2022 Grant Recipients
In 2022, the foundation received more than 130 grant applications for projects that supported either recreation or educational events and activities, or cultural facilities and programs.
While the judges decision was very difficult with many excellent submissions, the foundation is pleased to support the Alberta communities of Foremost, Dunmore, Stettler and Grimshaw with the $100,000 grant for their projects.
We look forward to giving away another $100,000 in 2023.
Jon Hollingsworth, Stacey Barrows and Chet Dykshoorn each hold posters, during a prairie blizzard, of the new indoor riding facility which they hope will soon be built outside Foremost.
Chet Dykshoorn, Jon Hollingsworth and Stacey Barrows stand in the field that will soon be home to their new $1.9 million indoor riding arena.
The location of the new Foremost and District Agricultural Society Indoor Riding arena.
Chet Dykshoorn, Jon Hollingsworth, Michelle Cowie and Stacey Barrows look at the plans for the new indoor riding arena, which will allow area residents to ride year round.
Foremost and District Agricultural Society
Indoor Riding Arena and Agricultural Centre
Foremost, Alta.
Awarded $28,980
The RCF grant is committed for the installation of heat, sewer and water and allows the society to include those amenities in the construction tender. With heat and water, the indoor riding arena will be a safe and warm facility to allow youth and adults to practice various rodeo and equestrian events year round. It will also be home to the school’s riding academy which draws students from around the region. The 130 foot by 260 ft. building will be able to host auction sales, farmers markets, livestock shows and other agricultural events.
The outdoor washroom and shower building will be renovated to ensure their agricultural society continues to attract events and visitors to their community.
Justin Weaver, a rodeo participant and ag society helper and Marj Savage, ag society administrator agree the outdoor washroom facilities need a facelift to ensure visitors want to return to their community.
New showers, toilets, interior siding and paint will all give the outdoor washrooms a facelift.
The agricultural society continues to upgrade their facilities so they are the premier agricultural event location in the region.
Stettler District Agricultural Society
Washroom and Shower Renovation
Stettler, Alta.
Awarded $27,900
With so much activity in the arena and on the grounds outside, all the facilities get a lot of use, including the outside washroom and shower building. The renovated washroom is part of the ag society’s Legacy Project of rebuilding, renovating and repainting their buildings to ensure their agricultural society continues to attract events and visitors to their central Alberta community.
Catherine Schnell and Joyce Stuber stand in front of the announcer’s booth at the Dunmore Equestrian Society facility.
Joyce Stuber, Catherine Schnell and riders Emma Vaedke and Hanna Chalifoux in front of the Dunmore Equestrian Society’s main riding arena. The facility is busy from spring to fall with rodeos, clubs and horse rentals.
Hanna Chalifoux and Emma Vaedke walk the horses in the open area which will soon be protected with panels. The warm up arena will keep the riders safe from cars, gopher holes and other things that may be scary for horses and riders.
Young riders are the future of the Dunmore Equestrian Society facility and organizers want to make sure there is a safe place to warm up before events. With the addition of the warm up arena, the arena will attract more events throughout the year.
The Dunmore Equestrian Society
Warm-Up Arena
Dunmore, Alta.
Awarded $23,120
A permanent equestrian centre has been the goal of many dedicated volunteers as a way to keep families active and the western heritage of the region alive. The outdoor arena and rodeo facility, on the outskirts of Medicine Hat, is used by hundreds of riders from spring to fall.
Continue reading...A new 120 by 240 foot warm-up arena, just beside the main arena, will keep horses and riders safe as they get ready for their events. Now, riders warm up beside cars, trains and trailers and organizers worry the kids or horses will get hurt or scared without the safety of the warm-up arena. With each new addition to the Dunmore Equestrian Society facility, it is becoming the premiere show facility for the area.
Grimshaw Curling Club board members Jocelyn Winder and Janessa Allan hold their brooms as they get ready for the curling season.
Hundreds of curlers come to the Grimshaw Curling Club each winter to visit with friends, stay active and create memories.
It is getting harder each year to get replacement parts for the old ice plant. The RCF grant will help the club upgrade the ice plant.
The ice isn’t in the Grimshaw Curling Club yet, but the club holds regular bonspiels, league and junior curling events during the winter.
Grimshaw Curling Club
Ice Plant Replacement
Grimshaw, Alta.
Awarded $20,000
For more than 80 years the Grimshaw Curling Club has been a gathering place for community and sport activities, but the 40 year old ice plant is nearing the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
Continue reading...Curling bonspiels, league curling and youth curling are all popular activities throughout the winter. Curlers from across the region travel to Grimshaw to spend time visiting with their friends and staying active in the fun sport. It is taking more money to keep the old ice plant operating and the ice in good shape. The club is well on its way to raising the $300,000 needed to replace the old ice plant and hope to have it installed in 2023 for the following curling season.