The Grounds of Alberta's Legislature (Edmonton)
written by dirklancer
on September 23rd, 2008
(2 votes)
As expected, the Alberta Legislature is the site of serious business for the government of one of Canada’s wealthiest provinces. But it is also a great place to find families picnicking and playing in one of the many fountains, community groups gathering to celebrate a multitude of occasions, lobby groups protesting something or another, and young men proposing marriage to their lovely ladies (as I did nearly 10 years ago).
The Alberta Legislature Building is a majestic piece of architecture, built in the style that was apparently quite common for important Canadian government buildings of the early part of the 20th century, on the site of the former Fort Edmonton. I can’t imagine how out of place it must of looked in this little prairie town one hundred years ago…
The grounds around this imposing structure are very well kept, and can be enjoyed for hours at a time, especially by a well equipped lomographer. The monuments and memorials are quite dense in places (by Canadian standards) – it seems like there is never a shortage of reasons to make a plaque or statue. There a several fountains that are commonly used for cooling off on a hot day, but stay out of the big fountain in the middle on the north side of the grounds, unless you want to have words with the ever-present security guards!
The Centennial Flame on the South side of the building is the spot for occasional messages from wannabe political graffiti artists…
Lawn bowling and wading in the summer, ice skating in the winter, and great photo opportunities all year round. Oh, and did I mention guided tours of the building are free every day of the year? (except when they’re closed: Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Good Friday).
Parking can be tricky if there’s a big event going on, but Public Transit is quite convenient (get off the LRT at Grandin Station, and walk underground)
Links: http://www.assembly.ab.ca/visitor/tour/Grounds_Tour/Grounds_Tour_Brochure07.pdf
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