Township Road 244 renamed Stampede Drive

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In an active effort to help recognize the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society as a local partner, the Town voted in favour of renaming Township Road 244 to Stampede Drive.

The section of road sits between Wheatland Trail and George Freeman Trail and according to Town of Strathmore Manager of Communications, Marketing and Economic Development, Geoff Person, has gained recent significance to the society.

 He explained the Agricultural Society plans to construct a new riding arena on the north side of the road. Person said in addition to the recognition, naming the road will greatly aid in wayfinding for the area.

“Wayfinding is one of the best ways to attract tourists to your community, and so just a simple name change like that means that every person who’s plugging in the address for that new riding arena, they’re going to be driving down Stampede Drive.”

“It’s a double win – not only does the Agricultural Society get recognized for its contributions to the community, but we’re also building another tactic in our tourism work kit.”

Person emphasized council had discussed on multiple occasions with administration, the importance of recognizing the Agricultural Society as a partner, which was the driving force of the initiative.

By the standards of government timelines, the idea moved extremely quickly. Person estimated the idea went from concept to approval in only about three weeks.

Mayor Pat Fule said he believes the renaming to be an excellent way to honour the society and their contributions, particularly to local rodeos.

“We obviously live in a western agricultural town as a part of Wheatland County, and the Strathmore Agricultural Society has been a really vital member and partner in a lot of things,” he said.

“The group works very hard to bring one of the most amazing redoes and chuck wagon races around our town.”

The Agricultural society reportedly decided on the name of the road themselves, through their own board.

Physical signage on the road will need to be replaced with the updated address, and local authorities will be informed of the change.

Person explained the physical signage represents the largest financial cost of the renaming, which he estimates to be a three-digit figure.

“We just want to take our time to make sure that all the emergency responders, that they be provided with the change in address.”

“There’s a few pieces like that [which] will take a bit longer, but we’ll be doing a temporary unveiling.”

According to Person, the temporary unveiling was to take place prior to the start of the Strathmore Stampede.