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Cowboy Larry Pearson of Hughenden (above) was one of 350 people who watched a new 12 minute video that will be used to help promote tourism in this part of east central Alberta. The “Mystery of the Buffalo” was shot in the Bodo, Wainwright and Provost districts and was paid for by both Bodo and Wainwright tourist groups. ©Provost News Photo. Full story and more photos in February 16 edition of The Provost News.
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Buffalo Tourism Potential Impress Cabinet Ministers
• German and Japanese Tourists “Would Come”
Two cabinet ministers from the Alberta Government along with the local MLA and Member of Parliament are showing their support for initial plans to market tourism to this part of East Central Alberta.
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Dr. Lyle Oberg, who was a guest of the Bodo Archaeological Society and the Wainwright Buffalo National Park Interpretive Centre Foundation Saturday night in Wainwright said that foreigners touring the Jasper and Banff areas should be encouraged to travel to this area.
Oberg told 350 people after a buffalo supper that moving tourists around this area tying in Drumheller and the Dinosaur Provincial Park destinations near Brooks to the south to include Bodo and Wainwright has “a lot of potential.” The Royal Tyrell Museum of Palaeontology draws the most tourists anywhere in Alberta. The world-renowned facility attracts 400,000 visitors annually offering one of the largest dinosaur exhibits in the world.
The MLA, who serves the Strathmore-Brooks constituency said that tourists in Germany and Japan should be invited “I’m sure they would come.”
Also speaking after a 12 minute professional marketing video was unveiled at the Communiplex, Alberta’s Solicitor General, Harvey Cenaiko promised that “I will support this project.”
The Calgary-Buffalo constituency MLA said he was very impressed with the presentation and predicts a “huge economic benefit for this area.” He mentioned the Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump in southern Alberta but also praised the rich find of buffalo and Indian artifacts that were discovered by archeologist and anthropologist Dr. Terry Gibson south west of Bodo. Gibson, of St. Albert was also introduced to the crowd on Saturday night as was his associate Beth May.
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Also speaking in favour of the project was MLA Doug Griffiths who is now chairman of the Rural Development Initiative. He said that he has met several times with people from the (Bodo) society and the (Wainwright) foundation and reminded the audience that he ran as MLA with rural development as a major commitment that he would hold.
Member of Parliament, Leon Benoit said the “public is behind this project” and although he did not know what shape the end result would be, he predicted that the project will go ahead and would also “be remarkable.” He praised the leadership of the two committees in the area and added that “our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will marvel at the initiative shown.”
Although none of the politicians said any cash was forthcoming for the tourist project, newly elected chairman of the Bodo Archaeological Society, Kim Larson reminded people that it was the M.D. 52 and Town of Provost councils who each set aside $60,000 for the Bodo project. “We’re the showcase for the rest of Alberta.” Included at the promotional supper and program were Provost town councillors Neil Whiting, Betty Varty and Peggy McFadyen as well as M.D. Provost No. 52 councillors Tom Schneider, Larry Swanson, Jack Roworth, Barry Tripp and Len Kjos along with Reeve Fritz Crone. The only other M.D. Provost No. 52 councillor, Allan Murray was out of the country. Some Wainwright town and MD councillors were also introduced by chairman of the foundation, Keith Brower as were officials from the villages of Chauvin, Irma and Edgerton.
Rest of story in February 16 edition of The Provost News.
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