Albertans have their say on Legislature Time Capsule Contents

December 31 marked more than just the end of another year. It also saw the wrap-up of centennial celebrations for the Alberta Legislature Building and the close of the time capsule vote.

PHOTO CREDIT - TheCanadianEncyclopedia.com

Edmonton - January 11, 2013 - December 31 marked more than just the end of another year. It also saw the wrap-up of centennial celebrations for the Alberta Legislature Building and the close of the time capsule vote.

“Thousands of Albertans participated in the time capsule vote and we are grateful to all of them for their input,” said the Honourable Gene Zwozdesky, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. “Those who took the time to be a part of history helped launch the next 100 years of parliamentary progress in our Province. The time capsule vote was an enjoyable and meaningful way to connect Albertans to their Legislature.”

Albertans were able to select their favourite five suggestions from a list of 20 possible items to be included in the time capsule, which will be placed beneath the cornerstone of the Legislature Building later this year. It is expected that the new time capsule will be unearthed by Albertans in 2112, marking the 200th anniversary of the Legislature Building.

At the close of the vote on December 31, 2012, approximately 6,000 people had voted. The top five items as voted by Albertans are:

- letters to the future by Alberta schoolchildren with predictions about life 100 years from now;
- a roll of 2012 pennies and one full, uncirculated 2012 coin set;
- newspapers from the Legislature’s centennial celebrations in September of 2012;
- photos of the 1909 time capsule unearthing event in June of 2012; and,
- photos of classes that participated in the School at the Legislature program in 2012.

These five items will be included in the new time capsule. However, in addition to voting on items in the online list, the public was also asked to share original ideas, some of the more unique of which were: seeds from Alberta’s native trees; the precious stone ammolite; a piece of grain elevator; a jar of honey; and a personal digital appliance (such as an iPhone or iPad). The Speaker will release the complete list of contents for the time capsule later this year.

The Legislature Building’s centennial celebrations were launched on June 18, 2012, with the unearthing of a time capsule that was placed beneath the Legislature’s cornerstone in 1909. The contents of the time capsule were revealed at the Party Under the Dome celebration in September of last year. The new time capsule will be placed within this same cavity later this year. The cornerstone, denoted by a brass plaque, is located at the east entrance to the Legislature Building.