The Inter-Mountain Watershed District (IMWD) unveiled the new Memorial Park at their office and yard site near Ethelbert last Friday.
During the unveiling ceremony, they honoured their first two inductees, Ernie Bayduza and Wes Bernat.
The IMWD established the park to pay tribute to volunteers who have been instrumental in the founding and building of their District to where they are today.
According to a news release from the IMWD, tremendous growth has been accomplished during Bernat and Bayduza’s time with IMWD, and their work constitutes important building blocks for the next generation who will be working and volunteering in conservation.
IMWD Chair Jack Bremner says, “Both Wes and Ernie were very passionate about conservation and the health of our watershed. It is important for us to recognize their contributions in our new Memorial Park”.
Ernie Bayduza was a long-term councillor, reeve and farmer in the R.M. of Dauphin. Bayduza’s conservation ethic led him to become a sub-district member of the Turtle River Watershed Conservation District in 1986 and was integral in the formation of the Intermountain Conservation District in 1997. With the new district, Bayduza became chair of the Wilson River sub-district and served as Chair of Intermountain between 1999 and 2004. Bayduza remained an active member of their main Board of Directors until he stepped down in 2011. He continued on as Chair of the Wilson River sub-district until his passing in 2019.
Wes Bernat grew up and farmed in the R.M. of Dauphin and also had a long-time career with the City of Dauphin. Bernat was first employed by the City as the Engineering Clerk and went on to become Personnel Director, and later was also elected as City Councillor. Bernat was a member of the Intermountain Conservation District since its establishment in 1997 when he was appointed as the City’s representative on the Vermillion River sub-district. Bernat was appointed Chairman of the Vermillion River sub-district in 2013 and remained an active member of their main Board of Directors until his passing in 2016.
More information on the IMWD can be found on their website.
