Meadow Lake Stampede Association presented a funding request for new stampede grounds to city council. (Meadow Lake Stampede Association/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By meadowlakeNOW Staff

Considering options

Meadow Lake Stampede Association requests funding for new grounds

May 12, 2022 | 4:08 PM

Meadow Lake is examining possible paths forward on a new stampede grounds for the community.

During Monday’s city council meeting, the Meadow Lake Stampede Association (MLSA) presented a funding request for a new recreational property to feature the grounds. Mayor Merlin Seymour said no decisions will be made until there’s thorough discussion and research.

“There’s more information our administration is going to dig into see what is going to happen,” he said.

This came about following a motion made in council in September, which supported the construction of a new grandstand and racetrack facility for Meadow Lake and the surrounding area if it’s located outside city limits. This would also be supported by the RM of Meadow Lake and Flying Dust First Nation (FDFN).

The motion also noted that the racing track would not be in the existing spot moving forward, primarily due to a lack of room. Seymour noted members representing the chuckwagon association agreed with that sentiment.

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“It’s going to be a matter of time digging in to see what the best path forward is for our community,” he said.

The MLSA presented three options for council to consider.

First up, 160 acres in the RM of Meadow Lake five minutes southwest of the city, next to Makwa Highway. This land would cost $300,000 and once purchased would be owned by the MLSA, who would have to account for bookings, maintenance, upgrades and more.

(Meadow Lake Stampede Association)

Features would include a chuckwagon track, rodeo arena, parking area and a large grandstand after initial use of portable bleachers. Budgeted at $3 million (minimum), MLSA is asking the city for a one-time payment of $750,000 or five-year plan of $500,000 this year and $100,000 in each of the next four years.

(Meadow Lake Stampede Association)

Regarding this option, Seymour said: “Being usable for other things other a stampede weekend, etc,” he said. “If there’s a demand for it, it’s definitely something we would look at in the future.”

Next is an 8.4 acre parcel held by a local business owner, north of the city cemetery, east of Inland Concrete and Robwel Constructors and west of land owned by FDFN. This purchase would also be owned by MLSA, but would not include a chuckwagon track. The budget is $450,000.

(Meadow Lake Stampede Association)

Lastly, there’s property that’s part of the current stampede grounds, accounting for roughly 10 acres to build a rodeo arena. This option also doesn’t involve a chuckwagon racing track. Budgetary details are unknown at this time.

(Meadow Lake Stampede Association)

Bryan Treptow, owner/operator of Eagle Creek Motors in Meadow Lake, was one of several business owners who lent support to the first option through a letter attached in the presentation.

Treptow highlighted the possibility of events that could supplement chuckwagon racing and rodeos, ranging from 4-H youth events and winter festivals to outdoor movies and music festivals.

“I can see this place being a major attraction for the area and utilized all 12 months of the year,” he said.

Other supporters included the Meadow Lake Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Home Hardware and Co-op.

Seymour acknowledged the rich history of the grounds, which have existed for almost a century. Ultimately it will come down to dollars and cents and what those funds can be used for, which he noted can have a significant effect on the economy.

“It impacts every business in the community, from car dealerships to Home Hardware, it definitely brings dollars into [Meadow Lake],” he said.

Seymour added that they will be working closely with the MLSA, the RM and FDFN to find solutions.

The presentation at Council is available here.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @meadowlakeNOW