The past few weeks have been busy with community events.
Local communities have celebrated several sod-turning or ribbon-cutting ceremonies to add new or upgraded buildings or facilities.
Those are signs communities are growing and have a hope for the future.
Building projects bring communities and groups together.
Three years after the historic St. Bernard Mission Church in Grouard was heavily damaged by fire, the Catholic Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan held a sod-turning ceremony June 16 for a new church building.
Completed in 1902, the old church building was not only a historic landmark in the community, it was also a base for spiritual strength and faith.
The church and community are pressing forward.
Driftpile Cree Nation officially opened the new Maggie Willier Wellness Centre with a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 18. The new centre replaces an old building that served the area for about 25 years.
Services including physiotherapy, a massage therapist and a registered psychologist have been added to meet the growing needs of local health care and the community.
Lakeshore Regional Police Service broke ground May 25 on a project to expand its headquarters at Driftpile.
Two new outdoor recreation areas were also opened in June. The Smoky River Outdoor Community Multisport Court and Beach Volleyball Courts park in Falher at Ecole Heritage officially opened in a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 13. Located next to Ecole Heritage and the Villa Beausejour seniors’ lodge, the court features enclosed courts for pickleball, tennis and basketball and two open beach volleyball courts.
Good Shepherd School students, staff, families, sponsors and the community gathered June 19 to celebrate the grand opening of a new playground at the Peace River school.
Both the playground in Peace River and the outdoor sports courts in Falher were each initiated by a group of local citizens to enhance recreational activities. They worked diligently to raise funds and generate community support.
Recreation is a key component of community facilities that promote healthy lifestyles and choices.
Another community is waiting for a sod-turning ceremony for a major project.
Currently, the Town of High Prairie is pondering a plan to replace the aging Sports Place that dates back about 60 years.
It will be a great day when ground is broken – but even bigger when the new arena opens!
The arena has experienced several structural damage over the past few years, particularly with the snowmelt of heavy snow last winter.
No doubt the community will get behind the fundraising for a project that will enhances recreation for many decades.
Richard Froese