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By Alice McFarlane

Alberta agricultural societies

Alberta ag societies benefit from provincial funding

Nov 18, 2025 | 4:09 PM

Alberta agricultural societies will get much needed funds.

The Alberta government will provide $2.5-million for major agricultural society facility upgrades.

In the past, ag societies got help with improvements and repairs to commercial kitchens, roofs, horse riding arenas and heating and ventilation in ice rinks and has increased accessibility and energy efficiency in rural facilities.

The funding program has delivered $7.5 million in total grants for 106 ag society projects over the past three years, including funds allocated this year.

Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson said Alberta’s rural communities need up-to-date facilities to promote community involvement and economic growth.

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He said ag societies have an important role in the quality of life for Alberta villages, towns and rural communities.

“Throughout the year they welcome Albertans to community events, from local weddings and grad ceremonies to children’s programs, team sports and summer rodeos,” he said. “With this annual program, ag societies across Alberta will continue to expand and upgrade their facilities, keeping them safe, modern and welcoming.”

Agricultural societies can apply to the program to fund major repairs to existing or aging infrastructure and may receive funding between $10,000 and $100,000.

Russ Kushinski is the director of the Calmar and District Agricultural Society. He said if a group doesn’t keep up with infrastructure, it just falls apart.

“The funding from the Alberta government allowed us to make some major changes that we couldn’t afford before,” Kushinski said. “It’s just a great opportunity for us. We have put in a high-efficiency boiler system, air-flow system, and new flooring in the kitchen. Our modern facility and curling rink are a big attraction for neighbouring communities.”

In 2025, 35 ag societies received funding to undertake roofing and structural repairs, heating, ventilation and air conditioning replacements, arena enhancements and community kitchen upgrades.

Alberta is home to 292 agricultural societies, the most in Canada. Alberta’s ag societies own or operate more than 1,000 different facilities and host more than 40,000 activities and events every year.

In Alberta, 191 ag societies are 50 years or older, and 27 of these are more than 100 years old.

The oldest agricultural societies date back to 1879, before Alberta was a province.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com