How Pincher Creek rallied to save a historic mansion, and created a new community hub
CBC
Like a crown on the hill, Pincher Creek’s Lebel Mansion brings a sense of history and warmth to the skyline above downtown.
The former Catholic hospital turned 115 last year.
It’s been more than 40 years since a handful of art and heritage enthusiasts rallied to save it, and given how expensive heritage renovations usually are, that’s a serious community success story.
Today, the building is full and busy: a public pottery studio and children’s art programs use the basement; a gift shop with more than 60 local artists can be found on the main floor; concerts, an art gallery, meeting rooms and more than 14 different accountants, massage therapists and other businesses occupy space there.
It still requires grants and the town’s support to be sustainable. But its future is looking better than ever, says Kassandra Chancey, executive director of the Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek, the building’s core tenant.
“I would say that over the last 10 years, this is the most solid I've ever seen the support of the community and the town for this space,” she said.
“To be cliché, it’s a lot of blood, sweat and tears and just really caring about it.”
CBC News was in Pincher Creek — population 3,600 — in December as part of its ongoing Out Your Way initiative, meeting with community members in small towns across Alberta.
When we heard about the mansion, we decided to take a tour and see what led to its success.
Chancey said the mansion was built in 1910 by the Lebel family, who moved from Quebec and built the town’s general store. In 1924, it was converted into a Catholic hospital, with a large east wing added.
That’s one reason why the building holds a special place in the hearts of some local residents.
“It still happens on a regular basis [that someone will say], 'I was born here, we lost my mother here' — all the stories. It just represents something really dear to people,” said Chancey.
When the hospital closed, the building sat empty for two years in the 1980s.
Former town councillor and Allied Arts board member David Green remembers that time.
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