Arena moving on to next stage with $77,000 community spaces grant

Commentator/CourieCo-op stands with the Foremost and District Agricultural Society for the presentation of the $77,000 cheque for the continuation of the riding arena project.

By Anna Smith
Commentator/Courier

Foremost Agro was full of excitement, and hamburgers, as the community gathered to learn of how Co-op was contributing to their longtime project in the indoor riding arena.

One of only a select few projects across Canada, the arena was chosen to receive a portion of $1 million as a 2023 recipient of Co-op Community Spaces. The arena will receive $77,000 toward its continued development, an amount that helps bring the project ever-closer to their next stage, said Foremost and District Agricultural Society Treasurer Stacey Barrows.

“I just want to start off by saying, we appreciate your business here. Myself and my staff, we love working here and we wouldn’t be able to do that without your support,” said Foremost Agro Manager Morgan Hope at the event on June 16.

She added that Co-op is there to stay in the community, and they look forward to hosting many more summer barbecues and continuing to be a part of Foremost, hopefully for many generations to come.

Co-op Community Spaces is designed to help protect, beautify, and improve spaces across Western Canada. Through the program, Co-op has provided $12.5 million to 175 projects since 2015 in three categories: recreation, environmental conservation, and urban agriculture. Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) administers Community Spaces for more than 160 local Co-ops operating in 600 communities across Western Canada, said Co-op in a press release.

“I know firsthand, coming from a small town, what this means to you guys and how this riding center is really going to be a place of safe space and a place you can celebrate your community, for many generations to come,” said Sue Edwards, Chair of the South Country Co-op Board of Directors. “It’s also a great opportunity for Co-op to show that we’re here for you and we’re here for everyone.”