Fort Macleod celebrates on Saturday

FRANK MCTIGHE MACLEOD GAZETTE EDITOR

Fort Macleod has reason to celebrate.    The successful bid for the $100-million Alberta Police and Peace Officers Training Centre has secured the community's future.    "Fort Macleod is going to prosper," Mayor Shawn Patience said. "We are going to enjoy the success of this day for decades to come."    A celebration of community will be held from 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Fort Macleod and District Community Hall.    Solicitor General Harvey Cenaiko said Wednesday the police college will be built in Fort Macleod.    "We got it," Patience said. "And I'll tell you what. We deserved it."    The training centre is expected to create 75 to 100 permanent jobs, bring in 1,500 recruits each year and provide investor confidence in Fort Macleod.    "Fort Macleod now is not only a place where our children can grow up," Patience said. "Now we have hope that our children can actually stay here and continue their lives and careers here, and raise their children here as well."    To thank the community for its support for the bid which included a letter-writing campaign and public rallies a celebration was in order.    "They'll talk about this day for years and years and years to come," Patience said. "We can walk around with our heads very high knowing we have done an amazing thing."    Admission to the celebration is by a donation to the Fort Macleod Food Bank.    There will be a short program beginning at 7 p.m., followed by entertainment.    Proceeds from a barbecue will go the Fort Macleod Citizens On Patrol, and a cash bar will raise money for the Santa Claus Parade committee.