Coalhurst to embrace Depression-era aesthetic

Posted on October 24, 2024 by Sunny South News

By Nikki Jamieson
Sunny South News

The town of Coalhurst will be moving towards implementing a 1930’s look for the community ahead of its 30th anniversary celebrations as a town.

Previously, the possibility of implementing a modern 1930s community aesthetic and public design and identity was discussed during council’s regular Sept. 17 meeting, before being referred to a Committee of the Whole Meeting. Returning to the matter at their regular Oct. 15 meeting, council had, as part of recommendations made during that CotW meeting, passed a motion to endorse a modern 1930s community aesthetic and public design and identity as per the report provided by Administration, and to bring it forward as an RFD to a future council meeting. 

This motion was made earlier in the meeting, and Coun. Scott Akkermans said he was excited to see what identity looked like for the town, noting they had some good discussion on it during the CotW meeting.

“I think this is a way to reach into our past and move forward recognizing the history that we have,” said Akkermans. “I’m excited to see what an RFD might look like for that.”

Other motions were passed for CotW recommendations that arose from celebration discussions including endorsing an administrative branding project, and for administration to present a budget for branding at the 2025 budget deliberations, as well as one to request administration present a revised budget as per Option 2: hybrid website approach regarding a new website for the Town at the 2025 budget deliberations.

In addition to celebrating the 30th anniversary since becoming incorporated as a town, 2025 would also mark the 100th anniversary of the 1935 mining disaster for the town. According to the report, the design concept would be integrated into future developments and beautification projects done by the town in public spaces, including welcome signage, community wayfinding, and park amenities. It will also be incorporated into the upcoming town branding project to ensure that all corporate communication materials align with the design aesthetic.

Returning to the matter later on during the council meeting for the official endorsement, Coun. Heather Caldwell echoed Akkermans’ earlier sentiments, saying she was excited for the design and appreciated the efforts of the administrative team for this initiative.

“They feel passionate about creating something really, really cool for our community, so thank you very much,” said Caldwell.

Council passed a motion to endorse a modern 1930s community aesthetic and public design and identity as per the October 1, 2024, report provided by administration, and direct administration to develop a community aesthetic policy for public space design and public amenities.