Province pledges $2.5M per year to ag society upgrades

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Government of Alberta is investing in rural agricultural societies with a sustained $2.5 million annually for major facility upgrades. The program has delivered $7.5 million in total grants for 106 ag society projects over the past three years, including funds allocated this year, a GoA news release said.

 Since 2023, Alberta’s Agricultural Societies Infrastructure Revitalization Program  (ASIRP) has funded ag societies with improvements and repairs to commercial kitchens, roofs, horse riding arenas and heating and ventilation in ice rinks. Other upgrades have included increased accessibility and energy efficiency in rural facilities.

 Rural communities need up-to-date facilities to promote community involvement and economic growth. Ag society buildings are central hubs that offer residents a gathering place to host activities and connect with their neighbours.

 Amanda Valgardson from the Taber Exhibition Association said the organization was grateful to receive $80,889 through the 2024 ASIRP grant, which allowed it to complete long-needed upgrades to its facility over the last 16 months.

 “With this support, we successfully modernized our kitchen, installed new stock-handling panels and systems, and finished the final two interior walls of the arena—projects that would have been difficult to complete without this funding, especially as rising operating costs continue to narrow our margins,” Valgardson said.

 “By contributing volunteer labour and equipment as our portion of the project, we were able to stretch every dollar further. We extend our sincere appreciation to our dedicated volunteers, and to the Town of Taber for stepping in to assist when we reached out,” she said

 In the news release, RJ Sigurdson, minister of agriculture and irrigation, 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.”

 Ag 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.

 The release said that in 2025, 35 ag societies received funding for roofing and structural repairs, heating, ventilation and air conditioning replacements, arena enhancements and community kitchen upgrades.

 In 2024, 37 ag societies received funding for major facility repairs to improve safety, accessibility and energy efficiency, as well as structural repairs and general maintenance.

 In 2023, 34 ag societies received funding for projects that included major repairs and renovations to commercial kitchens, roofing and dressing rooms. Program funding also supported upgrades in facilities like community halls, arenas and rodeo grounds.

 Alberta’s 292 agricultural societies are the most in any province, and they own or operate more than 1,000 different facilities that host more than 40,000 activities and events every year. Of the 292 ag societies, 191 are 50 years or older and 27 are more than 100 years old. The oldest agricultural societies date back to 1879, before Alberta was a province.