Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

For 120 years, the Lethbridge & District Exhibition has provided programming and facilities focused on agricultural, social, entertainment, cultural and economic needs of Lethbridge and Southern Alberta. Over this time the population of the area has increased dramatically and while facilities/programming have been added at Exhibition Park trying to keep pace, arguably, present buildings are old and inadequate. The Board of Directors of Lethbridge & District Exhibition approved an exciting new development plan for Exhibition Park. This plan represents 3 years of comprehensive examination which included a financial review, facility condition audit of all buildings, needs and market assessments, and finally a multiple accounts evaluation framework study to arrive at the preferred site for redevelopment. Along with conceptual designs of a new Trade Centre, the redevelopment plan contains a thoroughly vetted business case which demonstrates long term sustainability. The speakers will contend that the