BONNYVILLE – A new park at Shawluta Pond now carries the name of one of Bonnyville’s longtime community leaders.

On Friday, October 16, the Town of Bonnyville officially dedicated Ernie Isley Park in honour of the former mayor, MLA, educator and cabinet minister, recognizing decades of service to the community and the province.

The dedication also includes a stretch of 49th Avenue that will be known as Ernie Isley Way, with new street signs expected to be installed in the coming weeks.

Deputy Mayor Neil Langridge led the ceremony, welcoming Isley’s family, friends, former colleagues and community representatives.

“A community’s history lives in its people, those who step forward, take responsibility, and dedicate their time and energy to making life better for others,” Langridge said.

A legacy across generations

Isley’s connection to Bonnyville began in 1971 when he became the first principal of the newly established Bonnyville Centralized High School.

He later represented Bonnyville in the Alberta Legislature from 1979 to 1993, serving four terms and holding several cabinet portfolios, including public works, agriculture, and rural development.

His contributions helped advance numerous regional projects, including healthcare facilities, recreation amenities and community services.

Isley later served as Mayor of Bonnyville from 2006 to 2013, helping guide the development of the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre.

Langridge said the new park and roadway’s location is particularly fitting. Ernie Isley Way passes BCHS, Town Hall and the route to the hospital before ending at the park.

“Naming this park gives future generations a reason to learn about the person behind the name,” Langridge said.

Deputy Mayor Neil Landridge and Ernie Isley

A touching tribute

The ceremony also celebrated the family behind Isley’s years of public service.

His son spoke about the support of Isley’s wife, Sheila, and the legacy the couple has built through their family, which now numbers 53 immediate family members, including children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

When Isley took the microphone, he shared a few laughs about his years at BCHS and the connections he still has to today’s Town Council.

But the occasion was also emotional.

“This is probably about the most touching presentation I’ve ever received,” Isley said.

The new park gives residents a place to gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors, while the street dedication recognizes a lifetime spent helping shape the community.

For Bonnyville, the names Ernie Isley Park and Ernie Isley Way will serve as lasting reminders of his contributions to the town and the people who call it home.