Construction is set to begin this summer for a new agricultural complex in Strathcona County.
The $67.6 million Pointe-aux-Pins Acres project is expected to break ground on August 1.
“Pointe-aux-Pins Acres celebrates the rural agricultural advantage Strathcona County uniquely owns,” said Strathcona County Mayor Rod Frank. “We have taken the time to listen carefully to design a space that meets a variety of hosting needs."
'The Pointe', as it is being referred to, is expected to be about 100,000 square feet and will include multiple amenities such as an indoor arena and animal housing.
The county says this project is about lifting up the rural community and giving them a place where they can gather and celebrate together.
"Strathcona County, as a lot of people know, has a mix of rural and urban areas within it and this is a great opportunity to help serve some of our rural residents and community," said Stacey Nestorowich, the manager of outdoor services, infrastructure and operation for the county.
"I think it was time for our rural residents to receive a facility that can serve them and meet their needs."
The facility will be located in the northeast section of Strathcona County near Fort Saskatchewan on the Bremner Heritage site at Range Road 225 and north of Township Road 534.
As for what the facility could potentially be used for, Nestorowich thinks the flexibility of The Pointe is one its advantages.
"It's a giant indoor space that can host a lot of different events. We can host our 4H club, we can host equine events, farming tradeshows, dog agility. The possibilities are quite endless inside the building because of the flexibility it has."
Construction is expected to take a few years with a targeted opening date for the facility coming in the summer of 2025.
Though it might take a while to fully realize, the county thinks it will be well worth the wait.
"We're excited to be able to celebrate our agricultural heritage with this facility and bring in some events that we haven't been able to host before."
For more information on the Pointe-aux-Pins Acres project, click here.