Agri-Food Hub Expansion and Trade Centre. (Supplied by Exhibition Park)

By David Opinko

Construction on Exhibition Park expansion to begin spring 2021

Dec 17, 2020 | 10:45 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A significant expansion of Lethbridge’s Exhibition Park will commence on April 5, 2021.

Lethbridge & District Exhibition has awarded the $62-million contract to Ward Bros. Construction Ltd.

“The true differentiator for us is we wanted a partner who would share the new vision for what this will be for Southern Alberta and we truly got that through the entire process with Ward Bros that this was bigger to them than just a project,” says Exhibition Park COO Mike Warkentin.

They will build the new 268,000 square food Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre.

More than 350 construction jobs will be created over a 22-month period, while up to 50 new, full-time permanent positions will be supported when the facility opens in early 2023.

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This will double the current hosting capacity at Exhibition Park and will be able to accommodable more and larger events with up to 7,000 people.

According to Exhibition Park, the expanded facility will contribute more than $90-million every year to the region’s economy.

Colin Ward, COO of Ward Bros, says this will be a great initiative for not only for their company but for the entire construction sector.

“I think it absolutely means more for the whole local industry. It’s validation for the capabilities that our industry has. I really commend the Exhibition for putting their faith and their money where their mouth is to select local contractors.”

The City of Lethbridge has funded $42-million for this project through a non-tax-supported loan, a grant, and partial debt forgiveness. The Government of Alberta is giving another $27.8-million.

Ward Bros. has had a hand in several major projects in recent years including the Enmax Centre Renovation and part of the ATB Centre Phase One.