Government of Canada commemorates Central Memorial Library and National Park National Historic Site

MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English

Source: Government of Canada – MIL OSI Regional News

A social, cultural and educational landmark built in the booming city of Calgary at the turn of the 20th century

September 27, 2018 Calgary, Alberta Parks Canada Agency

With its grand staircase, horticultural landscaping and ornamental features, the library and Central Memorial Park are much more than a beautiful landmark. Designed as a unit, the library and park have been a social, cultural, educational and memorial center for Calgary's residents for more than a century.

Today, Donna Zwicker, an Alberta member of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, highlighted the national historic significance of the Central Memorial Library and Park through a special plaque unveiling ceremony in Calgary. This commemoration was made on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna.

Located just south of downtown Calgary, the library and Central Memorial Park were created in 1912. The library, funded by American businessman Andrew Carnegie, is one of the largest and most imposing of the 125 Canadian libraries funded by this philanthropist. Under the leadership of Annie Davidson, one of Calgary's cultural pioneers, the library was sponsored by the Calgary Women's Literary Club, a group of civic-minded women who advocated the creation of a free public library. help turn the burgeoning West City into a grown-up city that is maturing.

Central Memorial Park, originally called Central Park, served as a nursery for the city of Calgary. When the new library was built, it was remodeled by park officials with geometric trails and flowerbeds designed in great detail, creating a civic and horticultural point of interest. Statues adorning the park pay tribute to those who fought and lost their lives during the South African War, the First and Second World Wars, and the Korean War. The park also serves as a commemoration place; it is the site of the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, the Government of Canada commemorates the people, places and important events that have shaped our country to help Canadians and young people learn with their past. The commemoration process is largely based on public designations. To date, there are more than 2,000 designations.

The Government of Canada celebrates families with free admission to Parks Canada sites for youth 17 and under, and free entry for one year for new Canadian citizens, beginning in 2018 and years to come up. We invite Canadians to learn more about their history – from lighthouses to battlefields, to historic neighborhoods and Aboriginal contributions to Canada – there is an incredible array of places and stories to tell. discover.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and / or sentence structure not be perfect.