BoBow Island
Medicine Hat News
Pinto McBean, the larger-than-life legume that waves to passersby as they enter Bow Island, is more than just a road attraction. It also encapsulates the life of this small southeastern Alberta community.
Bow Island is a bean town. The dry edible bean industry contributes as much as $10 million to the region’s economy each year.
With the longest growing season in the province, Bow Island is home to over 100,000 acres of highly developed, irrigated land. In addition to legumes, the area is home to the Spitz International sunflower seed company, and is a key location for grain production. Other crops fuel the town’s burgeoning agri-processing sector.
Pinto McBean’s googly-eyed grin also reflects another facet of life in this town of 2,000: its community spirit.
w Island home to Pinto McBean and a lot more
The town’s volunteer fire department is highly dedicated - so much so that Mayor Alan Hyland says volunteers pitched in to help with the construction of the community’s new fire training centre, due to be completed this spring.
“They're always doing something,” Hyland says. “Raising money for charity, or buying new equipment or training themselves... You could put them up against any volunteer fire department in terms of their training."
Bow Island residents also enjoy a rich cultural scene, which includes the popular Blues at the Bow concert series featuring national and international artists. The Bow Island Children’s Festival, held every Father’s Day, attracts about 1,500 visitors a year and features a variety of performers and free activities.
Bow Island’s growth has slowed with the economic downturn, but Hyland says the town has felt fewer negative
impacts than others as its economic base is largely agricultural rather than oil and gas based.
“We've just got to keep on working hard to get
through these
tough times, and try to pull together as a unit, as a town, as businessmen,” he adds. “Just keep providing service to the citizens, and still be here when it's all over."
To that end, Hyland and councillors Dennis Knapik, Gordon Reynolds, Vern Beck, John Brocklesby, Nan MacLean and Dale Meier are planning to make improvements to town water lines in 2010. A new visitor’s centre is being designed as well, with construction set to begin before the next tourist season.
REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2010 ■ Celebrating our Community — 7
52204900•03/30/10
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