The multi-purpose ag facility, now pinned at $59.8 million total price tag, dominated council discussions during the 2020 capital budget presentation.

The multi-purpose ag facility is planned out over 2020-23, with $12 million allocated each year. Administration touted the facility will heighten a sense of community, make the county a champion for advancing diverse ag business, and provided an outlet to meet the needs of ag groups such as 4H, equine, trade shows, rodeo, special events, and other non-traditional ag activities.

As reported during the Sept. 24 update to council, the ag facility will offer a 132-foot by 263-foot indoor area as well as a covered outdoor arena of the same size, and stabling for 150 animals. As per council request, the facility will also include 50 serviced and 50 unserviced campsites with showers, bathrooms, and a playground, which cost an additional $2 million. A catering kitchen will cost another $2 million, designed not for commercial cooking but quick reheating of food. That last piece was heavily discussed by various councillors, however, was not added to the 2020 budget, but could return for future approval.

The design is expected to be completed by mid to late April and construction will begin in late June. The outdoor arena will be constructed first to allow users to use it as soon as possible, and then focus will be turned on the indoor facility. All told, the full site is expected to be finished by August 2022.

Council previously approved $23.8 million for land, design, utilities and outdoor amenities.

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