COCHRANE, Alta. — Some describe it as a cement bunker. But regardless of design, friends of the Western Heritage Centre are determined to finish their project within the next two years.
The centre located on the outskirts of Cochrane in the Alberta foothills has had a rocky history with stops and starts as interested groups tried to get it built and open.
The plan is for a living museum to honor the ranching and rodeo community of Western Canada.
Calgary corporate fund-raising consultant Norm Haines said another $3.1 million is needed to complete the project. The province has committed $3.4 million from lottery funds.
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“The money’s in the bank and we’re not backing out,” said deputy premier Ken Kowalski, who attended a ground breaking ceremony June 13.
Besides housing artifacts, it will show the evolution of ranching. It will have information on cattle breeding, genetic information and the development of animal medicine.
Officials expect the centre to be a big tourist draw. Alberta was the only province to see an increase in tourism last year, said Kowalski.
“We expect it will increase because the world is fascinated by cowboys.”
