Note: This story was updated to include a statement from Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen.
The Lethbridge and District Exhibition is still facing an uncertain future after the province denied a request to help with over budget costs related to the new Agrifood Hub and Trade Centre.
Council decided last month it would provide $1 million, a debt deferral totaling $583,000 and one time funding of $500,000 for maintaining the old pavilions on site – if the province committed to giving $1 million by Dec. 11.
Council received a letter from the province during its meeting on Dec. 12 confirming there will be no money from the provincial government.
“Based on the city resolution on November 28th, the original request for $1,040,546 in matching capital funding by December 11th, 2023 was carefully considered. The ministry also notes the assessment by the city, that a larger financial shortfall exists that would require further funding to ensure the Agrifood Hub can continue to operate based on the current business plan. Because the viability of the current business plan in in doubt, the province declines to provide the requested $1,040,546.50 to the city,” reads part of the letter from RJ Sigurdson, minister of agriculture and irrigation.
No new motion came forward from city council to provide support for the Exhibition. CEO Mike Warkentin says the organization can make its debt payment this week, but it puts the Exhibition in a “very dire financial situation going into the new year.”
He says there will be a meeting of the board this week to discuss timelines and despite the limited options, he still believes in the project.
“I think it is transformational for southern Alberta and I think there is so much opportunity in that site and in what that building can be for this community and quite frankly, it will be that. I said the last time that we were in public that this project can’t be judged off the first six months of its operation – it needs to be judged off the first 25 years,” Warkentin says.
He adds the Exhibition will do its best to keep the public informed in the next couple of weeks when the board makes decisions.
Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen says despite the denied provincial funding, council and city administration will continue to explore ways to collaborate and endure sustainability of the Agrifood Hub.
“The Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre is a world-class facility that presents tremendous opportunity for our community. Council has been, and continues to be, strong supporters of this project,” reads a statement from Hyggen. “It’s important that we protect the significant financial investment the city has made in this project, as well as the investments the provincial government and other funders have made in our community as we all look for ways to move forward in a positive way.