CARSTAIRS - A long-time Carstairs resident has donated $50,000 in support of the new Carstairs Nature Space (CNS), with the funds earmarked for the creation of meeting and visiting spaces.
Brent Trottier made the donation during a brief ceremony recently, with Carstairs and District Agricultural Society president Charlie Van Arnam, fundraising committee members Sharon Lampitt and Jerry Roberts, and Carstairs mayor Lance Colby in attendance.
“The CNS committee is very appreciative of Brent's dedication to the committee and his generous donation,” said Roberts. “We are so blessed in Carstairs to have so many individuals contributing to our parks for so many years.”
The Carstairs Nature Space is located on the town’s south side and is a joint effort between the ag society and the Town of Carstairs.
In the planning stages since 2018, the CNS features a perimeter trail for walking that is also long enough for cross-country running in summer and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
There will also a small toboggan hill, an agriculture production, gardening and native grass demonstration area, water areas with cattails and other wetland vegetation.
Also included will be natural play areas for children, temporary seating can be set up for music and other performances, as well as places to sit and visit along the connecting paths among the trees.
Trottier was born and raised in Carstairs and has always lived in town.
He has been dedicated to community service, including as an Elks member for almost 50 years and as a longtime Carstairs legion member. He was also instrumental in helping build the Carstairs Community Golf Club.
Funding for CNS has come from various sources, including government and corporate grant programs, local and area businesses, service organizations, private contributions, and infrastructure suppliers.
