Bag 9, Okotoks, Alberta T01 1T0
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Mount up ... if you can
One of the wild horse race teams struggle
to put the saddle on their mount at the Millarville Rodeo on Saturday afternoon.
For complete rodeo results see page 17 of the printed edition.
photo by John Barlow
Turner Valley landmarks have been designated as
National Historic Sites
By Gillian Beckett
Staff Reporter
The oil rich history of the Town of Turner
Valley has finally found a place amongst Canada's historical sites.The Turner Valley Gas Plant and Turner Valley Oil Field were officially initiated to become two of Canada's newest additions to more than 1,200 other national historical sites within this country.
On May 29, during Turner Valley's Discovery Days, dignitaries such as Highwood MLA Don Tannas, Parks Canada Superintendent Dianne Roy and office manager of the Alberta Historic Sites Service, Ian Clarke joined the mayors of Turner Valley, Black Diamond and Longview to celebrate this event.
Unfortunately, Secretary of State (Parks) Andy Mitchell of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada was unable to attend. However, Mitchell did issue a statement regarding the designation of the two sites.
'The Turner Valley Oil Field and the Turner Valley Gas Plant represent an important part of the growth of Alberta and Canada,' said Mitchell in a press release. 'These sites represent the enterprising spirit that transformed a resource into an industry -- historic sites, like the ones (recently) commemorated, are sources of pride for Canadians, as well as symbols of Canada.'
The Turner Valley Gas Plant has been a symbol of Turner Valley since it was built in 1914, however, the plant was destroyed by fire and then rebuilt in 1920.
The Turner Valley Gas Plant is the earliest gas processing facility built in Canada and the only survivor of its type, which makes a great deal of significance to Canadian history.
The Turner Valley Oil Field was Alberta's first oilfield. It became the leading producer of crude-oil and gas in Canada after the discovery of deep reserves at Royalite No. 4.
Although oil and gas production at the Turner Valley Oil Field and Gas Plant declined after 1942, the field continues to be a significant oil and gas producer.
To signify the historical commemoration, two large bronze plaques were unveiled during the ceremony.
'One plaque about the oil field is to be placed on the highway,'said Clarke. 'The other will be at the gas plant.'
While residents in the Oilfields community are looking forward to the placement of the plaques, another upcoming event is in store.
'The development plan for the gas plant is now completed,' said Clarke, who added that the plan has to be sent to Minister Stan Woloshyn for basis of approval.
Clarke explained that the development plan is for the purpose of stabilizing the antique structure of the gas plant.
'We won't be restoring it to a working level,' said Clarke. 'We're taking a conservation approach toward the building.'
Initially, the development plan was rejected because of the $38 million price tag, however, Clarke said that the cost has been reduced to a more reasonable one-fifth of that amount.
'It's more effective to have the gas plant as it stands in order to tell its own story,' said Clarke.
In addition to the development plan, Clarke said that an interpretive facility may be added to the plant to give visitors an idea of the historical background of the boom-town era.
Development of the Turner Valley Gas Plant will commence upon final approval.
Curfew bylaw to remain in effect
By Cindy Ballance
Editor
After a one-year trial, Okotoks council voted 5-2 to keep the controversial curfew bylaw in effect indefinitely.
After some debate at the regular council meeting held May 25, council voted to keep the midnight to 5 am curfew in effect for children under the age of 16.
At council's request, the chairman of the Policing Committee provided council with a written update on the effect of the bylaw after one year of implementation.
In order to review the bylaw, the policing committee had in attendance several youth members and Cst. Al Palmer of the Okotoks RCMP detachment.
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'The RCMP see the bylaw as a means to intervene in potential incidents and situations where there are large groups gathering in the evening,' said Pearce.
However, Councillor Wayne Meikle was still concerned with the amount of vandalism in town.
He said he has conflicting facts on the degree that vandalism has risen.
According to the Policing Committee, vandalism has gone down 25 per cent, said Meikle.
But according to a Calgary Herald article, vandalism has risen.
Meikle said he requires a correct response to the vandalism situation before he can approve continuation of the curfew.
According to Cst. Dave Blair of the Okotoks RCMP detachment, statistics have shown that overall, vandalism in town had decreased at least 24 per cent.
'That is not necessarily to say that the curfew takes the full responsibility for that (decrease), but it (the bylaw) has been used as a tool at this office and with good results,' said Blair.
Blair added that the bylaw is respected by the youth and it seems to be working quite well.
Councillor Laurie Hodson also expressed concern with reinstating the bylaw.
'Quite frankly I am opposed to locking up our children,' he said.
Councillor Pedscalny disagreed saying, 'I think the bylaw has had a tremendous, positive effect in this community. It supports responsible, good parenting.'
Although there have been no infractions or fines issued under the curfew bylaw, the majority of councillors still felt it was an important tool.
'Before the bylaw there were young teenagers roaming the streets. . . that doesn't happen anymore,' said Councillor Bill Robertson.
'It has assisted parents in parenting. It is not meant to solve vandalism,' he added.
Council will continue to review the curfew bylaw on a regular basis.
 High River RCMP are currently investigating a theft of a men's and women's set of golf clubs from an unlocked garage in the 1000 block of 1st Street West in High River. The men's bag is a Knight with an assortment of clubs. The women's bag is yellow and white with a cover on it, it also contains an assortment of clubs. This theft occurred between May 13 and May 20. The total value of the theft is approximately $4,000. Anyone with information is asked to contact High River RCMP at 652-2356 or Crimestoppers. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for this or any other crime. Crime Stoppers also pays cash rewards for information on any unsolved crimes. Phone Crime Stoppers now at 1-800-242-TIPS (8477) or Okotoks RCMP. Remember, you will not have to reveal your identity. |
