Rotary begins construction on Stoney Creek pavilion

By Murray Green

The Rotary Club of Camrose broke ground and started construction on a Rotary Pavilion at the Stoney Creek Day Use Park, June 14.

The 1,872 square foot shelter will be available for individuals and groups and features a great view of the Stoney Creek Valley. It is located east of the current Stoney Creek Centre.

“It’s a project our club has looked at pursuing several times over the years. Carman Mason and I have been at many planning meetings since 2016, visualizing what a redeveloped park would look like. It’s wonderful to see what has already been completed and to finally be working on the footings of our Rotary Pavilion today,” said Shirley Rostad, at the site of the old campground.

At a later date, the club will add a series of 20 panels honouring the human and natural history of the site.

“We promoted this as a building on a solid foundation. Thanks to the City for making a solid, level spot for the building. Thanks to the City, Rotary volunteers and community groups for providing a solid foundation, and the team that visualized what this park could be,” added Shirley.

Rotary members are also working on old archives to research information for the panels that will be added after the construction has been completed next month.

Co-op makes donation

As provinces across Western Canada take steps to reopen, Co-op Community Spaces is funding projNEW PAVILION

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

The Rotary Club of Camrose started construction on the Rotary Pavilion near the Stoney Creek Centre. From left, MLA Jackie Lovely, City of Camrose Mayor Norm Mayer, Rotary president Jen Stone, Wild Rose Co-op general manager Carol Rollheiser and Rotary member Shirley Rostad marked the beginning of construction on June 14.

ects that will help bring our communities back together.

This year, Co-op is providing $30,000 for the Rotary Community Pavilion to add a covered outdoor shelter, where the community can gather, learn and celebrate together.

“We are so thankful to be a Co-op Community Spaces grant recipient for our Rotary Pavilion project. The grant was a huge morale and financial boost for a project long in the planning stage. We are now able to focus on the build, and research, writing and design for the historic panels,” shared Shirley.

Co-op Community Spaces has been developed to help protect, beautify and improve spaces across Western Canada. As the community begins to reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic, people are reminded of the value these projects bring in connecting and improving our communities.

“We are so excited to partner with the Rotary Club of Camrose through the Co-op Community Spaces program. The last 15 months have been very challenging time, and it’s such an honour for our Coop to contribute to creating a space for residents to safely come back together,” explained Carol Rollheiser, general manager of Wild Rose Co-op. “Investing in our community is central to our values as a Co-op. Partnering with community groups on important projects like this is a natural fit. We are creating beautiful spaces for our community to enjoy now and for years to come.”

In 2021, the program is providing $1 million to 15 communities projects across Western Canada. Since 2015, Co-op has supported 147 projects with $10.5 million in capital funding.

For more information about Co-op Community Spaces or to view the complete list of 2021 funding recipients, visit www.communityspaces.ca.

Augustana celebrates 110 years in the community

By Lori Larsen

On Friday, June 25, join the University of Alberta Augustana Campus staff and faculty in recognizing the graduates of 2021 during an online Convocation Ceremonies to be held at 10 a.m.

The celebrations are twofold, as the campus winds up a month of celebrating Augustana’s 110 Anniversary.

“Although some may think it odd to celebrate 110 years, for Augustana the timing was perfect to take this opportunity to highlight and showcase the enormous contribution Augustana has made in our community, locally, provincially, nationally and internationally,” commented Camrose Lutheran College Corporation chair Agnes Hoveland. “This celebration came at a time of significant challenges facing Augustana and the University of Alberta. The monthlong events have been outstanding.”

Beginning May 25, Augustana highlighted some historical moments throughout its 110 years of serving students from all over the globe, as well as being a major contributor to Camrose and surrounding communities.

Virtual events featuring science, music and student life were shared with community members, illustrating the diversity that makes Augustana an outstanding institution and a leader in educational experience.

“I have been made aware and am thankful that the advocacy done by City council, the Friends of Augustana and many other individuals has played a major role in where Augustana has landed within the University restructuring,” said Hoveland.

The Convocation will feature speakers and messages typical to convocations of the past, but will also have opportunities for graduates and the broader University of Alberta community to interact online, including shared messages of congratulations, gratitude and inspiration with graduates; stories featuring graduates from the Class of 2021; access to Instagram filters/ Facebook frames; and the capability of searching a listing of graduate names.

Registration for the convocation is not required. Simply visit ualberta.ca.

While the 2020-21 school year may have been unique in its delivery, the end result is the same: students proudly moving on to the next path of their journey, with a solid foundation of support under their feet as Augustana alumni.