Clearwater County is set to receive the Alberta Heritage Awareness Award in recognition of its efforts in completing the expanded Nordegg Discovery Centre (NDC).

Awarded every two years, the Heritage Awareness Award recognizes research, publications or public engagement projects that have deepened the public’s understanding and promoted greater awareness of Alberta’s heritage.

According the Alberta Government website, projects must have been completed within the last three years.

Matt Martinson, director of agricultural services for Clearwater County says the organization is proud to be receiving the award, as the NDC’s aim was to indeed deepen the understanding of the cultural and historic aspects around the Brazeau Collieries coal mine in Nordegg.

Martinson adds the project has been received favorably since opening earlier in 2024.

“We had a spring grand opening that included the community and neighboring Indigenous communities,” says Martinson. “We got tremendous public feedback from all the folks that did visit and attend the new Nordegg Discovery Centre.”

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READ MORE: New exhibit to be unveiled in Nordegg

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While he doesn’t have hard numbers, Martinson says there was certainly an increase in tourist traffic in Nordegg throughout the summer, with many stopping to see exhibits and take tours at the Nordegg Discovery Centre.

Martinson, along with other members of Clearwater County administration will receive the award in Edmonton on Sept. 26.

2022 winners included Powwow! Ohcîwin the Origins by the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery, Métis Nation of Alberta Region 3 historical research by Matt Hiltermann, and Abandoned Alberta, a book of photographs of abandoned buildings throughout the province by Edmonton photographer, Joe Chowaniec.