Red Deer
Funding Secured for Westerner Park Amidst Government Review
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Westerner Park welcomes a new sustainability assessment of regional agricultural societies initiated by the Government of Alberta. This study highlights the importance of regional agricultural societies to the province and the communities they serve.
In parallel, Westerner Park is proactively working towards self-sustainability with a strategic plan set to achieve this goal within three years. “This is a challenging but achievable goal for an organization of this size. With our dedicated team and clear strategy, I am confident we can find a path to sustainability,” said Shelly Flint, CEO of Westerner Park. To support this effort, four key supporters—the City of Red Deer, Red Deer County, the Westerner Park Foundation, and the Donald Family —have each committed $500,000 in interim funding.
John Donald highlighted the longstanding significance of Westerner Park to the community, noting, “Westerner Park has been a community cornerstone for over 130 years. It’s vital that we continue to engage in strong advocacy with all levels of government.”
“Supporting Westerner Park during this transitional period is crucial. The park’s events significantly benefit our community and economy,” said Mayor Ken Johnston, City of Red Deer. “Continuing these discussions with our government partners is imperative, we do not take this kind of assistance lightly; every aspect has been carefully considered.”
“Westerner Park continues to set the stage by fostering community growth through events that support agricultural initiatives, educational programs and various entertainment; while simultaneously acting as an economic driver by attracting visitors, creating job opportunities, and stimulating our local economy for the central region,” said Mayor Jim Wood, Red Deer County.
For more than a year, all parties have been collaboratively advocating for Westerner Park, the second-largest Agricultural Society in Alberta. This advocacy has not only underscored Westerner Park’s importance but also brought attention to the broader needs of other Agricultural Societies in Alberta.
The Government of Alberta is conducting a sustainability assessment of regional agricultural societies to determine how best to support agricultural societies and the work they do into the future.
“Regional agricultural societies are a huge part of Alberta, and I’m pleased to see other levels of government and community organizations stepping up to support this important community resource. The sustainability assessment will help us understand the challenges and opportunities regional ag societies face and better position our agriculture sector and rural communities for success,” said Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson.
Shelly Flint, CEO of Westerner Park, concluded, “Westerner Park remains committed to its mission of serving the community and enhancing local economic and cultural life. The ongoing support from our partners is vital as we navigate this review and work towards a sustainable future.”
ABOUT WESTERNER PARK
Westerner Park is Central Alberta’s largest tradeshow, agricultural, sports, entertainment, and convention facility. A not-for-profit organization and agricultural society, Westerner Park typically generates $150 million annually in economic activity, hosting over 1,500 events and 1.5 million visitors each year.
FUTURE PLANS
Westerner Park will continue to engage the community through events like the annual Westerner Days Fair & Exposition, agricultural shows, and various entertainment and educational programs.
From the Province of Alberta
Agricultural societies are part of the backbone of farm and rural communities. Alberta has seven regional agricultural societies in Camrose, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, Medicine Hat, Olds and Red Deer, and they play a huge role in their surrounding communities.
Regional agricultural societies are made up of Albertans who genuinely love their communities. They develop educational programs, organize major community or special events and provide services based on community needs. They run major facilities like trade centres and exhibition grounds for their people to enjoy.
To determine how best to support regional agricultural societies and the work they do into the future, the Government of Alberta has hired Deloitte to provide recommendations.
“Regional agricultural societies are a huge part of Alberta communities and a lot has changed since they were established more than a century ago. We know they do great work. Now we need to understand their challenges and opportunities to better position our agriculture sector and rural communities for success.”
Support for regional ag societies
In Budget 2024-25, Alberta’s government provided $11.5 million for the Agricultural Societies Grant Program, including $2.8 million to regional societies. The government also provides funding for agricultural societies to make major repairs to infrastructure through the Agricultural Societies Infrastructure Revitalization Program. In 2023, 34 agricultural societies received a total $2.5 million.
The study will be funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s (Sustainable CAP) Resiliency and Public Trust program.
Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation and resiliency in Canada’s agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector.
Quick facts
- Alberta has 291 agricultural societies, the most in Canada.
- Alberta is the first Canadian province to declare a special day for its agricultural societies.
- September 21 is Agricultural Societies Day in Alberta, recognizing the hard work of these volunteer-driven, non-profit organizations.
Red Deer
Red Deer Public Schools launches Life Chances 50/50 Lottery
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GET YOUR 50/50 TICKETS!!!! Winner could take home up to $25,000!!!
The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools supports programs that have a significant impact on the LIFE CHANCES of students across the Division. By purchasing a ticket to support our 50/50 cash lottery you are giving students opportunities to have better life chances.
Ticket packages include:
- 25 for $50
- 10 for $25
- 1 for $10
From giving kids a Bright Start to school to reconnecting with students so they graduate and cross the Finish Line, the Foundation helps students who face challenges in school and makes things better. We motivate struggling students and inspire them to read and write through Reading College. For students who come to school without basic needs, we give them that needed Step Up.
With the support from The Foundation’s 50/50 Life Chances Raffle, you are providing a student with opportunities that will improve their life. They can’t always control the situations they’re in but with your help students will continue to have these chances.
Don’t miss your chance, CLICK HERE to buy your tickets today – Draw will be held on October 11! Good luck!
This raffle is open to all community members in Alberta who are over the age of 18.
Alberta
Clark Builders awarded construction manager contract to build patient tower, expand and renovate Red Deer Regional Hospital
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Site preparation work is underway now that a construction contract has been awarded for the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre redevelopment project.
The redevelopment of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre has been a priority infrastructure project since 2019. Over the last five years, significant work has been undertaken, including the development of the business case, extensive planning and coordination with multiple partners, public consultation, design and early site preparation. Following a competitive procurement process, Clark Builders has been awarded the construction manager contract to build the new patient tower and expand and renovate the existing hospital building in Red Deer.
Clark Builders will complete early site preparations such as demolishing the existing Annex building and surface parking lot. By early 2025, construction will begin on the new patient tower. Renovations will also begin in specific locations of the existing facility, with a focus on minimizing any disruption to hospital operations.
“This construction contract award is a significant milestone in moving the Red Deer Hospital project forward. To this point, all the work – planning, design, and procurement – propelling the project forward has been behind the scenes. Now, everyone will see the physical work as contractors set up offices, equipment, fencing and signage on site. I am excited to see progress on this project and for the people of Red Deer.”
Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring residents of the Red Deer region can access the care they need, when and where they need it. This project will not only expand and modernize the space, it will provide significant upgrades to services throughout the hospital, such as adding add 200 inpatient beds, increasing the size of the emergency room and adding six new operating rooms. Additionally, the redevelopment will add a new Medical Device Reprocessing department, new cardiac catheterization labs and a new centralized power plant.
“The Red Deer Regional Hospital redevelopment project is a priority for our government. We recognize there is an urgent need to increase capacity and expand services in central Alberta, and the awarding of this contract signifies progress being made towards ensuring patients can receive the health care they deserve close to home.”
“I am pleased to see this vital project advancing with the awarding of the construction manager contract to Clark Builders. This is good news for Red Deer and improving access to healthcare. With site preparations underway and visible construction on the new patient tower beginning soon, there is a strong future ahead for our city!”
A new ambulatory building will also be constructed as part of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre redevelopment, but as a stand-alone project to be delivered using a public-private partnership delivery method. A contract with the successful organization is expected to be in place by May 2025 and construction will begin shortly thereafter.
Quick facts
- Over the next three years, Alberta’s 2024 Capital Plan is providing $810 million toward a $1.806-billion investment for redevelopment of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.
- Initial site preparation is currently underway with a separate construction management team (Shunda Consulting and Construction Management) that was engaged in June 2024 to complete early construction activities.
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