And then there were two....

Its sad to see what has happened in Nordegg.  Clearwater County has a vision for the town that seems to exclude most of its history.  Just a short time ago there were several buildings left in town.  Recently the town demolished the Bighorn Trading Company Store, a small warehouse, and Shanks Garage.  There are only two original buildings left, the church and the Bank of Commerce.  Both have been restored.  Technically there is still an old store down below the townsite, and I photographed this a week ago with my new 8x10 camera.  It is in very poor condition and beyond restoration.  It is only a matter of time.  There were several old miners houses on one edge of the townsite as well.  But these are in the process of being demolished as well.  Apparently there is asbestos in them... likely in the plaster walls.

It seems to me that some effort could have been made to save these buildings but I get the impression there was very little desire on the part of the County.  They serviced a small section of new residential lots in town and are hoping that people will buy them and build new homes.  But, these have been vacant for over a decade and no one seems to want to take the plunge.  In my opinion, if these are to sell, a developer will need to get involved and put up a couple of show homes.  But, houses are a tough sell in a town with almost no services.  Over the past couple of years the County put in a Mobile Home Park, with serviced lots available for sale.  Much to my surprise, a couple of them have sold this summer, but no activity yet.  

Then this fall the County completed a commercial subdivision in the old townsite.  This is what resulted in the demise of the last few historic buildings.  They have put in streets and sidewalks and services and hope that some businesses will set up and construct new buildings.  It remains to be seen....!  The problem is that most of the activity in town is down below, near the highway.  This is where the hotel, the restaurant, the library, the old general store and service station, the new convenience store and service station, the liquor store and the food truck have set up.  As we are only part time residents, and our primary residence is in Edmonton, we are not allowed to vote in the local municipal elections.  As a result, we don't have any control or say over the questionable activities of County Council.

On the plus side, there are a couple of new amenities arriving.  There is a foundation being constructed beside the Shell Convenience Store.  I understand that this is a restaurant and the Miner's Cafe will move out of the Museum building and into this new location.  And, the Community Association has put up some new boards, so that we will have a better outdoor rink.  They also have put in a heated skate change shack.