As it is remembrance day, this post is about how the World Wars forever impacted our region, and has left lasting monuments and names in the Region. Many people do not know the history behind Anzac. This bustling hamlet is named for the Anzac New Zealand Army Corps (A.N.Z.A.C.) who arrived in 1917 to survey the area during World War I for construction of the rail line extension to Waterways. [1] That means that nearly a century ago Anzac was the end of the railroad line for northern Alberta, which was later extended into Waterways in 1925. Initially the community was named after the Cree name for Willow Lake, Kehte'hiyak. For a time, the lake itself was called Gregoire Lake, however the name reverted back to Willow Lake in May 1995. The provincial park retained the Gregoire name, which has created a fair bit of confusion and occasional debate. During World War II, a road was built from the rail siding to service and construct the RCAF Station Stoney Mountain (radar site - Sector Control Station) on Stoney Mountain, that was operational in March of 1957. In June 1963, the detection function ceased due to a relocation of the Canadian Air Defence Identification Zone (CADIZ) north of the Mid Canada Line in its area. The Mid Canada Line was a line of radar stations across the "middle" of Canada, used to provide early warning of a Soviet attack on North America. It was built to supplement the less-advanced Pinetree Line, which was located further south. The majority of Mid-Canada Line stations were used only briefly from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s. As the MCL was closed down, the early warning role passed almost entirely to the more capable DEW Line further north. [2] The station was then disbanded on 1 March 1964. Don't fret, it hasn't been abandoned, the Alberta Forest Service had a fire lookout approx. 2 1/2 miles to the east of the station. In 1991, Alberta Forest Service moved their nearby fire lookout and cabin to the old RCAF station site which is operated to this day. Next time you pass by Anzac, or see the fire lookout as you drive south on Highway 881, remember the efforts of so many men and women who faced the horrors of war or our Northern climates to defend our values and contribute to international peace and security. Whether protecting our boundaries, working with our allies, providing humanitarian assistance, helping restore peace in troubled countries or fighting those who would deny freedom to others, the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces have stood tall. A few days ago was National Aboriginal Veteran's Day. While today we recognize the efforts of the many, on November 8th we specifically remember those Indigenous people who sacrificed their livelihood, their culture, and, for many, their lives, in order to serve Canada. In addition to remembering our local history, please take a look at the Aboriginal National Veterans Association to learn more about the contribution of Indigenous veterans. Reference:
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About me
I grew up in Athabasca, AB and have spent the majority of my life in Northern Alberta or Montreal, PQ. My husband has been in Fort McMurray since the 70s and continues to love this town and all that it has to offer. We are avid outdoor enthusiasts, spending our summer weekends quadding and camping. As Opimian members we thoroughly enjoy wine pairings and tastings and are working on our wine collection. Ralph is a carpenter by trade and has framed more houses in Fort McMurray than I could count and knows the city inside and out. I work all throughout the region from the NWT to Janvier for the tribal council. My passion is doodling and photography which is featured throughout the website (various mediums), writing, Indigenous studies, and learning in general. Categories |