The Criddle/Vane Homestead Provincial Park

South of Shilo, on the way to Wawanesa is the Criddle/Vane Homestead Provincial Park. It is an important historic site, for it was from here that Norman Criddle operated the first Entomological Laboratory on the Canadian Prairies starting in 1912. From this area, thanks to Norman Criddle, a large number of insects were collected and among this collection were many insects identified for the first time.

An improved understanding of insects, both their harmful and beneficial effects, has been very important to agriculture in western Canada. This site, with its historic importance deserves to be well kept up, and to provide for visitors an understanding of the insects of the region as well as the history of the Criddle/Vane family.

Unfortunately, in this respect the stewardship of the Provincial government under both the Tories and the NDP has left much to be desired. The site was purchased by the Provincial Government in 1974, but it took until 2004 for it to be designated a Provincial Heritage Park. The deficiencies of the 32 year stewardship by the provincial government of this site are evident in the condition of the Criddle home. Fortunately, there is an active local committee which has been working hard and which is to be congratulated for their efforts. Hopefully, in the not too distant future, the home and the site will be restored and there will be improved historical displays (there are some now) present.