BONNYVILLE – The Bonnyville Agricultural Society is being encouraged to strengthen its internal governance and communication with the Town after Council raised concerns about meeting schedules, project planning and building permits during an October 28 special meeting.

The discussion came as Society representative Corey Dows presented the organization’s activities and requested $20,000 in municipal sponsorship for 2027.

Councillor Neil Langridge questioned the level of communication between the Society and the Town, noting that the municipality had been invited to approximately one meeting over the previous year.

He suggested that better communication could help prevent issues involving permits and other projects before they arise.

Dows acknowledged difficulties maintaining regular meetings and distributing agendas and minutes, explaining that volunteer members had taken on multiple responsibilities.

The Society intends to return to a more consistent meeting schedule.

Council calls for stronger governance

The discussion expanded to the Society’s long-term planning and how it manages improvements to the agricultural grounds.

Town administration asked whether the organization could develop a capital project list to help the municipality understand upcoming expenses and determine where assistance might be possible.

Dows said he had previously encouraged the Society to establish five- and ten-year capital plans and intended to revisit the issue with the incoming board.

The Society also acknowledged difficulties involving an addition to its VIP building that was constructed before the necessary permits were obtained.

Dows told Council that engineering drawings had since been prepared and that the permitting process appeared to be moving forward.

Mayor Elisa Brosseau emphasized the importance of proper governance, even within organizations driven by dedicated volunteers.

“Passion does not equate good governance,” she told the Society.

She encouraged the board to establish stronger procedures and make greater use of the Town’s appointed representative.

Dows indicated that governance training through the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies was being pursued.

Major expenses at the agricultural grounds

The Society also outlined the financial pressures associated with hosting large community events.

Heavy rainfall ahead of the rodeo and chuckwagon races required extensive work to prepare the track, including approximately $10,000 in water pumping expenses.

Dows said substantial additional money had been invested in repairing the track and infield.

Looking ahead, the Society is considering improvements to its rodeo chutes, with preliminary costs estimated at $60,000 to $70,000.

The organization also hopes to pursue permanent water and sewer servicing, which could reduce its reliance on rented washroom facilities. Dows estimated annual portable toilet rental costs at approximately $30,000.

Despite the challenges, the Society reported several successes, including recognition as Committee of the Year by the World Professional Chuckwagon Association.

It also hopes to expand agricultural activities and continue growing its Indigenous relay racing partnerships.

Funding request clarified

During the presentation, Dows initially referenced a $25,000 funding request.

After Councillor Langridge questioned the amount against the Society’s earlier documentation, Dows clarified that the organization would maintain its original $20,000 request rather than seek an increase.

Council did not approve the funding during the special meeting.

The Society will continue working with the Town on its planning and operational priorities as the municipality considers its 2027 budget.