Province updates on its Agricultural Societies Infrastructure Revitalization Program

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on November 20, 2025.

The province has released information about its most recent round of investments in Alberta’s agricultural societies through the Agricultural Societies Infrastructure Revitalization Program.

The program was introduced in 2023 to maintain facilities in agricultural communities, an effort the province says promotes community involvement and economic growth.

There are 292 agricultural societies in Alberta, which operate 1,000 facilities and host more than 40,000 events per year between them. A total of 191 of these societies are 50 years or older, with 27 more than 100 years old.

Agricultural societies can apply to the program to fund major repairs to aging infrastructure and are eligible for funding between $10,000 and $100,000.

“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,” said Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson.

Since then, the program has delivered $7.5 million in grants to 106 different agricultural society projects. This year, 35 agricultural societies received funding through the program, which was used to undertake roofing and structural repairs, heating, ventilation, arena enhancements and community kitchen upgrades.

In 2024, 37 agricultural societies received funding through the program. In its first year, 34 societies received funding.

“If you don’t keep up with infrastructure it just falls apart. The funding from the Alberta government allowed us to make some major changes that we couldn’t afford before. It’s just a great opportunity for us. We have put in a high-efficiency boiler system, air-flow system and new flooring in the kitchen. Our modern facility and curling rink are a big attraction for neighbouring communities,” said Russ Kushinski, director of the Calmar and District Agricultural Society.

Calmar and District Agricultural Society received $100,000 in funding to revitalize its 36-year old facility.