Two reports related to the Westerner Exhibition Association (WEA) will be presented to City Council on Monday.
City Council will consider a bylaw amendment to an existing $19 million loan agreement to further support WEA's financial sustainability. In addition, Council will receive information from the annual review of the relationship agreement between WEA and The City.
“The Westerner Exhibition Association is a vital part of our community and economy,” said Tara Lodewyk, City Manager. “This adjustment is not about reducing or forgiving WEA’s loan, but rather a change that gives WEA more time to recover as we remain committed to supporting their long-term success through collaborative measures and strategic investments.”
The proposed bylaw amendment focuses on suspending interest and principal payments on the $19 million loan provided to WEA in 2021. This suspension is intended to provide WEA additional time to achieve financial stability while recognizing its role in generating significant economic activity in the region. WEA hosts 1,500 events annually and welcomes 1.5 million visitors each year.
If approved by City Council, loan payments will be paused until directed by City Council, allowing WEA to focus on its recovery plan. This suspension aligns with ongoing financial contributions and recovery planning efforts by The City, Red Deer County, the Province of Alberta, and other stakeholders.
If the bylaw amendment passes first reading, second and third readings will follow after the required two-week advertising period.
Administration also provided an update on the Relationship Framework Agreement between The City and WEA, which was signed in October 2021. This agreement outlines collaboration guidelines to ensure alignment on key priorities and to maintain open communication.
Following the annual review, The City is satisfied that the agreement continues to meet its intended purpose, with only minor updates identified for 2025 to improve clarity and practicality.
Key highlights from the review include:
- Active communication and collaboration between The City Manager, WEA’s CEO, and board members.
- Progress on multi-year capital planning and the development of a 15-year Master Plan.
- Continued alignment between WEA’s objectives and The City’s strategic direction.
- Proposed updates to the agreement include refining expectations around tracking interactions and clarifying the City Liaison’s role to better reflect practical implementation.
For more information, visit reddeer.ca/councilagenda.