Follow our top 10 countdown of the most memorable stories of the last decade, as reported by rdnewsNOW!

Council approves naming of Sutherland Drive

Feb 21, 2019 | 12:19 PM

The Town of Rocky Mountain House is naming a street after a well-known local couple.

Council has approved a notice of motion from Mayor Tammy Burke to rename 54 Street south of Highway 11 as Sutherland Drive, in honour of Fred and Margaret Sutherland.

Fred Sutherland served nearly four years in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. He was the front gunner in the aircraft that broke the Edger Dam as part of the Dambusters mission of the 617 Squadron.

After moving to Rocky Mountain House, he worked as a superintendent of the Rocky Clearwater Forest Area until his retirement in 1986. 

Margaret Sutherland was an accomplished weaver and artist and together, they raised three children and were married for almost 75 years.

Fred, who was the last surviving member of the Dambusters, passed away last month. Margaret passed away in September 2017.

“The Sutherlands were really outstanding and longtime residents of the community, they lived with generosity, love and respect for each other and for their friends and family and their community,” says Laura Button, Town of Rocky Mountain House Communications.

Council has made a motion to look into options for a memorial plaque and signage options commemorating Sutherland Drive. Legal addresses will not change.