If all goes according to plan, there should be a new arena up and running in time for the Millarville Christmas Market in November. The Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society is hard at work applying for grants and soliciting donations to raise enough money for construction to begin on a new 225-foot by 110-foot multi-purpose riding arena building. “We’re looking at a steel building,” said society executive director Lisa Lloyd. “We would like to increase our users, create a longer-lasting building with flexibility for expansion.” The new structure will replace the original 200-foot by 80-fooot wooden arena, which collapsed in March, she said. There were some limitations to the old structure the society would like to address with its new multi-purpose arena, such as height restrictions and a lack of storage, she said. More user groups, activities and events would be able to take place in the proposed arena as well, she said. “We would be able to encourage and increase activities and children’s equine events, English dressage, jumping, mutton busting, roping, barrel racing, for the youngsters,” said Lloyd. There would also be more space to accommodate adult western events such as roping, steering, wrestling and barrel racing, she said, as well as clinics hosted by equine professionals, more weekend events such as dog agility or archery competitions, and an expanded 4-H program. The re-build of the arena will be done in three phases over the course of five years, and is projected to cost approximately $1.9 million. Currently there is a push to raise at least $100,000 by the end of July to get shovels in the ground. Funding has also been secured through insurance from the arena collapse to the tune of $700,000 and a $250,000 contribution from the society’s reserves. “If we don’t start building in August, we won’t have a structure up by the end of October…so we can host our Millarville Christmas Market,” said Lloyd. “That’s one of our bloodlines to our operations and to keep our facility running.” About 100 vendors used to fill the previous arena, and without a structure in place they would have to be housed in rented tents, which would come with the expense and struggle to heat and light the interior during the market, she said. Phase 1 would include the structure shell with higher ceilings, increased lighting and better ventilation and heating than the old building, as well as a larger riding surface. Phases 2 and 3 would see the addition of better sound systems, washrooms and office space, as well as possible second-story mezzanine. The Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society met with MD of Foothills council on July 4 to request a donation to help speed construction along. “Our ask is for the MD to help us with matching our MRAS internal funding we’re looking at right now, which is the $250,000 number,” said Lloyd. “We’re just looking for help, big or small. We’re paddling our wheel and looking in every direction.” MD Reeve Larry Spilak said council postponed its decision on making a donation until it resumes meetings in the fall. Part of the reason was because council felt it necessary to get more information on the society’s project budget and financials prior to making a commitment. Council also wanted to discuss fundraising opportunities, he said. “Another reason is the councillor of the area (Jason Parker) was absent, so we felt it necessary to postpone it s he’s part of the discussion as well,” said Spilak. “In the meantime we will give some a response with respect to fundraising and the financial statements.” For more information or to make a donation to the project, visit www.millarvilleracetrack.com.
