Rosebud School of The Arts has wasted no time in going ahead with the start of construction of the Rosebud Centre.
In October of last year, after many years of planning and lobbying, the school received federal and provincial money to work on the planned Rosebud Centre. The plan is for a two-storey 10,000 square foot development that will expand the theatre’s dining area, gift shop, and add a tourist information centre, withflexible teaching space for Rosebud School of the Arts.
The streetscape of Rosebud is in flux as construction has begun. A barrier has been set up on the south corner of the main intersection in the hamlet beside the Mercantile Dining Room. Krawford Construction Inc. of Calgary is the main contractor. The architects are Riddell Kurczaba of Calgary.
Bob Davis Executive Director, Rosebud Theatre says they began to break ground on the Rosebud Centre right after the cheque presentation last October. After some redesigning of the basement to meet new codes, they have continued and are close to finishing the foundation, and are almost ready to start framing up walls.
“We are still targeting a spring 2011 opening,” said Davis. “Even though we have gotten off to a slower start than we planned, we are looking at reaching our target.”
The Mail reported in its October 7, 2009 edition the federal government has committed $2 million to the project through the Community Adjustment Program. This is a two-year $1 billion national program that is part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. According to a release, it is designed to provide an economic stimulus by supporting projects that create jobs and maintain employment in rural communities.
The provincial government also stepped up to the plate contributing $450,000 through the Community Facility Enhancement Program. They have also received contribution through the private and corporate community.
He says, while the construction has begun, the fundraising will continue.
“We have set a target of $1,000,000 to raise to bring the project to completion, but we are able to do a substantial amount of the construction with the money we have,” said Davis.
The Rosebud Centre is not the only change to the vibrant hamlet. Right across from the Rosebud Centre is the newly refurbished Rosebud Museum. The Rosebud Fire Department is in the midst of its own project, a new fire hall just north of the main intersection.
“Those three buildings have been key projects for the community and they are all coming together,” said Davis. "One thing it is doing is giving Rosebud the capacity to grow. The fire hall can now house the appropriate fire equipment. As the community grows so does the need for infrastructure.”
“On the museum side, with the number of tourist who come through, it is important for the museum to have more space to display, washrooms for the public, and opportunities to engage the public with another a piece of the Rosebud experience.”
Akokiniskway has also expanded its campground, and the High Eagle RV Resort (at the site of the former Lions Campground) is now a fully serviced RV site.
