Four Cochrane and area community groups received provincial grants last Friday, delivered by Banff-Cochrane NDP MLA Cam Westhead on behalf of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The grants were through the province’s community facilities enhancement program and the community initiatives program, amounting to a little more than $50,000 in total.
“I’m really pleased we got the supports for them, but really the hard work comes from those organizations,” said Westhead, with reference to the grant-matching component to the figures.
The Cochrane and District Ag Society received $19,500 for facility upgrades. President Justin Burwash said the funds will go toward costs associated with upgrading the outdoor arena, including new rough stock panels and gates for bull riding events at the Ag Society.
Burwash said the society will be presenting their comprehensive business plan to Cochrane and Rocky View County councils later this spring, which has capital funding plans for the society to both remain in their existing location or to move. The society will work with both municipal councils to determine the best course of action.
The Spray Lake Sawmills Recreation Park Society received $9,000 for its karate programming and another $11,625 was presented to members of the Cochrane and District Warm Water Therapy Pool Society for therapy pool equipment.
Cochrane High School also received $10,484 for their ASAA 3A co-ed provincial basketball championship hosting costs.
With respect to the provincial budget to be delivered March 22, Westhead said the government is focused on diversification of the economy; job creation; diversification of the oil industry; and a path to balance.
Learn more about the grants at culturetourism.alberta.ca.
