February 20, 2026

Over 30 brave souls ignored the cold and gathered at the Barn, warmly welcomed by Stan Christmas. President Linda kicked things off at 7 AM sharp, marked Black History Month with stories of early Black settlers in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and invited everyone to keep the residents of Tumbler Ridge in their thoughts.

Birthdays and long Rotary service were celebrated, the Sunshine Report shone brightly (and pun-fully), and Ola—recently spotted again after a mysterious absence—was ceremoniously reintroduced via plate-shining duty. Shine on.

Asha Paul introduced guest speaker Major General Bary Ashton (PPCLI), who delivered a lively and personal history of Currie Barracks. Built in 1934 and named after Arthur Currie—of Vimy Ridge, Hill 70, and Passchendaele fame—the site evolved from WWII barracks to a thoughtfully redeveloped community. Land once taken from the Tsuu T'ina Nation was returned after the 1996 closure. Portions of the former airstrip now house Mount Royal University and ATCO. Ashton also touched on the politics of the closure, including interactions involving Ralph Klein, and the preservation-minded redevelopment by Canada Lands Company.

The morning wrapped with thanks to Ashton and a certificate marking a donation to PolioPlus in his honour.

Missed it? The Zoom recording will make you feel like you were there—minus the buffet breakfast, which remains strictly an in-person option!