The future of the Cochrane & District Agricultural Society (CDAS) remains unknown.
Earlier this year Rocky View County (RVC) council passed a motion at the January meeting, to allow for interested buyers to submit request for proposals (RFP) to purchase the land currently occupied by CDAS.
“Currently, Rocky View County is reviewing what was submitted during the RFP process. The next step involved is determining if anything submitted is acceptable to the county or not,” said Amy Dunn Moscoco, RVC communication co-ordinator.
“If the offer is acceptable, the county will consult with the agricultural society. Following this, the offer will be brought to council for final decision.”
The decision was voted on by RVC council to explore the future options of the land, after a 50-year lease proposal request from the agricultural society was denied in January.
County Coun. Bruce Kendall previously explained to the Eagle that the 50-year lease request was denied because it is “unlikely for the county to accept a lease proposal that is more than 10 years, unless there is significant infrastructure or development.”
The lease renewal was denied and the request for proposals was approved with the majority of the meeting, more than half an hour of discussion held in-camera. Couns. Margaret Bahcheli and Jerry Arshinoff opposed the motion.
Arshinoff had previously said he was “suspicious” of the motion saying the decision was “unfair” to the numerous user groups who utilize the lands, including the Cochrane Fair, Cochrane Search and Rescue, Cochrane Pony Club, Cochrane BMX, Big Hills 4-H Club, Cochrane Roping Club, Cochrane Horse Trials, Pawstracs Dog Agility, Extreme Cowboy, Zombie Survivor, Mud, Sweat and Tears, X Country bicycle races, Hunter/Jumper Shows, Bears Paw Bench Show, Olds College, and High School X-Country running races
Deadlines for the proposals were June 2 and when asked how many proposals were submitted, RVC said it could not release the number.
Ag society president Justin Burwash said he was “under the impression” that the committee was analyzing “one or two worthwhile proposals.”
After two months of discussion, the society made a statement in March to say organizers were supportive of the request for proposals and potential sale of the land, with conditions.
Burwash stated at an open meeting on March 20 that the society would support the sale of the lands if there was a replacement property secured of 120 acres or more; the new location of the land would be in relative proximity to the current site and be able to continue serving users and user groups; and sufficient funds were in place to replace and rebuild all of the current ag society facilities.
“I have had great communication with administration and councillors,” Burwash said.
Now that the request for proposals is closed, Burwash said RVC administration has contacted the society to start discussions to get input from society members on how the move forward with the proposals.
Currently, the society has nine years left on its lease with the county.
“Both scenarios have challenges but we are excited for our future whatever direction it goes in,” Burwash said.
