A number of Central Alberta agricultural societies will benefit from a provincial program.
The 2023 Agricultural Societies Infrastructure Revitalization Program is granting $2.5 million to 34 ag societies to update existing facilities like community halls, arenas and rodeo grounds. Modern buildings and amenities encourage community involvement and growth.
The following local organizations were grant recipients:
- Caroline and District Athletic and Agricultural Society received $100,000 for a rood replacement on the community arena.
- Bentley and District Agricultural Society received $10,510 to replace lighting in the community hall with LED fixtures.
- Westerner Park Exposition Association received $95,638 for washroom renovations.
- Bowden and District Agricultural Society received $63,205 for dance hall painting and the demolition of a dangerous building.
“Agricultural societies play a key role in improving rural communities and well-maintained facilities support their continued success,” said RJ Sigurdson, minister of agriculture and irrigation.
“With these funds, ag societies across Alberta will be able to expand programs and keep their spaces safe, modern and accessible. These facilities play an essential role in rural communities, offering residents and visitors opportunities to gather, build connections and engage with their neighbours.”
Alberta’s government supports the work of agricultural societies through the Agricultural Societies Infrastructure Revitalization Program each year, according to a media release issued on Friday. Individual projects may receive funding between $10,000 and $100,000.
Some of the approved projects the 2023 funding will support include roof repairs, kitchen and bathroom renovations, window and door upgrades, and increasing accessibility.
“We’re pleased to see a strong uptake of this new capital grant by ag societies across Alberta,” said Tim Carson, Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies CEO.
“These facilities are gathering spaces for a range of activities, including farmers markets, rural fairs, team sports and rodeos. The facility upgrades that are now possible with this funding will immensely benefit rural communities.”
Alberta’s government will continue to support agricultural societies through the Agricultural Societies Infrastructure Revitalization Program in 2024, with the intake opening later this year.
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