On November 27th, 2022 Miles Constable and Pat Collins, two long term members of BLESS (Big Lake Environment Support Society), were presented with Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medals at a formal ceremony that occurred in Edmonton’s Westin Hotel. These medals represent a fitting and well deserved thank you from St. Albert’s city council.
BLESS was established in 1991 and for the last 22 years it has been the designated stewards of the Big Lake area and Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park (LHCPP). Miles and Pat have been active members of BLESS throughout the last 25 years. They have both served on the BLESS board in a number of roles, including the president, and are currently the treasurer and a vice president. Their ongoing contributions to the community and to the environment have included raising funds to build the BLESS shelter and rebuild the viewing platform, organizing and funding the BLESS summer nature program for kids, and carrying out other stewardship activities and duties. They continue to be very valued members of BLESS.
Over the last few years Big Lake and LHCPP have become very popular natural areas that are visited by residents of the entire Edmonton area. BLESS’s role as stewards of the park has also increased significantly. We are currently very active in working with the province, the City of St Albert and the other adjacent communities to minimize the potential negative impact of developments in the vicinity of this important natural area. Anyone wishing to join BLESS and become part of our essential and varied stewardship activities will be welcomed. They can find the necessary information about BLESS on our website at bless.ab.ca.
Al Henry (President) on behalf of the BLESS Board of Directors
