After years of behind-the-scenes planning, scheming and hoping, the directors of the Rimbey Agrim Centre are excited the trusses and steel for the building are here.
“Let’s get started,” they are all saying, no doubt, ready to be on site watching when the first truss goes up and the action begins.
“The trusses will be in this week and the building will soon start to take shape,” said director and building committee member Ken Whitelock.
“We should see lots of manpower on site within a week.”
Although action had been ongoing for some time behind the scenes the third phase of the centre was launched July 3 at the Rimbey Rodeo Grounds with an official sod turning ceremony. Representatives from Ponoka County, the Town of Rimbey and the Rimbey Agricultural Society were in attendance.
The building committee, who continue to meet regularly, are grateful to these entities, not only for their attendance at the ceremony, but for their continued support and encouragement.
“Although it seems somewhat like a daunting task, we are working diligently and consistently to make it become a reality.”
Ponoka County, who has made no bones about its desire to help out Rimbey and the agriculture centre, contributed $1.2 million. CAO Charlie Cutforth says Ponoka County provided $1 million cash and purchased more land for project expansion.”
Ponoka County Coun. Gawney Hinkley, who attended the sod turning, said “we love contributing to Rimbey and we don’t have a problem contributing to agriculture anywhere in Ponoka County.”
Mayor Sheldon Ibbotson also sees the centre as a positive for Rimbey, noting it will bring people in and provide a gathering place for residents to attend local events.
The 60,000-square-foot Agrim Centre will include a riding arena, meeting space, boardroom, announcers box, concession and a grandstand to seat 900.
The centre is to be multi-functional and bring in spectators for various events as well as provide space for organizations such as 4-H clubs.
The ag centre is to be built with an outside balcony. Builders will use green technology in the construction of a solar wall and rainwater will be used for the building’s non-potable water needs.
Ironwood Building Systems is the primary contractor.
The board is hopeful more private and corporate sponsors will come forward to lend financial support to the $4.5 million dollar building. Donors are also encouraged to purchase square footage at $25 a square.
For more information on the Rimbey Agrim centre, check out the website at www.agrim.ca.