|
I am nominating the City of Wetaskiwin for “Canada’s Best Heritage Community”.
Wetaskiwin … Central Alberta’s best-kept secret!! Located just 45 minutes south of Edmonton, the City of Wetaskiwin provides all of the amenities and quality of life of a modern urban-rural centre. With a population of 12,000 and approximately 5,000 visitors on an annual basis, Wetaskiwin is truly the “best place to be”. Rich in history and culture Wetaskiwin is home to a provincial and local museum, numerous parks connected throughout the City by sidewalks and trail systems, excellent restaurants, active service clubs and activities, first class recreation facilities and sporting events, two golf courses, hotels, bed & breakfasts and full service campsites. Wetaskiwin’s downtown core is lined with historic buildings with the highlight being the Old courthouse built in 1907 and the historic water tower from 1906 recently restored in 2005.
As our community has grown, we have taken great measures to ensure the past is not forgotten. Amongst the many retail outlets in the downtown, are thirteen, turn-of-the-century buildings restored to their original splendor, giving the downtown an historic but new look. A self-guided walking tour is available between May – September where you can visit each building and read about the history. Also located along the downtown are several hand-painted murals that add to the historical charm of the area.
On the east end of Main Street is the Old Courthouse, built in 1907, it is one of central Alberta’s historic treasures. This building has recently undergone extensive renovation and restorations, complete with new glass additions to make it the new home of City Hall. On the west end of Main Street is Wetaskiwin’s most famous landmark – the Oldest (1906) Functioning Water Tower in Canada.
Wetaskiwin abounds with museums starting with the local Wetaskiwin & District Heritage Museum, which celebrates the early history of Wetaskiwin and area.
Located 1 km from the City is the Reynolds-Alberta Museum. A provincial museum containing some of the finest restored vintage vehicles found anywhere. The Reynolds-Alberta Museum celebrates the spirit of the machine through lively interpretation of an outstanding collection of vehicles, aircraft, tractors and industrial machines.
Adjacent to Reynolds-Alberta Museum is Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame, where the pioneers of aviation, and the aircraft they flew, are celebrated and honored.
Lastly, located just southeast of Wetaskiwin is the Alberta Central Railway Museum telling you the story, through its rail yard and exhibits, of the work of railroaders, the story of train travel in Canada, the impact of Canadian Pacific Railway on settlements in Alberta.
Wetaskiwin is quickly becoming a major historical attractions location in the Province of Alberta.
In November 5, 2005, the Council of the City of Wetaskiwin endorsed the concept of an historical theme for the City of Wetaskiwin. On May 3, 2006, Mr. LeRoy Johnson, MLA for the City of Wetaskiwin presented a Members Statement to the Alberta Legislature emphasizing the historical significance of Wetaskiwin to the Province of Alberta.
We invite everyone to visit Wetaskiwin for a day, a week, or a lifetime.
|
