Last year’s Stampede ran at half capacity because of COVID-19 public health measures, leading to an $8.3-million operating loss for 2021
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The Calgary Stampede has received more than $10 million from the federal government to help it bounce back after last year’s event was scaled down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Last year’s Stampede ran at half capacity because of COVID-19 public health measures, leading to an $8.3-million operating loss for 2021.
The Stampede suffered a $26.5-million loss the previous year when, just four months into the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 edition was cancelled for the first time in the event’s then-108-year history.
Daniel Vandal, the federal minister for Prairies Economic Development Canada, said the funding announced Thursday aims to support a full-scale Stampede to deliver the “authentic western experience” this year.
He said it will also help to reignite Alberta’s visitor economy.
The federal government provided $13.4 million to the Stampede last year.
The 2022 Stampede is set to run from July 8 to 17.
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“Festivals large and small were hard hit during the pandemic,” Vandal said in a news release Thursday.
“The tourism industry is facing a strong comeback providing quality jobs across the country, showcasing stunning landscapes and offering exciting experiences right here in Alberta.”
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The federal government also gave $1.8 million to four other tourism projects in southern Alberta: Charmed Resorts, Cochrane Tourism Association, Heritage Park and Tourism Calgary.
An additional $150,000 from the regional relief and recovery fund will support adaptions to the BMO Centre and training for staff on health and safety protocols.
Stampede president Steve McDonough said Thursday’s funding announcement recognizes the Stampede’s cultural and economic importance to the region.
“As we emerge from a challenging two years to be together again, Stampede 2022 will help contribute to the economic recovery by creating jobs and filling restaurants, hotel rooms, taxis and rideshares,” he said in the release.
Last year’s Stampede attendance was 528,998 — 41.5 per cent of the 2019 crowd of 1.27 million, the second-largest on record.
