Area Foundation, Thomas Sill Foundation and to kick off our Donation Campaign, the Royal Bank of Canada and Whytes Lumber and Insurance of Kenton. Together with donations of time and materials from contractors the Mid-West Arts Council is now operating out of the Heritage Arts Centre. The Arts Centre’s doors were opened during the fall of 2002, accompanied by a part-time employee operating out of a fully functional office on the main floor.

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