There is a lot of celebrating going on because of St. Albert Place’s 25th anniversary, but a local group held a little celebration of its own to honour the man who created it in the first place.
Internationally renowned architect Douglas Cardinal was bestowed with the Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Club of St. Albert at a ceremony yesterday morning. Named after the founder of Rotary International, the fellowship was provided to acknowledge his outstanding talent that famously expresses flowing lines that give a hint of rolling hills and winding rivers.
Club member Doug Campbell said it’s that natural quality that makes Cardinal’s architecture so distinctive.
“I think that one of the reasons his work [is important] is that it fits into the landscape.”
He explained that the fellowship is a unique way of saying thanks to those who have helped to form and foster the character of their surroundings.
“The Rotary Club, from time to time, has the ability to recognize citizens who contribute to their community and internationally,” he said, adding that the timing of the award was a compelling factor. “Basically it was a good opportunity to recognize Cardinal with the 25th anniversary with St. Albert Place being the centre of governance and arts and heritage within the community.”
In order to provide the honour, the club members were required to donate $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. That money will go toward the organization’s various international projects focusing on world understanding and peace. The award is provided on an annual basis by those in the club who make that pledge or if a member does so on behalf of another.
Campbell indicated that he is a fellow also and he has a lot of company.
“Many of the Rotarians in our club are Paul Harris Fellows.”
The Rotary Club of St. Albert also made cheque presentations to three community groups during the same ceremony for a drug prevention program at Sir George Simpson School and youth programs with The Support Network. Transitions was given financial assistance towards the development and production of a promotional video to promote how businesses can employ people with disabilities.
For more information about the club, call 780-233-6401.
