Vilna Under Construction

Vilna's Claim To Fame

The Village of Vilna’s claim to fame is its cluster of three gigantic metallic mushrooms standing in a park one block away from the downtown core. This gentle historic town is located 39 kilometres northeast of Smoky Lake, AB, on Highway 28.

Hope of a Boys and Girls Club

Some of its meaningful businesses under construction or being repaired include the hopeful startup of a boys and girls social club where the youth of this town and the surrounding district can find relief from the technology-driven, anti-social aspect of their lives, according to the woman we met on the street. 

Vilna Seniors' Centre

Across from that large undertaking is the Vilna Seniors’ Centre. The scaffold structure on its front face was a giveaway. The new delightful blue siding gives the building a regal image. We left the area before they had the chance to add an apostrophe for plural possession.

Home is Where Your Heart Is

Some folks have the great idea of developing an at-home business while a clever lady in this town turned a business into her home. As you stroll down the centre street in Vilna, pay special attention to a red door. Home is where you make it. 

Garage of Days Gone By

As you step off onto one of the side roads you’ll be pleasantly surprised that what is old, very old, still stands. A used-to-be vehicle repair building presents itself as a staple of days gone by. Our lady on the street told us that there used to be four garages in Vilna and now there are none.

Greek Orthodox Church in Vilna

One of our biggest surprises was that the Greek Orthodox Church was closed and not under construction and the Anglican Church was for sale. The sands of time and encroaching trees and invasive plants have taken over in some areas, while in others the sounds of simultaneous hammers and saws ring out as hopeful indicators of keeping this small town alive. 

Our last visit was with the Administrator at the Vilna Village Office. She shared the good news that the village is keeping its library and organisers are looking for a librarian.