Calgary Heritage Initiative forums

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Bow Valley Ranche news - http://www.bowvalleyranche.com

David Parker, Calgary Herald, March 25 2008
Concerned that the historical Bow Valley Ranche in Fish Creek Provincial Park was in danger of eventual demolition due to budget restraints and lack of government funding, Larry and Mitzi Wasyliw established The Ranche at Fish Creek Restoration Society in 1995. The building had been boarded up since 1979 as the provincial government no longer required it, but thankfully the society was able to repair and restore it to its original splendour. Today it is home to a popular restaurant -- The Ranche -- and the adjacent Annie's Bakery & Cafe, plus a wonderful native garden.

But there is much more to be done and fund-raising chair Mitzie says she has set up an endowment of $450,000 that will ensure the gardens will be always maintained and managed properly.

She has come up with a creative way to get involved. Limestone benches by master sculptor Gernot Keifer, with side sponsor recognition, are being offered for a $35,000 tax receipt. And there are several other opportunities at lesser amounts. Check out http://www.bowvalleyranche.com for details. Bow Valley Ranche is a Calgary gem -- the renovated property is enjoyed by more than one million visitors every year.

Full column http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/calgarybusiness/story.html?id=db586be1-288d-4b6e-852b-840f0319fdce

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Story about a founder of the Ranche at Fish Creek Restoration Society...

Jan 6. 2009

http://www.calgaryherald.com/Samaritan+kindness+inspires+lifetime+giving/1146544/story.html

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Home on The Ranche
Enjoying a fancy dinner in Fish Creek Park
Published January 6, 2011 by Tara MacKinnon in Food - FFWD

Starting where the city nearly ends, the historical Bow Valley Ranche House is located in Fish Creek Park. Don’t be fooled by the strip malls you pass along the way; once you’ve hit the park you’ll feel like you’ve just reached a country cabin. Built in 1896 by pioneer rancher William Roper Hull, the house represented the height of country elegance. It still does. In 1998, the house underwent a much-needed renovation, including the stripping and restoration of the original woodwork and the addition of a commercial kitchen...

Read review:
http://www.ffwdweekly.com/article/life-style/food/home-on-the-ranche-6841/

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The Ranche at Fish Creek Restoration Society: Opportunity for Calgarians to Co-Create Artisan Gardens in Fish Creek Provincial Park

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - April 3, 2012) - The Ranche at Fish Creek Restoration Society invites Calgarians to participate in establishing the "Artisan Gardens"; intended to preserve and celebrate the heritage of the Fish Creek Valley in Calgary with tributes to First Nations, family and the local natural environment. Everyone is welcome to the open house set for WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25th from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at The Ranche Restaurant where the public will receive updates, meet artists, review the progress of the gardens to date and enjoy complimentary coffee and muffins.

"This one-of-a-kind, permanent art exhibition in nature will feature over 170 works of original art by more than 55 Canadian artists. Families, corporations and individuals are encouraged to join in the creation of this legacy for future generations to enjoy," says Mitzie Wasyliw, co-founder of the Fish Creek Restoration Society. "By sponsoring one of the many art pieces, you become one of our Ranche Hands stepping into the future. You will be recognized in perpetuity at the Historical Bow Valley Ranche." The society completed the restoration of The Ranche house and created the Native Gardens in 2000. This extension of the Artisan Gardens and Branded Patio is slated for completion in autumn of this year and it is intended for family celebrations, children's outdoor learning opportunities, public events, as well as annual art exhibitions and intimate, outdoor concerts.

This unique art garden will be open to the public year-round and will establish a legacy for the City of Calgary, our province and our nation on the global stage.

Take part in this unique opportunity to collaborate with the artist to incorporate personal hand impressions in clay as part of your legacy; visit http://www.bowvalleyranche.com/index.html for more details.

Please R.S.V.P by April 20th for the Open House on Wed. April 25th to: bowvalleyranche@gmail.com

http://www.energydigital.com/press_releases/natural-resource-management/the-ranche-at-fish-creek-restoration-society-opportunity-for-calgarians-to-co-create-artisan-gardens