The Hanna Roundhouse Society would like to say “Thank you!” to all those involved in helping our CN Retiree Railroader Reunion held August 7-9, 2015 become a huge success, including:

Greenslade’s Disposal
Special Areas
Venture Fabrication Ltd.
Hanna Learning Center
Caragana Canvas
Frosted Impressions
Freson Bros. IGA
Checkered Flag
K & T Trucking
Tuff Steaming
Westmoreland Coal Company
Eastside Autobody
Q91 Radio Drumheller, AB
93.3 FM Radio Drumheller, AB
Hanna Lions Club
Trina Hernden Catering
Town of Hanna Parks & Recreation Department
Gerry Delisle
Heather Brown
Glen & Crystal Durand
Starwest Trucking
Niki Rooke
Emerson & Martha Robinson
Mark Fecho
Rev. Paul Warnock
Pastor Colin Millang
MLA Kim Screiber
MP Kevin Sorenson
MLA Rick Strankman
Jordon Christianson
Richard Preston
John & Alva Kaster
Walter & Sheila Alksne
Ed & Carol Kurbis
Gord & Maureen Tyers
Dorothy Andrus
Kyle Toporchak
Amber Maksymchuk
Don Boos
Dan & Natalie Stewart
Emily and Katie Kurbis

On Friday June 5, 2015, Sandra Beaudoin, President of the Hanna Roundhouse Society, received official notification from the Minister of Culture & Tourism, David Eggen, of the designation of the 1913 Canadian Northern Railway Roundhouse in Hanna, Alberta as a Provincial Historic Resource! As of June 1, 2015, “the site (1913 Canadian Northern Railway Roundhouse) is subject to the provisions of the Historical Resources Act”.
What is the benefit of a Provincial Historic Resource Designation? “Section 20 of the Historical Resources Act (R.S.A. 2000) empowers the Minister of Culture to designate and protect Provincial Historic Resources.

To qualify for this level of designation, historic places must normally:
-Be associated with an important aspect of Alberta’s natural or human history
-Be of outstanding provincial significance
-Be situated in their original location
-Retain the physical site features necessary to convey their significance


“Owners of Provincial Historic Resources are obligated under the Act to be good stewards of their heritage properties. No person can destroy, disturb, alter, restore, repair or remove any historic objects from a Provincial Historic Resource without approval in writing from the Minister of Culture. However, Provincial Historic Resources can be and often are altered for a number of valid reasons if such actions do not disturb or destroy the significant heritage fabric of the site.”

“In order to protect and promote Provincial Historic Resources, the owners of these sites are offered a number of incentives, including:
-“Eligibility for matching funds from the Alberta Historic Resource Fund, based on the size/scale of the historic resource and scope of the proposed conservation work
-“Access to the technical expertise of Heritage Conservation Advisors, who can ensure that conservation work is carried out in a manner that considers both owners’ needs and resource sensitivity
-“Promotion of the site for tourist and/or educational purposes through placement on the Alberta Register of Historic Places and possible placement on the Canadian Register of Historic Places
-“Identification of the site as a Provincial Historic Resource through a plaque which communicates both the significance of the historic place and the owner’s interest in the preservation of Alberta’s heritage.

The designation of Alberta’s most significant historic places as Provincial Historic Resources ensures that these sites will be sensitively and responsibly administered and remain cultural treasures for future generations.” (Ref:http://culture.alberta.ca/heritage-and-museums/programs-and-services/historic-places-research-and-designation/historic-places-designation-program/#designation).

Now that the Hanna Roundhouse is a Provincial Historical Resource, it is protected by the Provincial Government. The Hanna Roundhouse Society will be restoring this historical building under the guidance of Alberta Culture & Tourism & will be stewards of this site. “Any person deliberately damaging or altering a Provincial Historic Resource without Ministerial approval may be held accountable under Section 52(1) of the Historical Resources Act. Penalties include jail time (up to one year), or fines (up to $50,000), or both. Designation confers legal protection” indicated by Stefan Cieslik, Heritage Conservation Adviser, Historic Resources Management Branch, Alberta Culture and Tourism.

The Hanna Roundhouse Society volunteers spent many hours in preparation for our CN Retiree Railroader Reunion, held in August of 2015. Preparations involved:
-the construction of a stage, for the multiple presentations and speeches, equipped with railroad crossing lights on either side, wired for sound and light.
-pressure washing the entire 5 bay section, graciously donated by Tuff Energy & Steaming, of Hanna, Alberta.
-setting up a system of lighting, powered by a generator donated, for the event, by Special Areas.
-setting up tables and chairs in bays 2 & 3, to accommodate guests during the event.
-creating displays of our larger railroad items, as well as the display of donated/lent photos
-hanging of lights in Great Hall
-installing of Exit signs and appropriate lighting in entrance area
-preparing registration packages, which included a choice of silver or black railroad spikes with decorative tags.

Registration began on the Friday afternoon with a BBQ, donated by Hanna IGA and Manager, Don Boos, who generously donated his time, allowing our society to mingle with guests, while some were still able to assist with the BBQ.

Saturday morning involved pancakes, ham, and eggs and went over very well. Following breakfast, the roundhouse remained open to the public, for guests to spend time looking through our displays, reminiscing around the property, and visiting. The Fall Fair at the Hanna Museum was held this day as well, of which many guests were able to attend both events. A small scale train was also available to transport people around town, to other events taking place.

Saturday evening involved speeches from Deputy Mayor Richard Preston, Special Areas Acting Chairman Jordon Christianson, Provincial MLA Rick Strongman, MLA Kim Schreiber for Culture & Tourism Minister David Eggen, and Federal MP Kevin Sorenson. Mr. Sorenson unveiled a memorial plaque for the six railroaders who perished in an accident near the Hanna Train Station in 1948. Following these presentations, the 180 people, registered for the supper, enjoyed a great meal, catered by Trina Herndon. The remainder of the night allowed many to dance to and enjoy local musicians, as well as visit and reminisce further. A few guests in attendance took the stage to share some personal stories and memories for the crowd.

Sunday began with a breakfast, open to the public, and an Interdenominational Church Service provided by multiple local churches. There were approximately 200 people in attendance for the service!

This event was held in recognition of the CN retirees, as well as in celebration of our Provincial Historical Resource Designation. Ms. Schreiber presented us with a smaller decorative plaque, to signify our recent designation.

This event was largely successful, as many in attendance enjoyed wandering the site, sharing memories of the past, and some were even able to rekindle old friendships, as well as making new ones. Many individuals also suggested holding another similar event sometime in the future.

As the weekend came to an end, our volunteers were exhausted, however it was evident that the weekend was thoroughly enjoyed!

We would like to thank all in attendance, our volunteers, as well as the generous donations from the community for aiding in this success!

The Hanna Roundhouse Society is pleased to present a Commemorative First Day Cover featuring the Hanna Roundhouse. The stamp is based on a photo by Linda Tomlinson (many thanks to Linda for giving us permission to use her wonderful photo). The F.D.C will be selling for $5.00 + $2.50 for S&H and taxes. For more information contact Maureen at cnorroundhouse@gmail.com