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Foothills Hospital turns 50, time capsule opened

The Foothills Hospital is turning 50-years-old.

Medical Director Dr. Peter Jamieson says they’ll be kicking off the week long celebration by opening a time capsule from June 1966.

“We expect we might find some things that would tell a story of how care was provided at the Foothills when we opened 50 years ago.”

A lot has changed since then, and Jamieson told City News that the hospital has become a vital facility for western Canada.

“So the original building opened 50 years ago, first with an ophthalmology clinic actually, and over the years it’s grown to be perhaps one of the largest hospitals in Canada. Provides care for over two million people all across southern Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.”

Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart, as well as other celebrities and dignitaries were on hand to open a time capsule Thursday afternoon, as well.

Inside: blueprints, newspapers, roster sheets and a random envelope with $0.62.

These items, among others, were unsealed from the 1966 Foothills Hospital time capsule.

The ceremony kicked off a week of festivities at the hospital, which included live music, prizes and giveaways, displays and a meet and greet with ‘The Hitman’.

The capsule was placed in a wall near the main entrance 50 years ago and Jamieson said it was special to open it.

“Fascinating to see what the builders of this hospital put in the time capsule 50 years ago,” he said. “The most exciting part is the people who work here and the people of Calgary who have received care here and having a chance to celebrate.”

Jamieson said at the end of the week, they will put new items into another time capsule to be opened in 2066.

“My favourite item was probably the $0.62, there’s a certain irony to that that I can appreciate,” he said.

There were some original staff on hand at the ceremony, including nurse Arlene Weidner, who was among the first graduating class.

“When they were putting it in, they said we hope you’re here in 50 years and my classmates and I all chuckled and said you got to be kidding,” she said. “It’s actually really exciting to be here, I’m very fortunate that I can still have great health and I can be here to participate in this.”

The festivities don’t end here, on Saturday they will be taking a historic photo — anyone who was born at Foothills is encouraged to attend.

For more information, visit ahs.ca/foothills50th.

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