Kent was born and raised 2 miles east of the pines and Janice was born and raised in Okotoks, Alberta. They spent 30 years in Calgary. In December of 1998 they purchased the Pines. January of 1999, they began the development and restoration of the property which had been vacant for 25 years.
After 10 months of restoration of the interior, they moved into the house. In January of 2000 they started the development of the R.V. Resort. After much clearing, cutting, digging, raking, etc. they were ready to open for business. July 1, 2000 they opened.
Much to their surprise, the Bed and Breakfast and RV Park were fully booked. Since that date they have shared this unique setting (a paradise in the prairies) with hundred's of travelers from all over the world.
Take a look around their site.........You'll love it! History of the Pope Lease
In 1900 a grazing lease of 37,200 acres was obtained by Senator Rufus Pope of Cookshire, Quebec from the Dominion of Canada. He paid 3 cents an acre for his lease which he called "The Westview Ranch". However the Government of Alberta broke the lease when the government needed the land for our soldiers returning from the First World War. The soldier's settlement board subdivided 18,000 acres of the lease into 87 parcels or farming units which were to be sold for $18.00 per acre. In 1920 our war weary veterans settled down to make a new life on their own land! This are is still referred to as "The Pope Lease".
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