The City of Red Deer have approved of a stronger legal agreement and long-term financial support for Westerner Park. The City originally became involved with the park’s finances in late 2019.  The agreement includes city involvement in decision making process for Westerner Park’s future and financials. Financial support includes a $3 million grant and a $19 million loan.  

“Council did not take the decisions made today surrounding Westerner Park lightly, we recognize the broad community impact the legal agreement and financial support has,” said Mayor Tara Veer. “Council is acutely aware of the economic, social and cultural importance of Westerner Park to our city and region; administration made the recommendations based on historic data as well as 10 year projections and we believe that we made an informed decision that considers and benefits our community as a whole.”

The $3 million grant will be funded through Operating Reserves – Tax Funded, and will not impact property tax bills for Red Deerians. This grant is to ensure continued operations of Westerner Park through the pandemic.

The $19 million loan approved by Council will have a 30-year payback period and will be funded through debt. The loan will require the City to revisit the capital plan during budget deliberations in the fall. The loan will pay out an unsustainable loand Westerner Park currently holds relating to the construction of Exhibition Hall. 

Westerner Park's Exhibition Hall. File photo.

“With financial support of this magnitude, Council approved a new agreement that formalizes the level of oversight The City will require that is not covered in previous agreements,” said Veer. “The new framework will give The City a higher level of involvement in decision-making, oversight, budgeting, lease agreements and other major items relating to Westerner Park.”

In 2020, the City provided $2.55 million in operating grants with no impact to taxpayers. 

In the Relationship Framework Agreement, one of the main items is the development of a Master Plan for Westerner Park. The plan will establish the 15-year vision, land use concept, multi-modal transportation plan, building design principles and site-servicing concept.

There will also be the development of an asset management plan to ensure maintenance of all infrastructure on the grounds and to provide a guide for capital investment to support the long-term plan for the site. Council approved one time funding to cover 50 per cent of the contract cost.