Southern Alberta Pioneer Memorial Building

Some places are built to honour the people who came before. The Memorial Building in Calgary was dedicated in 1955 to commemorate the pioneers of Southern Alberta, and it still carries that sense of history today.

The building sits on a high promontory overlooking the Elbow River in the Rideau Park area. From here there is a general view of the city and, to the west, a view of the Rocky Mountains.

It is a fine example of Rustic style architecture, built from hand-hewn round logs with saddle-notch joints by master log builder Hobart A. Dowler. Inside, exposed clear-span trusses, a massive fieldstone fireplace and handcrafted doors and finishes give the rooms a warm, crafted character.

In 2009 the Memorial Building was designated a City of Calgary Municipal Historic Resource, and the Centennial Gate at the site bears the names of approximately 2,000 Southern Alberta pioneers.

The building is available to rent for weddings, including the ceremony, the reception and the dance, so a couple can keep the whole day in one place.

The building is maintained and operated by the Southern Alberta Pioneers' Foundation, and wedding enquiries go to its rental coordinator.

For couples who picture a celebration with heritage, log-built warmth and a view over the Elbow River, the Southern Alberta Pioneers Building offers a place where ceremony, reception and dance can all happen together.