By Troy Gillard

Memorandum of Understanding

Town of Ponoka, Stampede Association working on land transfer agreement

Jun 26, 2020 | 3:10 PM

The Town of Ponoka and the Ponoka Stampede and Exhibition Association have signed a memorandum of understanding that sets the course for the future transfer of land to the association.

The land that the Stampede Association maintains, and has leased from the Town since 1936, will be transferred to them in 2020 in order to, “ensure security of tenure and to encourage further development of the Stampede property.”

The land to be transferred includes the area currently occupied by the Stampede track, grandstands, office and the Stagecoach Saloon building.

As well, an area structure plan/area redevelopment plan for the area will be created for the area bounded by Highway 53 on the north, Highway 2A on the west, the Battle River to the south, and the Canadian Pacific Railway line on the east. The primary goal of the plan, officials say, is ensuring the long-term success of the Stampede, which includes maximizing economic benefits and strengthening community identity, to achieve the best possible outcome for the rodeo and the Town.

“This plan will encompass areas for recreational, open space, public uses and commercial activities, along with how the lands will be serviced and developed over time,” reads a media release.

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Third, new amenities such as camping and other attractions will be added to build on the visitor traffic to Ponoka resulting from the annual Stampede rodeo and events at the Calnash Ag Event Centre.

Ponoka Mayor Rick Bonnett says transferring ownership of the Stampede land to the association will contribute to the long term success of both the Stampede and the Town.

“By investing in the future success and growth of the Stampede – Ponoka’s largest tourism attraction – the Town expects to benefit from the increased economic impact that the Stampede would provide to the community by continuing to host a major tourism event that attracts tens of thousands of visitors to Ponoka every summer,” said Bonnett.

The terms and details of the land transfer agreement have yet to be finalized with Town officials saying public input will be sought as the two sides continue talks.

“The intention is for the land to be granted to the Stampede Association,” said Bonnet. “The agreement will include an emphasis on that land continuing to be owned and used for community purposes by the Stampede Association as a non-profit entity.”

“As a community-based group, we are committed to continuing to support the Ponoka community and work closely with the Town on a plan to guide future development on the Stampede lands and surrounding district to generate new growth for the community and the Stampede together,” said Bruce Harbin, President of the Ponoka Stampede and Exhibition Association.

The Ponoka Stampede, which was cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attracts about 35,000 visitors each year. In addition to the economic boost for local businesses, officials say community groups in Ponoka benefit from about $251,000 annually through Stampede-related donations and fundraising activities.