Last week saw a dream come true for Jen Peddlesden, Chestermere Historical Society President and former EPCOR Operation Manager Dan Skidmore through the installation of the town’s largest art project located at the west entrance of town. EPCOR’s Lift Station #10 now serves as a gallery for these historical pictures from early lake days greatly enhancing the view into town while showcasing our lake’s history.
At a ceremonial unveiling of the project during Waterfest, Peddlesden, members and supporters of the Historical Foundation were joined by representatives of all parties involved in this collaboration including Mayor Patricia Matthews, Wildrose MLA Bruce McAllister, CUI Manager Ray MacInstosh and EPCOR’s new Site Manger Brett Lovas in this celebration and informal get together.
Peddlesden describes what she calls serendipity in how the project came to be under the umbrella of the Historical Foundation. In fall of 2011 she visited Dan Skidmore in his EPCOR office to thank him for his company’s donation to the Red Ribbon Contest. Peddlesden said, “In passing he mentioned a wish to do murals on Lift Station #10 – I was on this in a flash with ideas of the black and white photos which he liked and that was the beginning of this project.”
This endeavor would continue over a two year period and the serendipity continued with the Clarke’s joining the Historical Foundation shortly after and sharing their wonderful collection of photos of early life in Chestermere, some of which are now part of the display. One of Skidmore’s stipulations for the project was that the photos all feature water since EPCOR is the town’s water and wastewater provider.
In the initial projected budget Peddlesden realized that there were not enough funds through EPCOR’s community investment program falling short by half. Skidmore suggested holding off for another year so that the funds could be doubled to cover all the costs. In the end the project changed from complete coverage of two sides with pictures to having snapshots allowing more money in the budget to feature a third wall of photos.
McAllister who calls himself a proud Chestermerian has been a resident for 10 years and has seen the town grow from 4000 to 16,000 people. On a personal note he thanked the many partners involved in creating the over 81 meters of murals that are a cultural statement of both our roots and where we are going.
Matthews said, “This is the first step of many as a town in saving our history. It’s one little piece of who we’ve been.” She acknowledged the role of history in influencing our present and future direction.
Glenbow museum also was also a partner through the sharing of their photo archive charging minimal costs for photo reproduction. Trent deGoesbraind whose company did the signs is a local resident who also is responsible for the streetscape inspired banners seen around town. He will be providing a smaller version of the murals for the photo gallery presently in the library.
In a press release from EPCOR, “The murals will play an important part in promoting and preserving Chestermere’s history for future generations,” says Brett Lovas, Site Manager, EPCOR Water Services. “Several of the images chosen for the murals celebrate Chestemere’s unique connection with water. As the water and wastewater provider for the town we know the importance of educating about the value of water, and we are honored to be a part of this exciting project.”
Peddlesden said that the timing of the murals couldn’t be more perfect with the upcoming judging for the Communities in Bloom Contest coming up on August 9. One of the 8 criteria for eligibility is the Heritage Conservation Efforts to preserve history within the community. Another project coming to completion by this date is the installation of the Fresno Scrapper along the lakeside path by the library.
It is indeed a blessing for the town when volunteers take on tasks to enhance the community for all to enjoy and our town has no shortage of these great minded and spirited people. On behalf of the residents of Chestermere a big thank you to everyone involved for making this vision come to life.
