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Funding Secured for Westerner Park Amidst Government Review

Published

2 months ago

6 minute read

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.”

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

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.
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City of Red Deer

City Council looking for options to reduce hundreds of encampments

Published on September 14, 2024

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New actions for response to urban encampments being considered by City Council

New actions for The City’s response to urban encampments will be considered by Council on Monday, with a focus on interim and long-term solutions to homelessness. The proposed actions include everything from maintaining a balanced mitigation strategy to exploring interim housing solutions.

The report comes in response to Councillor Lee’s Notice of Motion re: Urban Encampment Responses that Council approved during the 2024 budget debate. The report reviews the past five years of data, analyzes service levels, and evaluates Corporate Administrative Policy 3141C – Urban Encampment Response. The key recommendations in the report focus on providing a balanced approach to mitigating the effects of encampments while working towards long-term solutions for homelessness. These recommendations include:

  • Consistent Mitigation: Maintain The City’s current approach to encampment responses, ensuring the most balanced mitigation strategy available at this time to protect public lands while supporting vulnerable individuals.
  • Advocacy for Shelter Strategy: Council will continue to advocate to the Government of Alberta for a comprehensive shelter strategy, including the development of a low-barrier 24/7 emergency shelter with a Recovery-Oriented System of Care.
  • Review of Transitional Housing: Request that the Housing and Homelessness Integrated Committee (HHIC) review the potential for new transitional housing infrastructure as an interim solution to support individuals transitioning out of homelessness.

“The City’s current policy is still achieving its target of having sites cleaned within 14 days. Despite a substantial increase in encampments, responses have continued to be increasingly efficient, largely due to enhanced relationships and experience levels,” said Jodi Kelloway, Acting Superintendent, Social Wellness and Integration Supports. “In recent months, we have seen a significant rise in the number of people experiencing homelessness, with shelters operating at or near capacity. Many individuals living in encampments have limited or no alternative options available. It is important that we continue to improve our response while building capacity within the housing continuum that considers current realities and the unique needs of community members who are unsheltered. The actions we propose in today’s report are about building and expanding on what we already do.”

Under the current policy, The City has a level of service that urban encampments, debris, and belongings are to be removed within 14 days of an initial report, 90 per cent of the time. While The City’s current response to urban encampments is effective, with 98 per cent of camps being cleaned up within 14 days, the number of encampments continues to rise. In 2023 alone, 881 encampments were dismantled, with a projected overall increase of 75 per cent by the end of 2024.

Costs related to encampment clean-up have reached approximately $2.87 million over the last five years, shared among several City departments, including Parks, Public Works, and Emergency Services. Despite increased efficiency, the growing number of encampments presents ongoing challenges and concerns.

The City’s Encampment Assertive Outreach team continues to engage individuals living in encampments, providing referrals to social and housing services. However, the report notes that many individuals face barriers to accessing shelter due to personal circumstances, such as the need for privacy, the ability to be with their partners, accommodation for pets or possessions, highlighting the ongoing need for tailored solutions.

Councillor Lee’s January 8, 2024, Notice of Motion called for administration to consider the following:

  • Reducing the time to dismantle encampments.
  • Preventing establishment of encampments.
  • Connecting rough sleepers with social supports and understanding overall community shelter capacity.
  • Develop recommendations for individuals setting up or using encampments to encourage them to seek alternative shelter.
  • How much money The City has spent on the cleanup of encampments over the past five years, and how much subsidy, if any, has been provided by other levels of government.
  • Including the continuum of housing that is currently available in Red Deer and what is needed.
  • That Administration report to council on the progress of the review of Corporate Administrative Policy 3141C – Urban Encampment Response”.

“The City of Red Deer is committed to supporting the health and safety of those sleeping rough, citizens who are enjoying parks, trails and public spaces, and staff responding to encampments,” said City Manager Tara Lodewyk. “Unfortunately, urban encampment work is a very short-term solution to a very complex health, housing, and public safety need in our community. The ability to reduce homelessness in Red Deer is significantly impacted by the lack of affordable and supportive housing supply. Until this is resolved, we will continue in this cycle of clean up.”

More detailed information is available in the City Council report located on the Council Meetings and Schedule page.

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Central Alberta

United Way Central Alberta Kicks Off 2024 Campaign, Focused on Thriving Communities and Local Impact

Published on September 12, 2024

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United Way Central Alberta (UWCA) officially launched its 2024 fundraising campaign at their Campaign Kickoff Luncheon, presented by Johnston Ming Manning LLP, and held at the Red Deer Resort & Casino on September 12th. The event gathered campaign leaders, partner agencies, and community supporters to celebrate the beginning of the campaign season, with a shared goal of building thriving communities across Central Alberta.

“We believe in the power of united action to solve complex social challenges and create lasting change,” said Chelsea O’Donoghue, CEO of United Way Central Alberta. “Together, we can help people thrive by ensuring access to Basic Needs, increasing access to Mental Health services, and creating Brighter Futures for Central Albertans.”

O’Donoghue highlighted that over 38,860 Central Albertans are currently facing barriers to accessing essential Basic Needs. With 1 in 5 individuals facing mental health challenges this year, the need for suitable mental health services is also critical. Additionally, 12.7% of children and youth in the region live in low-income households, while 40% of seniors live with disabilities, further emphasizing the importance of targeted community support.

“Your support is changing local lives,” O’Donoghue emphasized, and attendees heard from Client Ambassadors Dani and Des, whose stories demonstrated the powerful impact that community support can have. “They represent two of the more than 12,171 individuals and families who benefited from the 23 programs and projects funded by local dollars last year. And that doesn’t include the 22 additional charities we invested in through federal funding to build resilience in our communities.”

O’Donoghue thanked Leadership Matching Challenge Sponsors, Warren Sinclair LLP, and Canadian Tire North & South Red Deer for their ongoing support, noting that new leadership donations of $1,200 or more would be matched this year, doubling their impact.

The 2024 campaign features several community events, including the inaugural Kick Off 5K Run on September 22, the ever-popular UW Whisky Classic Tasting event on November 7, and multiple Days of Caring volunteer initiatives, Basic Needs drives, and workplace fundraising events throughout the fall.

United Way Central Alberta’s 2024 campaign has already received a significant boost, with over $100,000 raised. “This is a community effort,” said United Way Central Alberta Board Vice Chair, Doug Doran. “We’re already off to a great start, and I encourage everyone to get involved, share what they’ve learned, and support our mission to make Central Alberta a place where everyone can reach their potential.”

For more information please contact:
Chelsea O’Donoghue, CEO, United Way Central Alberta 403.347.0513
[email protected]

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