WHY NOW?
Strategic Planning
For the past 13 years, Whitecourt and Woodlands County have been conducting research and consultation on the options for a Culture & Events Centre, and the Town started contributing to reserves in 2010. Planning has involved extensive public and user input.
The Centre backs onto Rotary Park and includes an Administration Office and the communities have proposed two additional components be built with it: a Library and an Arts, Culture & Convention Centre.
The Centre will revitalize the downtown core and increase growth and economic development in both communities. There are also several synergies (shared space, cost savings) with combining the three components.
Why Build Now?
Grants
The Communities have received a $15.6 million Investing In Canada Infrastructure Grant for the Arts, Culture & Convention Centre and Library.
Municipal Partnerships
Opportunities for many to benefit from this development.
Save Millions in Inflation by Building Now
Compared to building in 5 years.
Save Millions in Borrowing Costs
Build while interest rates are still low.
Expand Trading Area
We are the largest urban centre between Edmonton and Grande Prairie. By building now we can continue to maintain and expand our trading area.
The 2016 Webb Report indicated an Arts & Culture facility could have significant positive impacts on Whitecourt and Woodlands County by attracting businesses to locate here, motivating workers and families to stay here, creating new education opportunities and supporting tourism development.
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Return on Investment
For less than a cup of coffee per week, households will receive:
An Economic Driver for our Community
Revitalize the downtown, create economic diversification and be a catalyst for COVID-19 recovery. Increase spending in the community.
New Audience Spending in the facility and community annually
Construction Impacts:
Money spent locally during construction and local job creation.
A Venue for Artists, Performers, Weddings, Special Events & Conventions
In 2017, 70% of households in Alberta attended a live performance.
– 2017 Albertan Recreation Survey, Government of Alberta
Increased Opportunities in our Community
Create unique events, activities, and educational opportunities in our community. Available even when travel restrictions are in place.
Increased Jobs in the Community
Jobs created annually by audience spending and operations.
A Multifunctional Centre
There are hundreds of possible uses identified
New Industry Attraction
Attract new industry to our community creating industrial and residential growth, resulting in increased tax generation.
A Tourism Driver
Whitecourt is the trading hub between Edmonton & Grande Prairie. People will come to our community for events and stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, shop and use other entertainment and recreational facilities.
Attraction and Retention of Professionals
Research shows that high performing, creative leaders and creative entrepreneurs value arts and culture and choose the communities they reside in and around their values.
A centre like this can attract businesses and keep business in our community. It can give Whitecourt a competitive advantage.
– Alan Deane
Owner, Whitecourt Stationery
THANK YOU
The Public Committee completed a public education campaign in February 2022, which included the development of this website. It remains active to ensure the communities have current information on the proposed project.
© Culture & Events Centre 2022.