Innisfail Town Council is taking steps to more than double its sponsorship revenue, a move officials say could ease the burden on property taxpayers while supporting local recreation facilities. At the August 10, 2026, Council meeting, members directed Administration to develop a formal Sponsorship and Naming Rights Program for consideration in the 2027 Operating Budget.
The Town currently earns just over $25,000 annually from sponsorships. A report from Administration found that, based on comparable municipal programs, Innisfail could increase this to $50,000 to $100,000 through dedicated marketing efforts. The new program would allow Innisfail to pursue similar opportunities, including naming rights for facilities and rooms.
Councillor Janice Wing first raised the idea on March 16, 2026, and Council unanimously approved a related motion on March 23, 2026, noting that the municipality needed a more sophisticated approach to fundraising. After being denied federal and provincial grants for the recent $14.9-million Innisfail Aquatic Centre modernization, Council has prioritized finding alternative revenue sources. Wing has emphasized that sponsorship involves a “much larger strategy” beyond the current rink board ads at the Innisfail Twin Arena, where the Innisfail Eagles Hockey Club holds a memorandum of understanding to market wall board advertisements.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to keep taxes in check. Council approved a 2026 budget of $31,875,555 with no increase to the mill rate, a commitment that requires finding new revenue sources. If successful, the sponsorship program could help fund community recreation facilities and infrastructure improvements without relying solely on property taxes.
Administration will now review current sponsorship activities and develop a plan for the 2027 budget. Public participation sessions are expected to give residents a chance to weigh in on the proposed program.
