A wildfire that occurred on April 18th near Elk Island National Park has destroyed the Visitor Centre Buildings at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village.
RCMP have stated that the fire had spread to the structure inside the village, which features 40 restored buildings commemorating the settlement of east central Alberta by Ukrainians.
Tanya Fir, minister of arts, culture, and status of women, along with Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, parliamentary secretary for Ukrainian evacuees, said that the buildings housed irreplaceable historical artifacts.
In a joint statement on April 19th, the two stated that “While we are incredibly grateful to the first responders whose swift response saved the historical buildings on site, we are saddened to confirm that the Visitor Centre Buildings were lost.” They went to on to say that “This is a profound loss-not only for the Ukrainian community, but for all Albertans who value and honour our province’s diverse cultural heritage.”
Fir and Armstrong-Homeniuk say that more information will be provided as it becomes available in the coming weeks.
The government of Alberta will re-open the site when it’s appropriate to do so.
Officials have not shared any details about the full extent of the damage inside the Village.
Highway 16 near Elk Island was closed in both directions as fire crews battled the blaze. The fire was called in about 2:00 p.m. on Good Friday (April 18) just south Highway 16 outside Elk Island.
Written by: Nikki Ritchot – Vista Radio
