JASPER CULTURAL & HISTORICAL CENTRE: Long-awaited project designed to improve accessibility 

Museum manager David Jenkins and Kerry Stoehr with the Bobcat operator.

By Marcus Day

Maple Creek News

A long-awaited project to make the Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre more accessible is under way.

It involves constructing a deck and 60ft switchback ramp at the back of the historic building.

Friday was demolition day, and saw the old back steps reduced to rubble.

Work is being carried out by Hamm Renovations, with help from Kerry Stoehr, a retired facilities manager, whose wife, Theresa, is the centre’s office administrator.

David Jenkins, the museum manager, said the project was made possible by donations from philanthropists Richard Rooney and Victor and the late Ellen Vasseur.

In 2021, Rooney, a Toronto businessman, who has long supported the arts in Ontario, donated $250,000 to help the Jasper Centre pay for repairs and operating costs. Money left over from his donation will go towards the deck and ramp. Rooney had already given $25,000 to enable the centre to buy two metal horse sculptures by Eastend artist Grieta Krisjanson.

In recognition of Rooney’s contributions, a gallery has been named after him.

Vic Vasseur is a retired farmer living in Maple Creek. He donated $20,000 to the centre, $10,000 of which will help fund the creation of the Jasper Centre’s new back entrance.

Some of the funds will be allocated to improving the front entrance.

The Victor and Ellen Vasseur Charitable Fund also donated $10,000 to the Town of Maple Creek for the community swimming pool project.

During demolition work, several items of interest were found, including what appeared to be deck chairs.

Jenkins said the project had been a long time in the making.

In a social media post, the Jasper Centre said: “This exciting project will make our Centre more welcoming and accessible for everyone,.

“We’re looking forward to sharing the progress with you every step of the way, so keep an eye on our page for more photos and updates as the project continues!

“We can’t wait to show you the finished result!”

Speaking on Friday, Jenkins told the News-Times that the project should take about two weeks to complete.