Wildfire at Ukrainian Cultural Village, image via Government of Alberta
Fire devastates parts Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village centre, irreplaceable artifacts lost
A fire that tore through the grounds near Alberta’s Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village has destroyed the site’s visitor centre, taking with it a collection of irreplaceable artifacts that told the story of generations of Ukrainian Albertans.
The blaze broke out on the evening of April 18 east of Edmonton, near Elk Island National Park. Firefighters were able to save the historic buildings that form the heart of the provincial heritage site, but could not stop the flames from engulfing the visitor centre and attached exhibit spaces.
“This is a profound loss—not only for the Ukrainian community, but for all Albertans who value and honour our province’s diverse cultural heritage,” said Tanya Fir, Alberta’s Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women, in a joint statement with Fort Saskatchewan–Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk.
The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is a living history museum dedicated to the early Ukrainian settlers who helped build Alberta. The now-lost visitor centre housed exhibits and artifacts central to that story, including items that cannot be replaced.
“We are incredibly grateful to the first responders whose swift response saved the historical buildings on site,” the statement read. “But we are saddened to confirm that the visitor centre buildings were lost.”
Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, who also serves as Parliamentary Secretary for Settlement Services and Ukrainian Evacuees, said the fire strikes at the heart of a community already steeped in resilience.
“To the community that holds this place close to heart, please know that we share in your grief,” she said. “We recognize the cultural importance of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village to the Ukrainian Albertan community and all Albertans.”
Alberta’s government says it is committed to reopening the site “when it is safe and appropriate to do so,” and promised more details on recovery efforts in the coming weeks.
The loss has sparked sorrow and support both across Canada and abroad, especially in Ukraine, where connections to Alberta’s diaspora remain strong.
Comments