(The City of Red Deer/Supplied)

By farmnewsNOW Staff

Funding secured for Westerner Park amidst government review

Aug 6, 2024 | 2:24 PM

A new sustainability assessment of regional agricultural societies initiated by the Government of Alberta has been welcomed by Westerner Park as it proactively moves towards self-sustainability.

The park has enacted a strategic plan to achieve this self-sustainability 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 aid in this effort, the City of Red Deer, Red Deer County, the Westerner Park Foundation, and the Donald Family have each committed $500,000 in interim funding.

“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,” said John Donald.

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For more than a year, officials note that all parties have been collaboratively advocating for Westerner Park, the second-largest Agricultural Society in Alberta.

“Supporting Westerner Park during this transitional period is crucial. The park’s events significantly benefit our community and economy,” said Red Deer Mayor Ken Johnston. “Continuing these discussions with our government partners is imperative, we do not take this kind of assistance lightly; every aspect has been carefully considered.”

The Government of Alberta says it 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.

Related: Alberta funding study on how to support Agricultural societies