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Bonnyville Museum closer to becoming the home of St. Anne Chapel

The Bonnyville and District Historical Society is receiving a financial donation of $20,000 from the MD of Bonnyville to assist them with the moving expenses to relocate the St. Anne Chapel to the Bonnyville Museum
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The MD of Bonnyville approved a one-time donation to the Bonnyville Historical Society to assist with the costs of moving the St. Anne Chapel to the Bonnyville Museum. File photo.

BONNYVILLE – The Bonnyville and District Historical Society are one step closer to moving the St. Anne Chapel to the Bonnyville Museum.   

MD of Bonnyville council passed a motion to provide $20,000 toward assisting the society in relocating the building, which currently resides on 47th Ave. beside the Bonnylodge, to their grounds. The money will be funded from the 2021 transfers to the recreation board budget.   

“The St. Anne Chapel was donated by the St. Louis Parish to the Bonnyville and District Historical Society to preserve its historical value,” explained Bowen Clausen, director of parks, recreation, and culture for the MD, during council’s May 5 committee meeting.    

In a letter to council, Bonnyville and District Historical Society President Morris Mickalyk said the organization is in the early stages of the project that he believes will have a substantial impact on the community.   

“(Due) to its historic significance, both to Bonnyville and the Eastbourne community, the prospect of having the chapel included in the holdings of the Bonnyville and District Museum is an exciting one. Through the preservation of the chapel, we will foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the Roman Catholic history in the region. It will truly complement our existing buildings, exhibitions, and programming.”   

He added, “The historic significance of this project, combined with the community partnerships that will be developed for its success, are at the heart and soul of our organization. The Bonnyville Museum is a gem in the community, developed through the hard work and dedication of countless individuals and businesses along with the support of our municipalities.”   

Mickalyk said the one-time donation from the MD would be used to cover the costs of moving the building. They also sent the same request to the Town of Bonnyville council, which was approved during their April 13 meeting.   

“We’re in the process of applying for grants and sponsorship to assist with the other costs of the project ground and foundation preparation, building restoration, exhibition display, ect. Our ‘Building Fund’ reserve will also assist with the expenses,” Mickalyk added.  

During council discussion, Coun. Ben Fadeyiw was curious if the St. Louis Parish also donated the land the St. Anne Chapel is currently residing on to the Bonnylodge.   

Coun. Mike Krywiak, who sits on the Lakeland Lodge and Housing Foundation, said there was a cost to purchase the lot but it wasn’t too steep of an ask.  

“That cost will be taken by the lodge and they’re buying the lot for the seniors to make a green space,” he detailed.   

It was suggested by Coun. Marc Jubinville that the municipality offer some work in-kind to the Bonnylodge, once the St. Anne Chapel was moved. 

The municipality will discuss the opportunity at a future meeting. 

Robynne Henry, Bonnyville Nouvelle

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