WESTLOCK – A piece of local history rolled through the streets of Westlock on March 17 as the Vermillion Spring School—one of the area’s last remaining one-room schoolhouses—was relocated to its new home at the Canadian Tractor Museum.
Originally scheduled for March 13, the move was delayed due to poor weather, but conditions on March 17 were ideal: clear skies, sunshine, and no wind.
“I can't say enough about how everyone involved worked together. It was a perfect day,” said Barb Kostiw, Executive Director of the Canadian Tractor Museum and Director of the Friends of Vermillion Spring School Society.
Despite the calm weather, the biggest concern was clearing power lines along the route. Fortis Alberta linemen monitored temperatures closely, as warmer weather can cause power lines to sag, potentially complicating the move. Fortunately, temperatures stayed below -3 C, allowing the house to clear all lines—except one.
At the final stretch, just outside the museum’s front gate, movers had to lift the historic schoolhouse over a power line. “The crane operator and movers are craftsmen at their trade,” said Kostiw. “They lifted the schoolhouse up and put it on the truck with finesse.”
To avoid obstacles, the moving crew carefully planned a route with minimal interference. Rig mats were donated by Performance Dirtworks to help stabilize the path. The movers navigated curbs behind the Westlock Community Hall and exited through the swimming pool parking lot. At one tight spot, they lowered the air in the trailer to clear a line without assistance.
Westlock RCMP assisted by controlling traffic as the load accessed Highway 44 at 110 Street, even driving on the wrong side of the road at several points to bypass traffic lights and signs. The load remained on the opposite side all the way to Sobeys to complete the move.
A provincial crane inspector was on-site during the final placement to check operator credentials and ensure safety standards were met. After the successful delivery, the Friends of Vermillion Spring School Society hosted a luncheon to thank all involved.
The relocation marks the beginning of the project’s second phase: restoration. The Friends of Vermillion Spring School Society is currently applying for grants and accepting donations to refurbish the building before it opens to the public. Planned upgrades include repainting, floor oiling, and window repairs.
Kostiw expressed heartfelt appreciation to the many individuals and organizations who contributed to the project, including Eagle Excavating, Pickle Trucking Custom Hauling, BC2 Custom Crane Services, Performance Dirtworks, Fortis, Westlock RCMP, Darrell Teske, and the Friends of Vermillion Spring School Society.
She also extended special thanks to Tracy Tyreman and Pembina Hills School Division for their generous support. “Pembina Hills has been a constant pillar of support,” said Kostiw. “Their care, attention, and maintenance of the school over the years made this move possible.”
Neil McMillan, President of the Friends of Vermillion Spring School Society, has a personal connection to the building. The school was originally built on his family’s farm, and his mother taught there as a young woman before marrying his father. The school remained on the McMillan land until 1989, when it was moved to Westlock. Unfortunately, it was later vandalized, with several antique items stolen.
Many involved in the project have ties to the school. Dale Krysa of Eagle Excavating, who spearheaded the effort, recalled visiting the school as a child with his grandmother, Doreen Stewart, a former student.
“We're very pleased that we're able to save a little bit of history and it's landed in a safer place,” said McMillan.
The funds raised so far have covered the cost of the move. McMillan said it may take another year to raise enough money for the necessary repairs. While the Canadian Tractor Museum now serves as the schoolhouse’s physical home, it remains a treasured legacy of the Friends of Vermillion Spring School Society.
