By Grant Johnson, Staff Reporter
After more than a year of recovery and rebuilding, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is set to welcome visitors once again.
The popular historic site will officially re-open on May 16, marking a major milestone following the wildfire that destroyed its visitor centre last year.
“It’s a significant moment for all of us,” said Pam Trischuk, head of education and interpretation. “Welcoming the public back means we can continue to share the stories and experiences of Alberta’s Ukrainian heritage and give people a place to learn and celebrate that history again.”
The road to reopening has been anything but simple. Cleanup and restoration efforts have taken months, with government crews, consultants, and contractors working to repair damaged utilities and clear the site.
In the meantime, staff adapted, setting up temporary offices, a visitor centre, and even a gift shop inside the modern Red Barn, which was spared by the fire.
Despite the destruction of the visitor centre, there was a silver lining. None of the village’s historic buildings were damaged.
Still, the loss was significant, with irreplaceable artifacts, furnishings, and original research files gone. Thanks to earlier digitization efforts and materials stored off-site at the Royal Alberta Museum, many key pieces of history were preserved.
Starting May 16, the village will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as on holiday Mondays through Labour Day.
School field trips are already booking for May and June, and a full slate of summer events is making a comeback.
Visitors can look forward to favourites like the Vintage Day Show and Shine in June, Ukrainian Day in August, and Harvest of the Past in September, along with themed weekends and drop-in programming throughout the season.
For staff and supporters alike, the reopening represents more than just a return, it’s a chance to rebuild, reconnect, and keep Alberta’s Ukrainian heritage alive for generations to come.
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