The society’s wants to remain in close proximity to its existing location; be on at least 120 acres; and spend the range of $6.7 million to rebuild/relocated (not including the purchase of land if required).
“We have been very clear with the county what we need from the beginning,” said Burwash.
Last week, Rocky View County decided to enter into talks with the Town of Cochrane to annex lands located north of town along TWP 262 and Horse Creek Rd.. A portion of these lands have been marked as a potential site for the Ag Society.
The town purchased the land with the permission of the county for a future Rocky View Schools high school site.
According to Drew Hyndman, senior manager of development services for the town, the next step is for the town to submit a letter of intent to municipal affairs.
An uncontested annexation could take up to a year.
Hyndman said the town views the annexation as a “strategic opportunity” and it is the desire of the town to move the process forward “as quickly as possible.”
The remainder of the site is being considered for recreational uses, including ball diamonds and park spaces, and partnerships with other community groups.
The Cochrane Lions Club, which has talked about possibly relocating the Cochrane Lions Rodeo, and the Ag Society may be possible partners if both groups were forced or chose to move locations.
The user growth of the Ag Society has risen this year to 64,653 up from around 52,000 the year before. These users do not include cross-country riders, joggers or dog walkers, members and volunteers from Cochrane and Area Humane Society or Cochrane Search and Rescue, or the more than 3,500 athletes who have utilized the park over the last year.
Revenues have risen 39 per cent over five years, from $268,860 in 2012 to $437,517 this year.
The Ag Society is home to a number of user groups such as Cochrane BMX, Extreme Cowboy and a number of pony, roping, reining, riding and horse jumping clubs with a combined 124 bookings this year.
