Planning for our Centennial
Planning for the Alberta 2005 Centennial Initiative began in 1996 with the formation of the 100th Anniversary Strategy Committee, chaired by Mrs. Colleen Klein and Mr. Jack Donahue.
Almost 20,000 Albertans from every corner of the province told the committee that the Centennial was an important event, and that the government should lead and support the celebrations. Responses came from the smallest rural hamlets to the largest urban centres, with suggestions ranging from modest local celebrations to large capital projects that would impact generations to come.
Albertans urged the province to be generous in its support, but also fiscally responsible. They wanted commemorative programs that focus on people, communities and partnerships; programs that celebrate our past and look forward to a prosperous future; and legacies that will last long after the fireworks are over.
Albertans’ input was gathered into a report entitled, Alberta: Celebration of the Century and contained 96 recommendations for initiatives in areas such as heritage, tourism, education, the environment, business and communities.