Letter to the Editor: Oyen citizens oppose renaming of Alberta R.C.M.P. Century Park
In this article, we will endeavour to explain to the Echo’s readership why a group of Oyen citizens has lobbied the Oyen Town Council twice, requesting the amendment or repeal of Resolution C122 (06/16/25). This resolution is in regard to the renaming of the Alberta R.C.M.P. Century Park to Doug Jones Park.
The park’s conception began with an announcement from the Alberta government on August 31, 1973, concerning the celebration of the role the RCMP played in the development of our province. A $23,000 matching grant from the Alberta government was approved, and on November 12, 1974, the Oyen Echo published a news article titled We Can Make It Happen.
Through the generosity of the Town of Oyen, the Big Country Agricultural Society, the local Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Highways, Lions, Lioness, the Legion, Kinsmen, Kinettes and private monetary donations, the town was able to raise the matching funds. The Ag Society also generously donated trees to the park, and a local 4-H group volunteered work hours. Citizens contributed their money and physical labour to create the park we now enjoy.
We must also acknowledge the commitment of Denny Sanderson, who continued to spearhead this project after he departed from the town’s employ.
Thanks to the dedication and hard work of countless volunteers, we now have a beautiful park that ballplayers, spectators and campers have enjoyed for 50 years.
We are in favour of honouring Doug Jones, or anyone else who has contributed to our community; however, we oppose the erasure of what those volunteers were committed to: the honouring of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
In less than two weeks, in very cold weather, we collected a petition with 116 signatures requesting that the park’s name remain as is. However, our petition was deemed insufficient due to the fact that it was not presented within the allocated time frame of 60 days after the resolution to change the park’s name was passed.
Going forward, the citizens who wish the name to remain the Alberta R.C.M.P. Century Park will be looking at alternative options in our endeavour.
Without prejudice,
Shirey Foot & Lorraine Guckert