Buffalo Coulee, Alberta (Rural Roots Canada) – The Buffalo Coulee Community Club is celebrating after winning $10,000 as one of the top three finalists in the BASF Growing Home program for Alberta.

Established in 1974, the club was originally a local schoolhouse before being converted into a community hall. Since then, it has become a hub for events such as anniversaries, reunions, weddings, and its annual pierogi supper, held every February. The club also organizes a Christmas event for children, and, when conditions allow, a snowmobile rally.

Secretary-treasurer Denise Rogan said the recognition and prize money will go a long way in helping the club address urgent repairs, including a leaking roof. “To find out that it’s leaking was very disheartening,” Rogan says, adding that repair costs are estimated at $120,000.

Buffalo-Coulee has strong agricultural roots, drawing support from neighbouring farms and nearby towns. Events like the pierogi supper typically sell out, hammering home its commitment to family-focused gatherings. “That just goes to show how much the community supports us, and what a good event it is,” says Rogan.

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The hall provides a space for all ages, with children often getting together in the gym during events while parents enjoy meals and auctions. “It’s a really nice venue, and it’s geared towards farmers. We include anybody who wants to come, anybody who’s in the area, and we encourage it,” adds Rogan.

Looking forward to the future, the club remains focused on ensuring the building can continue to serve the community. Rogan expresses gratitude for the support received through the BASF program. “That $10,000 is a remarkable amount,” she says. “We just wanted to send a shout-out to BASF for that money because it’s definitely going to help us repair that roof.”

The community hall has also received donations from the Vermilion Credit Union ($5,000), McNabb Family ($5,000), Lillian Kohn in Memory of Leonard Kohn ($1,000) and Linda Fletcher.