This weekend marks the start of the second century for the Alberta Legislature.

Sunday in Edmonton, Premier Alison Redford will take part in a recreation of the September 3rd, 1912, ceremony that marked the official opening of the province’s political hub.

According to the Calgary Herald, six years before the opening of the legislature debate raged as to where the provincial capital should be located.

In 1906, Public Works Minister Willian Henry Cushing spearheaded a drive to have the building located here in Calgary. Cushing argued Calgary was the business centre of the province, it would cost less to build in Calgary and the city was offering a free site.

In the end, Edmonton won the battle to become the capital of the province – which also included Red Deer and Banff – thanks to the fact our northern rivals had more seats in the government.  The final score:  Edmonton 16, Calgary 8.

And apparently things haven’t changed in Alberta politics in 100 years.

The budget for the legislative building was $1.25 million.

The final tab?

$2.4 million, thanks to increased costs for bringing in marble and sandstone for the project from Calgary and Ohio.