This release was issued under a previous government.
The Historic Bellevue Coal Mine was established in 1903 and operated until the early 1960s.
“The history of Alberta and its people matters to Albertans. Investments that help preserve our past are creating cultural, social, and economic benefits that help build strong communities for the future. We are proud to partner with the organizations and individuals who work to protect and promote history in communities across the province.”
Alberta Culture, through the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation, is providing 82 grants totaling $1.48 million to support community heritage preservation and conservation projects across Alberta. Grants are awarded twice annually to individuals as well as municipalities, nonprofit organizations and businesses to support heritage preservation projects ranging from conservation of designated historic buildings to research projects, publications and heritage inventories.
Examples of funding provided through the foundation’s grant programs include:
Dene Tha’ First Nation (High Level)
Hearing Stories From Below the Ground
Grant Total: $25,000
This project draws upon archaeology, anthropology and the traditional knowledge of elders to better understand the history of the Dene Tha’ people. The study will consist of archaeological surveys and excavations in northern Alberta. Findings will be published and the insights will be incorporated into learning modules for Dene Tha’ students from K-12. Through the project, Dene Tha’ youth will have the opportunity to work alongside elders and archaeologists to gain a deeper understanding and fuller appreciation of the rich history and culture of the Dene Tha’ First Nation.
552861 Alberta Ltd.
Bank of Montreal Building (Calgary)
Grant amount: $70,000 (conservation) / $17,500 (design services)
In 1889, the Bank of Montreal erected a three-storey sandstone building on 8th Avenue and 1st Street SW to serve as its central Calgary branch. Renovations to the uppermost levels of the historic building have recently been completed, including major structural upgrades and improvements to building services. This sensitively executed adaptation of the historic spaces will help to ensure long-term tenant occupancy in the building. Rehabilitation work is ongoing including the conversion of the banker's hall to a fitness centre so that this landmark structure continues to contribute to the vibrant streetscape of Calgary's historic Stephen Avenue Walk.
Ground Zero Productions
Mill Woods Living Heritage (Edmonton)
Grant Total: $20,730
Phase two of an oral history project exploring the history of the Mill Woods neighbourhood in Edmonton, with a particular emphasis on its South Asian and Filipino populations. By focusing on the history of immigrant communities, the project will broaden the understanding of Edmonton’s multicultural past while illustrating the connections between the Mill Woods neighbourhood and the larger city, as seen through the eyes of its South Asian and Filipino citizens.
Crowsnest Pass Ecomuseum Trust Society
Bellevue Underground Mine (Bellevue)
Grant amount: $11,850
Established in 1903 by West Canadian Collieries, the Bellevue Mine operated until the early 1960s and today represents the underground mining practices and technologies used to extract steam-grade coal in the Crowsnest Pass, once a leading coal-producing region in western Canada. Tours of the mine now allow thousands of visitors annually to experience the workings and environment of a historic coal mine, which was designated as a Provincial Historic Resource in 2011. The grant is to develop a plan to conserve distinctive concrete portals as an important feature of the historic site and landmark on Highway 3.
A complete list of grant recipients and projects is available online. The Alberta Historical Resources Foundation assists Alberta Culture in promoting public awareness and enjoyment of Alberta's heritage and is the Government of Alberta's primary window for heritage preservation funding.