Recreation

Recreation is an important issue for the County of Stettler Council and Administration. Supporting recreation; through programs, facilities, and organizations, fosters deeper community bonds and keeps our small communities alive.  


Regional Recreation Board

The County of Stettler Regional Recreation Board was established in 1974, by a group of concerned citizens. They wanted to develop a coordinated effort to benefit and support the development of recreation programs and facilities within the County. The Board has the authority to elect their own officers, arrange their own schedule of meetings, and advocate for their communities. The Board is required to prepare and annually submit a budget to County Council in November.


Making up the Regional Recreation Board are the nine member districts. Each of the member districts is represented by an appointed community member. The nine member districts are the Big Valley Ag Society, Botha Community Centre, Donalda and District Ag Society, Endmoor Culture and Recreation, Erskine Recreation Society, Fenn/Union/Ewing, Linda Hall Society, Red Willow Ag Society, and the Westwoods Ag Society. 

The Stettler Ag Society also sends a non-voting representative to the Board.


The County of Stettler Council always has at least one Councillor appointed to the Board. The neighboring communities of Big Valley, Donalda and Rochon Sands all have a representative on the Board. As a part of membership, the villages pay an annual recreation requisition to the County for service.  


Public representation on the board must remain the majority at all times.


The Regional Recreation Board meets four times annually and assists with recommendations of recreation related topics for the County of Stettler Council.


Community Service Awards

The County of Stettler Community Service Awards is an annual event that takes place in the early part of the year at one of the community halls. The awards are presented to outstanding community members that have made significant volunteer contributions to their communities.


The 2025 Community Service Awards took place on March 6, 2025, at the Stettler Agriplex. Congratulations to the award winners, who were as follows:

  • Stettler Dodge Community Service Award - Bernadette Jackson
  • Atco Culture, Arts & Heritage Award - Karen Wahlund
  • Sullivan Lake West Ag Society Community Service Award - Raelynn Knowles
  • Donalda & District Ag Society Community Service Award - Brandon Brown
  • Big Valley Ag Society Community Service Award - Paul and Anane Jensen
  • Big Valley Ag Society Youth Community Service Award - Riley Baird
  • Stettler & District Ag Society Community Service Award - Jenna Watson
  • Erskine Social/Recreation Community Service Award - Anthony Jackson
  • Rochon Sands Hall & Rec Community Service Awards - Blaine and Nadine Brinson
  • Red Willow Ag Society Community Service Award - Lee and Janet Adam
  • Endmoor Youth Community Service Award - Alerie Sorenson

The 2026 event date will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Westwoods Ag Society.


Recreation Special Project Funding

Recreational Special Project Funding was established in 2006, in order to allocate funds to help with the construction and/or enhancement of recreational facilities around the County of Stettler. These facilities are supported with the acknowledgment of their ability and dedication to serve the needs of the County's rural populations, outside of the Town of Stettler, with the exception of properties owned by the Stettler Agricultural Society.


During the last 18 years, the County of Stettler has approved funding for 90+ projects: totaling $1,640,860.35. Some of the projects have included new roofs, furnaces, flooring, windows, electrical, and plumbing repairs for many halls and arenas within the County. Along with the building of community playgrounds and baseball diamonds. 


The maximum funding that is available this year is $50,000.00. We encourage all applicants to review the guide to ensure that their organization and project are eligible for funding before applying. A hard copy of the information and application form is available at the front county of the County of Stettler Administrative Office. The deadline to apply is October 15.


For more information on the guidelines, the Recreation Special Project Funding Policy. 


Or to apply, download the Recreation Special Project Funding Application.


Community Investment Program

The County of Stettler recognizes that community organizations should be supported in principle and with resources when it comes to assisting with the increasing costs of putting on community events.


The Community Investment Program is new to the County of Stettler in the way that it will manage these ongoing requests. Funding under this program is one time and is not to be relied upon as a continuing source of income.  Council fully expects community organizations to be self-sustaining and to develop working relationships with contributing partners.


There are two intake periods per year; on December 31st and May 31st.  The eligibility criteria include:

  • Must benefit the community.
  • Provide community involvement and support.
  • Have long term viability.
  • Program or event must be open to the public.
  • County of Stettler will be recognized as a source of funding.
  • Applicants can only submit one application annually.

We have previously awarded funds to the following organizations:

  • Stettler and District Music Festival
  • Canadian Northern Railway
  • Donalda and District Museum Society
  • Endmoor Minor Ball Association
  • Canadian Junior Gelbvieh Show
  • Big Valley Bust Out Rodeo
  • East Bound and Down Poker Rally
  • Stettler Pheasant Festival Society
  • Stettler Steel Wheel Stampede
  • Friends of Big Valley (Playground)
  • Stettler Variety Showcase
  • All Star Archery Team
  • Big Valley Ag Society
  • Pheasant Festival
  • Stettler Culture Days
  • Stettler and District Music Festival
  • Alberta High School Rodeo Provincial Finals
  • Big Jack Classic Fishing Derby
  • Big Valley Minor Hockey
  • Big Valley Kids Christmas
  • Stettler Steel Wheel Stampede
  • Stettler Junior and High School Rodeo Club
  • Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre Spring Banquet 

For more information, view the Community Investment Program Policy.


View the Community Investment Program Application Form.