Gateway Centre In the News
June 12, 2007
August 1, 2006
March 14, 2006
December 20, 2005
September 14, 2005
September 6, 2005

"Step into the Past to Build the Future", is an excellent theme for Olds Agricultural Society (OAS) and their commitment to capital expansion. Ever mindful of our stewardship of public funds and a dedication to agriculture, OAS is poised to aggressively address the needs of the community now and for generations to come.

Facilitating the annual Olds Fair & Rodeo combined with a historical responsibility to serve the community's recreational needs as well as provide marketing opportunities for primary agriculture producers has been the focus of daily operations for OAS since 1899. OAS is proud of this heritage and excited about the opportunities that will ensure a vibrant future.

That year, six years prior to Alberta becoming a province, a group of local area residents formed the Olds Agricultural Society. Uninterrupted, OAS has quietly grown and developed into one of seven regional fairs in the province and a leader within the community. Our vision has remained consistent, "To offer the highest quality programs, training, facilities and entertainment with an agricultural focus, year after year". In order to continue to fulfill this vision, OAS is endeavouring to expand the scope of the operations to include new and expanded facilities resulting in innovative revenue streams. OAS has responded to the needs expressed by the community during an inclusive public process and the needs of our existing client base with the development of plans for the Gateway Centre.

OAS plans to develop new facilities on the south side of 54th Street that will include a new agricultural element. These new agricultural facilities will ensure that the premier events that presently take place on our grounds annually, such as the Canadian Warmblood Fall Classic Breeders Sale and the Canadian Finals Team Roping, will remain in Olds in the future. It will also attract new events to our community that create significant economic spinoff.

The agricultural facility is only one phase of the Gateway Centre. A community centre designed with conferencing capabilities will respond to a substantial void that exists within our community today. The design plans for this element of the Gateway Centre include a commercial kitchen, lounge and restaurant, banquet hall with seating for 750 - 1,000 with provisions to allow for smaller breakout areas, offices that will be available for lease as well as many other features. Hotel developers have expressed interest in this development and OAS is involved in negotiations presently to include a motel into the project.

It is important to note that OAS has approached this expansion with a great deal of vigilance. Endorsement in principle has been received from all levels of government, municipal to federal. A professional consultant was retained to perform a feasibility study, which also proved favourable. OAS encourages your feedback.

The first annual Chautauqua set the stage for OAS to reinforce our commitment to historical involvements and provide a forum from which to launch our aggressive plans for the future. Subsequent Chautauquas have proven to be great fun and open the doors to successful corporate relationships.