Land Cairns-ervation
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Cairns, Alta. shown here circled in red, has been declared as “ecologically sensitive” by Environment Canada’s EcoGift program. The hall at Cairns, Alta. (bottom photo) built in 1913 was a focal point for homesteaders of the Cairns district. It served the Baptist congregation as church and was used for concerts, political meetings and picnics. Empty now, as is the store and post office, it holds memories of that busy time. From the artist’s collection. © Acrylic by Margaret Holmes.
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Over 1,000 Acres Handed to Nature Group by Anonymous Donor
• Cairns Property Declared an Ecological Sensitive Area
An anonymous donation means that the old community of Cairns will be conserved by the Nature Conservancy of Canada for future generations.
In 2006, the lands surrounding the Cairns townsite were sold to the donor, who then donated this “incredible property” to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) says spokesman Ainsley Brodeur.
The Cairns area, 12 miles west of Provost and five miles northwest of the hamlet of Cadogan, was first settled by homesteaders in 1907. Later that year, the Canadian Pacific Railway surveyed the rail line, laid out the townsite and named it Cairns. Trains started running in 1910, and Cairns became a bustling hamlet—the hub of a close-knit agricultural community. In 1959, when the post office and store closed, Cairns silently became a ghost town and the buildings began to fall into disrepair.
Today, the train still goes through the historic Cairns district, but hasn’t stopped in many years. “Only the empty store and the church keep silent guard to the memories of Cairns” (Hillcrest Heritage Society, Prairie Echoes: Metiskow, Cadogan, Cairns Precious Memories of the former Hillcrest Municipality, 1976. page 132). The old store, which can be seen from 30 miles away, still stands as a landmark for the town.
“This area hosts an impressive diversity and abundance of wildlife and migratory birds,” said Larry Simpson, regional vice president of NCC’s Alberta region. “Because of its rich ecological and historical value, the Nature Conservancy of Canada was absolutely delighted to accept the donation of this property by a generous anonymous donor.”
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