Community Adjustment Funds Provide an Investment into Preserving the Past
Published on October 12, 2010
October 12, 2010, Medicine Hat Alberta…The Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of Southeast Alberta received $202,212 from the Government of Canada’s Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) to be put towards restoration and construction projects at the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede.
Federal funding will support activities such as refurbishing both the Pioneer Village and various livestock barns, as well as adding an irrigation system and trees to enhance the campground area. The Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede has contributed an additional $91,000 to assist in meeting program requirements and project commitments. MHE&S funding is also supporting additional work such as repainting of the petting zoo and updating the facility to include three wheelchair ramps.
“The biggest project was the Pioneer Village which is a heritage site on the grounds—that’s the area that has gotten the most attention from the Community Adjustment Funds,” said Jim MacArthur, general manager for the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede. “With federal support, we’ve been able to refurbish, restore and preserve the buildings.”
Described as an “investment into the past” by MacArthur, the Carriage House and Pioneer Village was created around the concept of an historical main street, consisting of such things as a fire hall with a horse drawn fire engine, blacksmith shop, one room school house, and church.
“It’s preserving what is near and dear to us, Western heritage,” said MacArthur. “This program has been tremendous for us; we really appreciate the support, because it validates so much of the work that the volunteers have put into the park.”
“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government is proud to support this important initiative,” said LaVar Payne, Member of Parliament for Medicine Hat. “This project will help enhance the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede grounds and its ability to further attract visitors to our community, while also creating immediate jobs.”
The Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta has been working with the communities of Bow Island, Medicine Hat and Redcliff on projects that are creating jobs, leveraging funds, building on partnerships and stimulating longer-term economic benefits. The EDA has received a total value of $919,321 from WD and partner contributions. For more information on the projects that the EDA is working on go to www.edalliance.ca.
The EDA acknowledges Western Economic Diversification Canada and the community partners for the financial contributions. The Community Adjustment Fund was launched in May 2009 as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. CAF is providing $1 billion over a two-year period to address the short-term economic needs of communities in Canada impacted by the global recession. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the fund in the four western provinces.