A representative speaking on behalf of the Sundre and District Historical Society recently expressed to council some concerns about the municipality's plans for the community celebration of the country's 150th anniversary on Canada Day.
Judy Bysterveld, president of the society's board of directors, told elected officials during the regular Jan. 30 meeting that the local historical organization was worried about the change in venue to the Sundre Community Centre from the museum's pioneer village.
Administrative staff had previously asked elected officials to consider whether to hold the council barbecue at the community centre or at the museum as has traditionally been the case, although a final decision had not yet been announced.
However, Bysterveld wanted to impart to council the importance of putting on the barbecue at the historical society's grounds.
"This is a big draw for the museum and should remain a supper event at the museum" after which the municipality's other scheduled activities could go ahead as planned at the community centre, she said.
"We would like to work in conjunction with the town," she said, adding the society's preference would be for council to consider scheduling an evening barbecue.
"We have a full slate of events during the day right through until the town barbecue."
Mayor Terry Leslie said when the issue first came before council earlier in January, he was under the impression officials had expressed a desire to be supportive of the society's efforts to celebrate Canada Day.
"We didn't want to take the event away from the (museum) grounds," he said.
"That is still our position from a council point of view."
Bysterveld simply wanted to keep council informed of the society's desire to collaborate.
"We'll talk with administration and make sure that we make those feelings clear," said Leslie.
"We do want to support the historical society on Canada Day as we have in the past."
More details on local plans for Sundre's celebration of Canada's 150th anniversary will be made public as they become available.
