Province pledges $2.5M per year to ag society upgrades

Posted on December 11, 2025 by Vauxhall Advance

By Cal Braid
Vauxhall Advance
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Government of Alberta is investing in rural Alberta’s 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. The ag society buildings are central hubs, offering residents a gathering place to connect with their neighbours.

 The Vauxhall Agricultural Society plays an active role in supporting agriculture, recreation, youth development, and community spirit in the region, said VAS spokespeople Brandi Doerksen and Judy Leeson in a written response to a request from Southern Alberta Newspapers.

 “Like other ag societies in Alberta, we work to promote agriculture, maintain local facilities, and provide spaces for year-round community events. Along with managing the Vauxhall Rodeo Grounds, we host a wide range of activities, including high school rodeos, team roping jackpots, barrel racing jackpots, 4-H events, family rodeos, and our rapidly growing Vauxhall Cowboy Days Rodeo on the August long weekend,” the statement said.

 The Society also manages the annual Vauxhall Demolition Derby on July 1, organizes the local farmers market, and gives back to the community through its Volunteer of the Year award, a student scholarship, and various donations.

 Doerksen and Leeson said a new VAS facility is moving through the stages of completion. “This past year, we completed construction of a new 40 x 60 foot multipurpose building at the rodeo grounds. The building is fully erected and awaiting final inspections. It already provides much-needed storage space and a sheltered gathering area for event participants and spectators. While the main structure is complete, we still have several important additions planned – including bathrooms, a kitchen, office space, running water, and other utility upgrades – that require additional funding.”

 They said the building will also be available for event rentals such as weddings, conferences, community meetings, and virtually any gathering that requires an indoor space. To date, the VAS has raised close to $100,000 through local donors and fundraising efforts. The completed project, including the remaining additions, is expected to exceed $250,000.

 The GoA news 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.

“Continued grant funding and community support will help us finish (our) essential upgrades and further enhance the accessibility and usability of the grounds for all the groups that rely on them,” Doerksen and Leeson said.

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