The Alberta Birds of Prey Centre in Coaldale. (Image Credit: Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation)

By David Opinko

Coaldale’s Birds of Prey receives $1 million for new Environmental Learning Centre

Feb 13, 2026 | 3:00 PM

A local bird sanctuary is set to receive its largest-ever government funding contribution.

The provincial government is giving $1 million to the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation under its Alberta Community Facility Enhancement Program.

The money will go towards the creation of its $3.5 million Environmental Learning Centre (ELC).

Colin Weir, Centre Manager at the Birds of Prey, says it will be an exciting new addition.

“We have dreamt of transforming this new space for our visitors, as it has remained unused for over three decades. Without visitor pathways, this undeveloped area was previously inaccessible to the public,” says Weir.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

The ELC will feature two floors of multi-purpose presentation and event rooms, with a capacity of more than 200 people.

Located on the undeveloped west side of the sanctuary, the ECL will expand its visitor space by over 25 per cent.

Construction is already underway, and a portion of the newly landscaped area will be open to visitors this summer. It is expected to be fully completed by 2028.

The Birds of Prey says it is often frequented by guests and school groups from across the region, and is the only wildlife rescue and environmental learning centre that serves all of southern Alberta.

The goals of the Foundation are to:

• Rescue and release injured owls, eagles, hawks and falcons
• Habitat enhancement
• Create and deliver environmental learning opportunities