The Town of Rocky Mountain House has committed just over $20,000 for upgrades to North Saskatchewan River Park, though contributions from community partners could reduce the town’s share.
At its March 3 meeting, council approved two motions: a budget adjustment to cover the upgrades and a plan to reach out to Clearwater County, the Rocky Agriculture & Stampede Association (RASA) and the Rocky Mountain House Chuckwagon Association (RMCA) for potential cost-sharing.
Town officials said RASA and RMCA have expressed willingness to support the improvements, but no formal agreements have been signed.
If all three partners join in, Rocky Mountain House’s contribution would drop to just over $5,000. Clearwater County is expected to discuss the item later in March.
A delegation including RMCA president Lillian Hay and vice-president Rod Tomyn appeared before council just before Christmas to outline the upgrades needed at the grounds. Short-term needs focus on increased power and internet capacity to improve electronic ticket sales and enable credit and debit card use. Better connectivity would also benefit the judge’s skybox and the infield announcer’s booth.
The $20,600 commitment would also fund improvements to the rental hall, including additional picnic tables, and lighting under the grandstand. The group, which is seeking for NSRP to become the permanent home of the Battle of the Rockies chuckwagon finals, hopes the upgrades will allow for more events at the grounds.
Tomyn said the grounds have significant potential for events, noting the chuckwagon races bring an estimated $5 million to the local economy.
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Long-term plans would focus on enhancing the racing track and other more costly improvements, which will be considered as part of the 2027 budget.
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