We all know that next Monday February 16th is Family Day in Alberta and a time for us to get together and appreciate our loved ones; but did you know that Heritage Canada The National Trust has another reason for you to celebrate next Monday? February 16th is also Heritage Day. The theme for this year’s Heritage Day is Main Street at the Heart of the Community and is a chance to appreciate our historic districts and the vibrancy they bring to our lives. Heritage Canada the National Trust has also launched their I Love My Main Street contest. Check out the link to learn how you can participate.
We believe Alberta’s main streets have many stories to tell and that their continued success contributes to healthy, diverse and aesthetically pleasing communities. As many of you are aware, the Alberta Main Street Program is designed to assist historic commercial areas across Alberta. The program is founded on the understanding that properly conserved heritage areas are destinations in themselves. When conservation is coupled with efforts to attract business, host events and otherwise create an animated public space, historic downtowns can have continued life. The Alberta Main Street Program currently has five members – Camrose, Lethbridge, Old Strathcona (Edmonton), Olds and Wainwright – who are working to ensure their main streets remain the heart of their community. The next time you travel to these communities take the time to stop and stroll the main street – you won’t regret it!
This Family Day take a moment to appreciate your local history and perhaps consider taking your family to a historic district to enjoy the sights and sounds. While you are at it, don’t forget to stop and consider the people, the businesses, the streetscape and the beautiful historic buildings which, collectively make it such a special place to be.
Written by: Rebecca Goodenough, Municipal Heritage Services Officer
RETROactive 
Thanks so much for sharing the I Love My Main Street contest!
You’re welcome Natalie, it’s a great initiative!
We’re looking forward to seeing lots of Alberta Main Streets populating our I LOVE MY MAIN STREET CONTEST map! Thanks for sharing.
We are too, thanks Carolyn!
I don’t understand this, we already have Heritage Day celebrations in Edmonton first weekend of August. What is this for? and why take away from Family Day?
Nationally, Heritage Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February. This was established in 1973 by the Heritage Canada Foundation. Click here for more information.
Family Day is a statutory holiday in the province of Alberta and is also held the third Monday in February (beginning in 1990).
Of course in Alberta we also have our own Heritage Day which you correctly note is celebrated on the first Monday of August every year and, depending on the employer, may be granted as a general holiday. Our understanding is that this was put in place in 1974.
We don’t intend to take away from Family Day in any way, rather, as a heritage body and home of the Alberta Main Street program we only want to share information of Heritage Canada’s contest and their Main Street theme for this year. We wish you a happy Family Day!