Camrose Heritage survey

By Lori Larsen

Heritage plays a intrinsic part of the future. It offers clues into the past and how society functioned and evolved. It also helps people develop an understanding of their traditions and culture. The heritage of a city is vital in determining politics, business and where the city stands in the larger picture of the world.

Camrose is no exception and has grown from a deep rooted and rich history of diversity and culture.

For years, many citizens of Camrose have recognized the value of the community’s history and have been actively interested in the history of Camrose and how the community came to be, but more importantly, how it affects where the future will lead.

Properties and areas of cultural heritage value or significance provide a link to the original settlement and specific periods.

The hamlet settlement was first developed around the commercial core of 50th Street (Main Street) and expanded out in a circular manner.

The first residences were constructed in 1905, located along 48th and 49th Street. In 1912, planners were conscious of the advantages to building south and east of the town center, including proximity to the three rail lines, power station, and better drainage systems.

The CPR, Grant Trunk Pacific Railway and the CNR had a great impact on the development of Camrose, resulting in intense economic and population growth.

A Historic Survey and Inventory was completed in 2011 by a volunteer task force and initially 100 sites were identified, of which 40 complied for the inventory with Statements of Significance. Currently, there are six sites listed on the Alberta Register of Historic Places.

In 2017, City Council created the Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC), consisting of two councillors and volunteers. The purpose of the HAC is to provide input and guidance to City administration and council on matters relating to historic resources and municipal heritage policies and programs. The committee encourages and advocates for the preservation and safeguarding of historical structures and sites.

With the assistance of a Provincial Government Grant from Alberta Culture Heritage Preservation Partnership Program, the HAC and Fireweed Consulting are developing a Heritage Management Plan that will provide the community with an innovative, sustainable and realistic framework. This will inspire the preservation and long-term viability of its unique heritage resources. This plan will help to preserve and conserve key historic buildings, residences, sites, structures and cultural landscapes in Camrose.

Background research has begun, and two workshops have been completed. Goals for the plan include: to grow and protect heritage, develop incentives, tie heritage to tourism and economic development, public engagement and heritage partnerships.

In order to effectively guide the preparation of the plan, an online survey is offered on the City website at www.camrose.ca or on the City Facebook page.

“Our community has many examples of historically significant buildings,” commented City of Camrose councillor and HAC chairperson David Ofrim. “First, recognizing them, and then by taking steps to preserve them, we will help maintain our community’s roots and character. Beyond buildings, the Heritage Management Plan will also recommend how we can preserve other facets of our heritage including Arts and Culture. To that end, I would encourage our citizens to complete

Photos courtesy of the City of Camrose Heritage Advisory Committee

New United Church minister

the survey to help guide our planning.”

Submissions for the survey are due on Friday, Nov. 20. For additional information or comments, contact councillor David Ofrim or the City Planning Services at 780-672-4428.

By Murray Green

It was a natural homecoming for Camrose United Church’s new minister.

The Rev. Helen Reed, Diaconal Minister who prefers to be called Helen, called the church home for many years as her family grew up and she was a dedicated leader for the youth. In fact, she was originally sponsored by Camrose United Church when she advanced her calling.

“It is almost a coming home for me. It was the right time,” shared Helen.

After 10 years of serving in communities such as New Norway, Oyen, Cereal, Acadia Valley and Alsask, she decided to come home to Camrose United Church on Oct. 1.

The church council decided not to have full services yet because of COVID-19 numbers increasing.

“People are really lacking connection right now, and we need to have some sort of services. I’m thinking of groups between three to 10 people at a time. People would have to register to be a part of the group,” suggested Helen.

“The groups would receive the same service. I’d call them Small Ministries. Each service would be about a half hour each, and it would allow people to receive the connection that they need. Singing in church is not allowed right now, but we could have music played in some form at the Small Ministries.”

The United Church also has a service on their website that people can follow each week. “The service has reached a larger audience than we ever thought. People who didn’t come to church, for various reasons, can now listen to the service online. It also allows for greater flexibility, because you don’t have to listen to it on Sunday morning, you can listen to it whenever it is convenient for the listener,” explained Helen.

Her intention, with council’s blessing, is to have both Small Ministries and a website service to reach a greater audience.

As well as bringing people together through Small Ministries, Helen wants the children to feel connected as well.

“We are working on putting together a package that they can pick up at church. It would include a lesson and a craft around a theme. What I would like to do is have them send in a picture or video of their craft, and we can show them to everyone on the website.”

Contact the church office at 780-672-2176 for more information.