Alex Fraser Park Improvements Spur On Cariboo's Agri-Tourism Industry In Quesnel

In 2009, Alex Fraser Park Society received a $30,000 grant from Northern Development through the Community Halls and Recreation Facilities program towards this $114,794 project. This has been a funding partnership of Alex Fraser Park Society, Northern Development, North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee, Quesnel Community Foundation, and Union of BC Municipalities

2012- Agri-Tourism has become a fast growing and exciting sector within the Cariboo’s economy. The Alex Fraser Park Society in Quesnel has been focused on fostering agricultural based activities and promoting Western culture and lifestyle. Alex Fraser Park is a fifteen acre agricultural park owned by the City of Quesnel and Cariboo Regional District, and managed by the Alex Fraser Park Society which consists of ten volunteer directors and two paid caretakers.

In 2009, the Alex Fraser Park Society secured funding from Northern Development for upgrades to the park facilities. The upgrades included the installation of stadium lighting, a new 400 amp service, and a public address system. The upgraded electrical service will provide power for the stadium lights, electrical plug ins for winter water heaters, updated lighting in the stabling facilities and a new public address system that can be heard clearly by spectators and exhibitors.

"The enhancements to Alex Fraser Park have benefited the entire community. The facility is now able to offer local groups a better rental space. They are now able to host better events that bring in more participants, which increase their revenues. The Park now offers a PA system that can be heard clearly by spectators, stadium lighting to host events later into the evening and year, stable lighting, and reliable electrical service. The society hopes to continue to support local groups and the entire community by continuing to improve the facility."

Alice McDougall, former President, Alex Fraser Park Society

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Positive Economic Impacts in Quesnel

Alex Fraser Park Society is helping local community groups take advantage of the growing agri-tourism industry by upgrading Alex Fraser Park's facilities. The upgrades allow the park to host a larger variety of events, encourage events to begin earlier and be held later in the day and facilitates a longer season. Events hosted at the facilities include barrel racing, team roping, bull riding, high school rodeos, rodeo schools, cattle penning gymkhanas, local pony club events and lessons, 4-H events and sales, draft horse events, and light horse shows including jumping and dressage.

Additional events that benefit from the upgrades include the Fall Fair and Logger Sports, which are able to offer a greater number of activities during their events. The enhancements have increased participation in local events, which has increased the revenues of the local groups hosting these events.

Community Halls and Recreation Facilities

The Community Halls and Recreation Facilities is no longer available. Please visit the Recreation Infrastructure program page

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