Ag Society hosts reception for officials to present western events and cultural centre project

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Strathmore and District Agricultural Society hosted a reception for members of government, as well as relevant organizations to discuss their ongoing Western Events and Cultural Centre capital campaign.

“We had a number of representatives come from large corporations from the area, large farms and ranches, of course representatives from provincial and municipal government, as well as from the Alberta Beef Producers, as well as other stakeholder organizations who are involved in the project,” said Ryan Schmidt, president and CEO of the Ag Society. “The message was ‘we are going to build this project and we are looking for your help.’”

In attendance from the province was the Minister of Tourism and Sport, Joseph Schow. MP Martin Shields and MLA Chantelle de Jonge also made appearances at the reception. 

Schmidt emphasized that no one member of a government has the authority to commit financial backing and support for a project such as the Western Events and Culture Centre, though he is optimistic about the potential for support from multiple levels of government. 

“(There is) a process this has to go through, through careful consideration, through different budget procedures – so we are definitely putting forth the request to support the project,” he said. “I think the initial reception is positive, and of course they have to do their due diligence and consideration, and we will happily supply information they need to support that process.”

Going forward, Schmidt explained the next steps for the ag society will be to begin meeting with companies and organizations in one-on-one environments to put forward their ask for support.

He added public interest is beginning to accumulate, stating that groups from across Canada have begun to reach out and inquire when events may be booked at the new centre. 

A wait list has since been created in order to follow up with interested parties once the event centre is closer to being finished construction.

“We are very excited to see the response, and it fits with what we saw in our feasibility study; there is a huge demand for premier western event spaces like this and performing arts theatre as well; it is greatly needed in the community,” he said. “The project resonates with people, whether it is one of the facilities that are located in the project, whether it is the western events arena, the performing arts theatre, or one of the programs: the practical ranching school, and the year-round rodeo academy, it is striking a chord.”