Preserve Buffalo Park Heritage
Donation protected
In 1909 there was a realization by the Canadian Government that the Plains Bison population in North America was endangered. Overhunting of the species had diminished the herd to a dangerously low population leaving the future of the Plains Bison population in question. Working with local rancher, Michael Pablo, the Canadian Government purchased one of the remaining herds in Montana and began the process of transporting the herd via railway to Central Alberta. 
Land was sought out to house the animals, and a large parcel of land was set aside south of Wainwright, Alberta. Then began tasks such as 70 miles of fencing, park farm construction, and hiring of park staff.
Buffalo National Park quickly flourished with bison, moose, elk, deer, and yak. The park also developed a cross breeding program that developed two distinct species, the cattalo and yakalo.
In 1939, the herd had reached such a large number that Buffalo National Park had to be closed because it was no longer possible to manage the herd on the amount of land that had been desginated as parkland. The gates closed in 1939. The land was repurposed in 1945 as a prisoner of war camp and a training area for the Canadian Military.
The Buffalo Park Foundation purchased the Wainwright Hotel in 2011 with the vision of developing it into a cultural and interpretive Centre. The Centre will protect local family archives, as well as promote and interpret the precious heritage of Buffalo National Park.
Since purchasing the heritage designated building, the Foundation has been working diligently to complete the demolition of the interior structure. With such a large building, comes the many challenges that 16 different owners, and original 1929 architecture presents. Not only was there large amounts of asbestos found throughout the building, there are major structural repairs to be made. As well, the local pigeon population was now calling the third floor roof home. The original demolition plans to only complete the first floor were completely altered in 2012, and the entirety of the building had to be completely gutted to ensure the safety of the future guests and visitors to the Centre. Last winter alone, there were over 4200 hours of volunteer time dedicated to completing the demolition and removal of waste.
First Floor (after volunteer deconstruction)
Second floor (After volunteer deconstruction)
Once complete, the upper two floors will house space for rental tenants, leaving the main floor for interactive displays, programming space for groups and schools, archival preservation and a reading room, event space, as well as a kitchen/catering area. The building is being designed to encompass the current needs of the ever expanding community, and bring the local population as well as visitors to Wainwright into the vibrant downtown core.
The space has become a great opportunity for local photographers! Check out our website www.buffaloparkcentre.ca for links to more images!
Our important heritage and pioneer spirit is being protected by the development of this project. The Buffalo Park Foundation will be able to showcase our region’s history through hands-on youth programming for in-school programs that partner with current curriculum, as well as out of classroom tours and programming. Currently the Foundation is able to bring youth and the community into our heritage through interactive tours, youth programming, and various community focused events throughout the year that focus on keeping rural community culture thriving.
Our Vision: We believe in the importance of rural community culture and the focus on developing a truly pioneered experience of heritage, exploration, and experiential discovery.
This truly is, a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Land was sought out to house the animals, and a large parcel of land was set aside south of Wainwright, Alberta. Then began tasks such as 70 miles of fencing, park farm construction, and hiring of park staff.
Buffalo National Park quickly flourished with bison, moose, elk, deer, and yak. The park also developed a cross breeding program that developed two distinct species, the cattalo and yakalo.
In 1939, the herd had reached such a large number that Buffalo National Park had to be closed because it was no longer possible to manage the herd on the amount of land that had been desginated as parkland. The gates closed in 1939. The land was repurposed in 1945 as a prisoner of war camp and a training area for the Canadian Military.
The Buffalo Park Foundation purchased the Wainwright Hotel in 2011 with the vision of developing it into a cultural and interpretive Centre. The Centre will protect local family archives, as well as promote and interpret the precious heritage of Buffalo National Park.
Since purchasing the heritage designated building, the Foundation has been working diligently to complete the demolition of the interior structure. With such a large building, comes the many challenges that 16 different owners, and original 1929 architecture presents. Not only was there large amounts of asbestos found throughout the building, there are major structural repairs to be made. As well, the local pigeon population was now calling the third floor roof home. The original demolition plans to only complete the first floor were completely altered in 2012, and the entirety of the building had to be completely gutted to ensure the safety of the future guests and visitors to the Centre. Last winter alone, there were over 4200 hours of volunteer time dedicated to completing the demolition and removal of waste.
First Floor (after volunteer deconstruction)Second floor (After volunteer deconstruction)Once complete, the upper two floors will house space for rental tenants, leaving the main floor for interactive displays, programming space for groups and schools, archival preservation and a reading room, event space, as well as a kitchen/catering area. The building is being designed to encompass the current needs of the ever expanding community, and bring the local population as well as visitors to Wainwright into the vibrant downtown core.
The space has become a great opportunity for local photographers! Check out our website www.buffaloparkcentre.ca for links to more images!Our important heritage and pioneer spirit is being protected by the development of this project. The Buffalo Park Foundation will be able to showcase our region’s history through hands-on youth programming for in-school programs that partner with current curriculum, as well as out of classroom tours and programming. Currently the Foundation is able to bring youth and the community into our heritage through interactive tours, youth programming, and various community focused events throughout the year that focus on keeping rural community culture thriving.
Our Vision: We believe in the importance of rural community culture and the focus on developing a truly pioneered experience of heritage, exploration, and experiential discovery.
This truly is, a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Organizer
Ashley Stone
Organizer
Wainwright, AB