The Ponoka Agriculture Event Centre Society is a new and unique partnership between the Ponoka Agricultural Society, Ponoka Stampede Association, Ponoka County and the Town of Ponoka. These four organizations believe in the advantages that a multipurpose agricultural recreation facility will provide in the form of recreational, entertainment and educational activities for the community, region and province.
Early in 2008, RC Strategies prepared a Business Case that determined building an Ag-Event Centre was viable and the region has a need for multipurpose agriculture related facilities. The facility will be an ‘anchor attraction’ and a tourism and economic driver for Ponoka. It is estimated it will attract $4M in non-local spending.
A facility concept design and a site analysis were completed. Estimated operating and capital budgets of the proposed facility were subsequently developed, as well as a fund resourcing strategy.
In July 2008 the four partners established the Ponoka Agriculture Event Centre Society to build and operate the Ponoka Ag-Event Centre. The partners know their efforts will serve as a celebrated example of how community organizations can collaborate in the planning and creation of a valuable shared asset.