When the Elk Point Chamber of Commerce decided that Elk Point needed a larger and more attractive Visitor Information Centre several ideas were explored. A final decision was reached in 2007 to build a Visitor Information “Eco” Centre with the exterior being a replica of the original CN Train Station built in 1927. This new Centre will sit in the exact location of the former station and will showcase Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail and our downtown business community to our visitors. This site is also very visible from Highway 41. It is also very important to know that Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail.

We decided that we wanted to be more than just another train station and have decided to build a Visitor Information “Eco” Centre. With the “green options” we are integrating into this project we feel that with the proper marketing campaign it will increase visitor traffic immensely and will be a green project “showcase” for North East Alberta. The second floor of this Visitor Information “Eco” Centre will also house an Eco Education Room where visitors, residents and students can obtain information on the “green options” we have used as well as information on the environmental friendly practices that companies are using in the oil, gas and agriculture industry in our area. The “green options” will reduce future upkeep costs and greenhouse gas emissions. 

We believe that this is a highly viable project with a lot of sustainability built into it. This project will bring a lot of attention to our community and has excellent potential for further financial benefits and spin-offs.
Green options being incorporated into the Visitor Information “Eco” Centre include:
Solar heating and cooling, Wind/Solar hybrid Power, Advanced Building Materials, High End Insulation, Low E Windows, Low VOC Paint, Motion Faucets and Toilets, Low Flush Toilets, Compact Florescent Lighting, Rain Catchments.

We believe that this project will greatly enhance our community while bringing more tourism dollars to our local businesses and it will make Elk Point a “destination” on Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail.

The upstairs Eco Education Room will be open to residents, students and visitors and will become a home to resources and displays of “green energy” and will help educate people on sustainability.  This room will also display education material and information on how the oil, gas and agriculture industries are improving their business practices to reduce the effect on the environment.

The Eco Education component of this project is very positive for the entire region. Plans have been put into place for tours, seminars and future awareness on “green” energy and its positive impact on the earth and environment. Also there is collaboration and partnership with our regional school board, other schools in the area and with the local library to promote literature linked to this project. 

Elk Point Chamber of Commerce wins Chamber of the year for 2009

We are proud to announce that the Elk Point Chamber of Commerce was named Chamber of the Year for 2009
on May 15 at the annual Alberta Chamber of Commerce Provincial Conference. Elk Point has been recognized
for it’s hard work and progressive thinking in building the new “Visitor Information Eco Center” . This visitor attraction
captures the history of our railway and is being powered by wind and solar energy. We are putting all excess power
into the grid. Located right along Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail we invite you to drop by and visit our community.

Read more...

View Pics of installing Wind Turbine...click here

Download Eco Centre Information and write ups:
Eco-Centre Info
Eco-Centre Funds
Eco-Centre Inception