Work on the Agrim Centre in Rimbey is steadily moving towards completion and bids are now out for electrical and mechanical work.
Rimbey Agricultural Society treasurer, Shirley Ingram said it is encouraging to see the building up and the progress that has been made.
“It seems interest is picking up now that people can see the building and that things are happening.”
The tin is being put in place on the east side, but will not be put up until water and sewer pipes are installed on the west side. The agricultural society is waiting for town council to complete its budget to ascertain monetary help for water and sewer.
Mayor Rick Pankiw said he sees the Agrim Centre as a huge boon to Rimbey.
“The revenue possibilities it could bring into the town are wonderful. The revenue (potential) is astronomical.”
Earlier, the town helped out the Agrim Centre financially by waiving the $50,000 security deposit.
Meanwhile the public is being encouraged to purchase a square foot or more of the building and clip and mail coupons are available in the Rimbey Review.
“We plan to approach oil companies and store owners for more donations, as well,” said Ingram.
Last month the Rimbey Ag Society received an early Christmas present from the provincial government when MLA David Dorward from Edmonton-Gold Bar presented them with a CFEP (Community Facility Enhancement Program) cheque for $125,000.
Ingram said the society will apply for the grant again this year.
Ponoka County has contributed $1.2 million to the project and Eckrim Agencies recently contributed $25,000.
Ponoka County’s continued belief in the Rimbey Agrim Centre has not only manifested itself in actual dollars, but also in the county’s willingness to back a $1.8 million dollar loan. The guarantee is in the form of a line of credit with ATB Financial, Rimbey, with an interest rate of prime less 0.5 per cent.
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.
For more information on the Rimbey Agrim centre check out the website at www.agrim.ca.