COCHRANE, Alta. – In a valley south of here, the Western Heritage Centre is finally starting to take shape where Canada’s first ranch once stood.
Little more than a basement for the last two years, the centre suffered a number of false starts, but construction resumed Aug. 28 with a projected opening of July 1996.
It is dedicated to showcasing Canadian farm, ranch and rodeo life of the past, present and future. The centre hopes to attract 350,000 visitors a year, said Ray Kuntz, who helped raise funds.
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Money problems have dogged the centre from the start. Numerous design changes and controversy from environmentalists who protested against disturbing the land added to the struggle.
Money has been raised through corporate and private donations, as well as through the federal government’s western diversification funds, said Kuntz. The final bill is estimated at $13.5 million.
More money needed
“Since April of 1994 to today, we’ve raised over $3.75 million out of a goal of $5.3 million,” he said. Another $2 million is necessary.
Linda Frederick of the centre said there has been past skepticism because construction has started and then stopped. Now people can see the centre taking shape.
“That encourages people and it gives them confidence,” said Frederick.
The intention of the centre is to preserve the past and celebrate the present agricultural way of life. The centre will use displays and computer programs to allow people to touch, feel and hear what life on the farm is like.
History of life in the Canadian west will be combined with models and computer simulations that allow people to see how to pregnancy check a cow or watch how animal surgery is performed.
A feedlot model will be on hand along with explanations of feed mixes, animal medicine and other common practices on a modern farm or ranch.
Past and modern life
The centre will take visitors on a trail to view exhibits depicting early life on a ranch to those showing modern practices and the complexities of agricultural business.
The future trends section will look at genetic engineering and research programs to improve food safety and quality.
“Artifacts will surround the exhibits to create the ambience. The function is … not to create a museum of saddles and barbed wire,” said Kuntz.
A classroom, archives and library are included in the centre’s design plan. Children’s programs follow the first six years of the Alberta curriculum so teachers can tie in school work with material offered at the centre and teach classes as part of a field trip.
The centre, covering 3,600 sq. metres, is located on the Cochrane Ranche, a 160-acre provincial historic site about 40 kilometres northwest of Calgary.
