Recognizing that the past year was not exactly a period of unprecedented booming economic prosperity for the province, including Sundre, there nevertheless remains plenty of room to celebrate with optimism for the future.
Many small rural towns just about everywhere continue to struggle with either stagnant or declining populations during a time of major demographic shifts that has seen more and more people relocating to major metropolitan centres than ever before in human history. Sundre by comparison retains a multifaceted appeal that has seen the town’s numbers not only stay fairly steady but even grow — even if ever so slightly.
Over the past year construction began on the first phase of the new Candre Cannabis facility and an application for a 56-unit bare land condominium subdivision was approved. Although construction on the latter has not yet gotten started, the ball seems to be moving in the right direction.
In the meantime, annual longstanding staple events such as the Sundre Pro Rodeo continue to draw out significant crowds, as do more recent endeavours such as the Sundre Hospital Legacy Gala, which in its third year eclipsed the amounts previously raised for physician recruitment and retention as well as a future facility.
Also, after a break in 2016 following the decline in oil and gas activity, SPOG’s Neighbours’ Day was back again after returning in 2017.
Additionally, there were some major milestone anniversaries observed this year — most notably the Sundre Hospital and Care Centre as well as the Sundre Pioneer Village Museum, which both celebrated their 50th birthdays.
And more recently, the annual Sundre Santas program, which this year found a new temporary home, continues to receive some stellar support from the community and remains a success after many years.
There have also been concerted efforts to introduce new events that expand Sundre’s presence on the map for a wide variety of interests.
The second annual Sundre Slingfest was another success, with some riders even coming up from the U.S. for their first time.
The inaugural Art Battle hosted in town brought out a full house at the local legion.
The Canadian Indoor 3D National Archery Championship brought in hundreds of competitors and could evolve into an annual tournament in town.
The first ever Tri-Services Regimental Spring Ball to recognize and celebrate first responders successfully raised funds for Sundre Search and Rescue, the Sundre Citizens on Patrol Association as well as the Chinook Arch Victim’s Services Society.
We’re sure that list is anything but complete, although it is certainly indicative of a small town that has plenty of potential for a bright future, which we look forward to covering.
— Simon Ducatel is the Round Up’s editor
