A rare Canadian ceremony took place earlier this month in Stony Mountain. RM of Rockwood Reeve Jim Campbell took part in the Freedom of the Village proclamation and ceremony.

"The RM of Rockwood bestowed Freedom of the Village - it's an honorary ceremony -- to Corrections Canada and the Stony Mountain Penitentiary for 140 years in Stony Mountain and 180 years in Canada."

Campbell says of all the communities in which the ceremony was held, Corrections Canada informed him that the event in Stony Mountain was most attended by staff and public. He notes about 265 staff were in the parade alone.

He says it's a military-type ceremony with a town crier, similar to giving the key to the city, and adds it gives Corrections Canada the right to parade through town as a symbolic gesture in recognition of what they've contributed to the town. The ceremony began with a march to the Reeve requesting permission for Freedom of the Village which was granted, followed by Campbell joining them in a march. He presented a flag to the Corrections Canada representative who in turn received one from him.

June 1st was then proclaimed as Correctional Service of Canada Appreciation Day in Stony Mountain and the RM of Rockwood.

He notes a long-standing alliance has been in effect with Corrections Canada for 140 years when the penitentiary was constructed. Only one house existed in the location, and there are now about 600. Campbell says originally the town growth was due to employment for the construction work, administration, and guards. Now, however, he says people move there to say due its family-friendliness with a level of trust and comfort due to the work they do at the penitentiary.

Campbell explains inmates have worked with the community in the past and were involved in recreation events, the RM performed sewer and waterworks efforts with the facility, as well has having performed land acquisitions. He notes they've always had a good and valued partnership.