At its Dec. 10, 2025 regular council meeting, the County of Stettler approved $49,999.32 for the 2026 Recreation Special Project Funding (RSPF). The county posted its announcement on Dec. 16, 2025. The funding follows recommendations presented by the Stettler Regional Recreation Board and helps rural communities maintain and upgrade local recreation facilities that often fall outside regular municipal budgets. The near-$50,000 allocation nearly exhausts the program’s $50,000 annual cap.
The largest award went to the Stettler & District Agricultural Society, which received $10,696.80 for a new sprinkler system and updated signage. The Botha Seniors Centre was approved for $10,000 to add accessible cement work at its entrance, and the Big Valley Agricultural Society received $8,000 to install a new score clock. Clearview Public Schools was approved for $2,880 to build an outdoor sports court in Donalda. Other approved projects include Red Willow Agricultural Society (hall painting, $5,000); Botha Community Centre (hall lighting and arena repairs, $6,522.52); Endmoor Drop-In Centre (window repairs, $400); and Rochon Sands Hall (air conditioner, $6,500). Remaining funds will support safety and accessibility upgrades across several hamlets.
Funds are drawn from the Recreation Special Project Reserve and are reviewed by the Stettler Regional Recreation Board against the program’s policy criteria. The board filters and prioritizes applications from eligible not-for-profit groups before presenting recommendations to council. “Recreation facilities play a vital role in the health, connection, and quality of life in our rural communities,” said Larry Clarke, Reeve for the County of Stettler No. 6. The county notes the maximum annual funding available through the Recreation Special Project Reserve is $50,000; the board recommended projects totalling $49,999.32 for 2026.
Over the past 20 years, Stettler County has invested about $1.76 million ($1,760,180.59) into approximately 100 community projects through this reserve. Council and staff say the RSPF provides vital support to volunteer-run societies and helps keep small-town recreation hubs viable. (For more details see the County of Stettler news release and local coverage in RDNewsNow and The Stettler Independent.)
