BONNYVILLE, AB – On Friday, October 16, The Town of Bonnyville officially dedicated Ernie Isley Park, located at the corner of Lakeshore Drive and 51 Street, honouring Mr. Isley’s decades of public service and contributions to the community.
Isley first came to Bonnyville in 1971 as the founding principal of Bonnyville Centralized High School (BCHS). He went on to serve as MLA for the Bonnyville constituency from 1979 to 1993, and as Mayor of Bonnyville from 2005 to 2013.
“Naming this park gives future generations a reason to learn about the person behind the name,” said Town of Bonnyville Councillor Neil Langridge. “When someone asks, ‘Who is Ernie Isley?’ we will have a story to tell of an educator, a provincial representative, a cabinet minister, a mayor, and a community builder whose work reached across our region and Alberta.”
Isley’s legacy includes significant contributions to local schools, regional health facilities, the Bonnyville Centennial Centre, veterinary and family support services, recreational facilities and numerous other community amenities.
“Even today, Ernie’s advocacy still continues, and that’s the Ernie Isley that I know; a man that is always looking to improve the area, even when he’s out of politics,” said Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr, highlighting Isley’s continued advocacy for local health care and community services.
In addition to the park dedication, new street signage will be installed along a portion of 49 Avenue, recognizing it as Ernie Isley Way. The route passes several locations connected to Isley’s years of service, including BCHS and Town Hall, continues along the route toward the hospital, and concludes at Ernie Isley Park.
Isley also addressed those gathered for the dedication, expressing his gratitude for the recognition.
“This is probably about the most touching presentation I’ve ever received,” he said. “Thank you very, very much.”
Through the naming of Ernie Isley Park and Ernie Isley Way, the Town of Bonnyville is proud to recognize his lasting legacy and decades of commitment to the region.
