In 1934, the Canadian government established the National Forestry Program under the supervision of the Department of Defence. The program was designed to provide work for unemployed single men during the Great Depression. The Kananaskis Forest Experimental Station near Seebe was founded as a part of this initiative.

In 1939, the site was adapted for use as Kananaskis Internment Camp #130, a prison camp for civilian internees and enemy merchant seamen. Two years later, the site was enlarged and fortified for use as prisoners of war camp.

The camp detained combat officer personnel from late 1942 until 1946 when the camp closed. During their time in detention, the internees cleared the valley that now forms the bed of Barrier Lake.

The Colonel’s Cabin served as the Camp Commandant’s quarters.

Photos: Vlad Umnov