Fonds MS-729 - Canadian National Recreation Association (Edmonton) fonds

Beginning in 1928 as the Canadian National Social and Athletics Association, the Canadian National Recreation Association (CNRA) was an informal way for employees of Canadian National (CN) to gather and socialize. Membership was open to all CN employees and their families. The association sponsored recreational activities such as tennis, lawn bowling, curling, golf, fastball, and hockey, as well as social activities like dancing, ping-pong, cribbage, and card parties. The association was very popular and grew to become an integral part of the CNR in the Edmonton area. Due to the constant popularity of the club, the CNRA incorporated in 1955 so that it could more formally handle the increasing responsibilities of the organization. In 1960, the CNRA and the CN Credit Union cooperated in the construction of a new recreation centre for CNA employees. In order for the CNRA to enter a partnership with the Credit Union they become incorporated under the Societies Act of Alberta. The CNRA contributed $12,000 to the construction of the facility in exchange for a 30 years lease on the operation of the building. Completed in April 1961, the new building allowed the association to sponsor more social and recreational activities during the 1960s and 1970s. The 1980s, however, saw the demise of the CNRA likely due to the changing nature of the railway system in Canada.