MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Council has approved 25-year leases with the Water Valley Stampede Association (WVSA) and the Venturers Society of Calgary related to the existing county-owned Water Valley rodeo grounds.
The approvals came by way of motion at the Nov. 13 council meeting following reviews and discussions during earlier council meetings, including on Oct. 23.
Mountain View County has historically held a lease agreement with the WVSA for the lands located at NE 26-29-6-5. That agreement recently expired.
In December 2023, a delegation from the non-profit Venturers Society of Calgary appeared before council saying the society is interested in opening a facility in Mountain View County.
The society helps adults with disabilities take part in purposeful outdoor work activities, strengthening the health and wellness of participants through peer group engagement while contributing to the community-at-large.
In May council provided direction to administration to work with the WVSA and the Venturers Society to “develop lease agreements that would permit for their operations on county-owned lands in the Water Valley area.”
Administration subsequently had conversations with the groups on the matter.
“Both groups have identified that the preferred solution is to share the north portion of lands which would allow for less serving costs, annual maintenance opportunities for the Venturers to undertake on behalf of WVSA, and the ability for the organizations to collaborate on things such as washroom facilities,” said Chris Atchison, county director of legislative services.
The 25-year WVSA lease will allow the association to use the rodeo grounds for the annual rodeos and similar agricultural events, such as 4-H activities.
The lease has numerous provisions, including that the lessee “shall be permitted to operate rodeo related activities during the rodeo period including without limitations, concessions, trade merchants, limited children’s midway rides and games and playground, like entertainment and dances.
“The lessee shall be permitted to operate a beer garden on the leased premises provided that all required provincial permits, licenses and approvals are obtained and adhered to.”
The lease with the Venturers Society also has numerous provisions, including that the “lessee shall be permitted to place, maintain, repair and construct related facilities on the leased premises, including shelters, officers, washrooms/outhouses, storage facilities and other buildings associated with the program.
“No overnight accommodation are permitted on the leased premises. Parking is not permitted for any activities related to the program on Rge. Rd. 61a or Highway 579.”
Both leases call for annual rents of one dollar.
A motion put forward by Coun. Peggy Johnson to have the Water Valley Stampede Association lease term set at 10 years instead of 25 was defeated.
Council then approved the 25-year lease agreements with both the association and the Venturers.
