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.
Getting money to upgrade bathrooms and shower facilities isn’t glamorous, but it is an important piece of infrastructure needed to host all the activities at the agriculture grounds.
With the upgraded facilities, the Stettler District Agriculture Society is able to host dozens of events throughout the year, including high school rodeos.
Building and maintaining indoor and outdoor facilities costs money, but with these top-notch facilities the ag society is able to host and attract a variety of livestock events.
Part of the original grandstand was built in 1905 and has been upgraded over the years. It costs money to maintain and expand these facilities and the RCF is pleased to help ensure the longevity and sustainability of the facility and the local community.
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.
The Grimshaw is in the centre of town and an important part of the northern community.
Janessa Allan, Ben Hill and Dave Allan look at a series of books chronicling the history of the club.
Dave Allan and Ben Hill inspect the aging ice plant. Parts of the plant will slowly be replaced over the next few years.
Dave Allan puts up score markers at the Grimshaw Curling Club.
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 sports activities, but the 40 year old ice plant is nearing the end of its life and needs some upgrades.
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 winter sport. While the aging ice plant is still working and the ice is in good shape, it is time for upgrades. Over the next few years the club will replace parts until it is completely restored and ensure many more years of curling, fun and friendship.