Canmore’s heritage will be celebrated on July 11-12, and it will be a time to remember and show appreciation for generations of miners and their families who shaped the community through hard work and spirit, that is still experienced by those who visit or reside in the Bow Valley.
“Our parade starts at the NWMP Barracks and goes down Main Street and will end up outside the Civic Centre and this year in the parade we have all our usual suspects – we have the miners and their families who parade with a plaque with their family name on them, we also have the North West Mounted Police Commemorative Troop that dress in period costume,” said Victoria Ryves, Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre program director. “We have the Ramada train, we’ve got the pit ponies and it ends with our historic cars with the lady of honour.”
Coal mining began in Canmore in 1887 and continued until July 13, 1979. Workers came from around the world and Canmore soon became a thriving community, with businesses, sports, culture and religion flourishing. By the late 19th century, Canmore had an opera house (originally called The Band House), Ralph Conner Memorial United Church, St. Michael’s Anglican Church, the North West Mounted Police Barracks, Canmore Hotel and Rundle Mountain Trading Company.
“Once we get to the Civic Centre we will have our beef-on-a-bun fundraiser which is headed up by the fantastic Ladies Hospital Auxiliary,” Ryves said. “Also this year, Gerry Stephenson (former asststant general manager of Canmore Mines) and Glen Crawford will give the first showing of his historic film about coalmining here in Canmore.”
Screenings of Canmore: A Coal Mining History will take place in the Civic Centre council chambers at 6:15 p.m. on July 11, and 1:15 p.m. on July 12.
Stephenson will screen his film twice over the weekend, and will run a historical mine tour for the public. Stephenson’s tour of Canmore’s coal mining history includes the ‘Twisted Outcrop’, Number 1 mine, Quarry Lake and the Tipple. Tours are $30 for museum members/miners and their families, $40 non-members. Pre-register at Canmore Museum at 403-678-2462.
This year’s celebrations will begin with a Friday evening (July 11) registration and reminiscing party at the Canmore Legion at 7 p.m. On Saturday (July 12), the parade will be held on Main Street beginning at the NWMP Barracks. Following the parade the public beef-on-a-bun fundraiser hosted by the Ladies Hospital Auxiliary will take place in front of the Canmore Civic Centre beginning at 12:30 p.m., with an invitational social for those who contributed to the mining community at the Canmore Golf and Curling Club. These events are made possible by generous donations from local sponsors and volunteers.
The public is encouraged to attend and support this year’s celebrations, and learn more about Canmore’s history and culture through the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre.
