The Whitecourt and District Heritage Society has been actively working on plans to improve the John & Audrey Dahl Heritage Park and Museum at the Forest Interpretive Centre.
Recently, the Society asked council to consider a few items so the Society can start the process of carrying out their plan.
Officials say the objective of their plan is to create a vibrant and inclusive anchor point at the entry to Whitecourt, to showcase Whitecourt’s and Woodlands County’s rich history, historic sites, and current attractions and leave a lasting legacy of the Communities’ heritage and identity.
“We’ve got some real dedicated volunteers in that group,” illustrates Whitecourt Mayor, Tom Pickard. “Their proposal to council, and to me, look good. They are looking to make that whole experience more enjoyable, more interesting for people and I think it reflects on our heritage as a resource town and this is a good initiative.”
The Society says it will provide a presentation to council in September on their overall concept plan. However, in the meantime they have a few items they would like to get started on this summer/fall.
The Society has five requests:
- The Society would like to create a pad southwest of the parking lot, with assistance of local community partners, for the placement of all the heavy equipment on one spot for display and enjoyment of the public and to prevent further weather damage to the equipment. They are requesting the Town assist them with drainage design.
- The Society is requesting permission to prepare the site in front of the Forest Interpretive Centre and move the Millar Family Log Summer Home and the Millar Western Blacksmith Shop to the site. The Society, Communities in Bloom and community partners will be working together to place a functioning garden space and yard around the Millar Home and landscape the John & Audrey Dahl Heritage Park buildings.
- The Society will be cleaning up around the barn and is requesting the Town’s assistance with disposal of large items. The Society will be placing all remaining items on skids to prevent any further weather damage.
- The Society is also requesting they be able to place two temporary storage units in a discreet location to allow for relocation of artifacts in the barn for inventory and temporary storage until such time they can be put on display.
- The Society is also requesting the Town investigate steps to mitigate the foul odour periodically coming from the lift station toward the playground and picnic areas and disguising or camouflaging the lift station by means of a hedge or similar cover.
