Council approves CPR Lodge relocation

CPR Lodge relocation: Standing on the edge of tomorrow.

In 2008, the District of Invermere took a look at the possibility of somehow preserving the old CPR Windermere Lodge, but it was decided not to proceed at that time due to lack of funds and also a plot of land on which to put it. [Read more]

Forest workers to 'practice their skills' on Fort Steele

B.C. supports 40 workers with $1.8M to improve heritage.

Some 40 laid-off resource workers will develop new skills while restoring historic sites at Cottonwood House, Quesnel Forks, Hat Creek Ranch and Fort Steele, thanks to $1.875 million from the Community Development Trust Job Opportunities and Tuition Assistance Programs, announced Bill Bennett, Minister for Community and Rural Development and Kevin Krueger, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts.

“Four groups of 10 workers each will practice their skills on some of British Columbia’s most popular historical towns and at the end of their work, some will receive heritage building conservation certificates that qualify them for future work in heritage restoration,” said Bennett. “Whether it’s assembling log buildings at the Cottonwood House Historic Site, or repairing heritage equipment at Fort Steele, these projects will not only use the skills of laid-off resource workers, but ensure we can maintain those historic sites in the future.” [Read more]

Fur trade post grand opening

August 8, Fort Steele –

On Saturday, August 8, celebrate the grand opening of the Fur Trade Post at Fort Steele Heritage Town. View a travelling trunk exhibit of over 300 trade items of the 1780- 1830 Fur Trade Era and learn about this important part of Canadian History. Enjoy free live shows at 11am and 2pm featuring David Thompson Stories and Studies, a lively and loud performance by Fort Steele Interpreter Al Cluck. Cluck will regale his audience with the stories of David Thompson told from the perspective of one of Thompson’s employees, Jacco Raphael Finlay, a fur trapper and trader.

Al Cluck is a professional teacher and has taught in schools and outdoor classrooms throughout Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and now in Canada. His one person – live performance: “Jacco, The Story of David Thompson” has travelled throughout Montana and Western Canada entertaining schools, groups and service organizations. Cluck will be interpreting at the Fur Trade Post throughout the summer.

Press release
July 30, 2009
Friends of Fort Steele Society

Fairmont Indian baths

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On a little knoll about a minute’s hike up from the Fairmont Hot Springs parking lot, lies a real treasure. Sitting on a plateau of tufa rock coloured orange, brown, green and blue by the streams of spring water that leap out of the rocks above, is a very old stone bathhouse. [Read more]