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Last updateFri, 11 Oct 2024 4pm

Warm winter weather speeds new Chinook construction

    The aptly named Chinook Credit Union is getting help from its namesake.
    The warm weather has ensured that construction on the new home of the Drumheller branch of Chinook has proceeded without any delays.
    “Everything has been run well and we’ve been blessed by the warm weather,” said Stuart Hill, Vice President of Corporate Services.
    The unseasonally high temperatures have given no opportunities for construction to be delayed. It is estimated the building will be complete by the end of September.
    At this time, construction is focused on erecting the steel framework for the building. Residents passing by will see the walls and roof being put in place starting within the next four weeks.
    “It will look like a true building, rather than a construction site,” joked Hill.
    The new home of the Drumheller Chinook Credit Union is considerably larger than the current building and will be a significant expansion.
    “There will be no difference to services,” said Hill. “We are looking forward to the finished building. It will be a significant building within Drumheller.”


Corrections Officer receives Citation for Bravery

    A corrections officer at the Drumheller Institution has received a Citation for Bravery from Corrections Canada for his service.
    Darrell Steeves is a long-standing officer at the Drumheller Institution. On January 16 he was at Government House to receive the Citation. The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Donald Ethell presented the Citation.
    The Citation reads, “In recognition of your acts of extraordinary bravery and exceptional valour on March 10, 2011 when during an incident in the community, you placed the lives of community members above your own.”
    It is signed by Commissioner of Correctional Services of Canada, Don Head.
     Dawn Bancroft, spokesperson for the Drumheller Institution said the Citation for Bravery is given to an officer who puts their life in danger to save life, protect a person or persons from serious injury or to protect property.

Couple completes third overseas Habitat for Humanity project

    A Drumheller couple has found a way to see far off places, and make a difference for families around the world.
    In fact they are making a habit if it.
    Just before Christmas Bob and Norah Hamilton completed their work on a Habitat for Humanity project in Argentina.
    This was their third time volunteering for the charity, which helps provide housing for those in need by assisting families in building their own homes, and realize the pride of ownership.
    Three years ago the couple headed to India on their first project. Bob, a carpenter by trade and journeyman cabinet maker, said while this was their most challenging experience, they were undeterred, and the very next year they were off to Thailand.
    This year they worked on four homes in Santa Fe on the outskirts of Buenos Aires.
    “I get more than I give, by a long shot,” said Bob. “There are a couple things that attracted me about Habitat, one of the thing is you are involved with the people you are helping, it is not as if you are writing a cheque. You form a real bond with them, and the other people that are involved on the build, and they are from all over Canada. You learn about other cultures, you are involved with other cultures, and you are very much accepted by the host country.”
    Norah is also hooked.
    “We have had the opportunity to work in India, Thailand, Argentina and Mexico, and each experience has been unique and particularly fulfilling,” she said.
    Bob said the build is usually eight days, and then there are a couple cultural days where they are able to learn more about the host country. Norah adds they assisted a private school in the area with maintenance while in Argentina.
    The project involved four houses in different stages of progress. One was starting with the foundation, one was nearly complete. Another was an existing house, where the family had grown and they were working on the addition. While Bob went over with the skill set of a carpenter, he said it was inconsequential, he was there for the labour. In fact one of the major projects he worked on was digging the cistern for the sewer system - this was a pit, about 16 feet deep, all dug by hand.
    “It’s hot and hard work, it’s not a piece of cake,” chuckles Bob, adding that individual volunteers work at the pace they are capable.
    The construction techniques were very different than ones he is used to. Most of the house is built from mason work with hand made bricks and cement mixed by hand right on the ground, transported in buckets.
    “Interestingly enough the construction process is quite similar in those three countries, much different than Canada, but quite similar to each other. They are all hot countries, all use mason work,” said Bob. “It is all volunteer, so the labour doesn’t cost anything.”
    Norah adds that the age range is anywhere from 19-65.
    “This particular build to Argentina ended up with everyone 54 plus.  The average age was 59,” said Norah. “Even so, we outstripped every preceding team in our ability to get the jobs completed on schedule.  A whole load of A type personalities was the cause.”
    While three years of this type of work seems like a lot, they are undeterred.
    “We’ll go every year. If I get some time, I might go twice a year,” Bob said.
    They have not decided where they will be going next year, but he is interested in going to Africa.
    He believes in Habitat for Humanity.
    “There are a lot of success stories.  They have to pay for one-third of their own house, and they have to work on it… they were so excited to get their house,” said Bob.
    He recommends South America as a good destination for someone wanting to participate in a Habitat project for the first time.
    More information is available at www.habitat.ca


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