At Monday nights District of Barriere council meeting, North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association president Jill Hayward made a presentation asking the municipality for support to purchase bleachers for the North Thompson Agriplex. She noted that although the facility is still under construction in some areas, it has already hosted numerous regional and provincial events, as well as the National Sheep Classic Show and Sale this summer.
“Aside from constructing the kitchen and washrooms in the Agriplex banquet hall, and eventually blacktopping the floor in the main part of the Agriplex, the facility is now fully operational,” said Hayward, “However, we find the lack of suitable bleacher seating within the building is greatly limiting the opportunities we have to bring even more Provincial and National events to our region.”
Hayward stated that TNRD Director Bill Kershaw had already pledged $10,000 towards the bleachers on behalf of Area ‘0’, and that another $65,200 was needed to complete the purchase eight 16 foot by 10 tier high bleachers for the Agriplex.
After a short discussion, with positive input from all sides regarding the economic benefits of the Agriplex, Councilor Stamer moved that $65,200 be earmarked from economic development funds to purchase the bleachers. The motion was unanimously approved.
“We all have to work together,” said Kershaw, “I think the Agriplex is awesome for the economics of the North Thompson. It’s not just Barriere, there is a ripple effect all the way down the line.”
Hayward said she was “ecstatic” that there is now a chance of new bleachers in time for the Dec. 31, Bullarama, and notes a large thank you is due to Mayor Humphreys for being pro-active about the Agriplex and what it can do for the Region as a whole.
Bullarama manager Steven Puhallo stated Tuesday, “Barriere is now a major player in the agri-tourism market with this move. Hats off to the mayor and council for having the vision to make this generational investment.”