Calgary Stampede receives $10M from federal government to aid recovery from pandemic

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.

A report to the city this week showed the Stampede had an operating loss of $8.3 million in 2021.

Last year's Stampede ran at half-capacity because of COVID-19 public health measures and it was cancelled completely in 2020.

Stampede president and chair Steve McDonough says the additional money this year will ensure the organization can run a full-scale, 10-day event. The 2022 Stampede is set to run from July 8 to 17.

"This means everything to the Stampede … having the confidence of the federal government, recognizing how important we are to the community and to the country," McDonough said.

"So while these funds are directed at the Calgary Stampede, it is also going to benefit the city and southern Alberta in that we are looking at tourism, bringing people into town, into our community to spend, to celebrate and to gather. "

Daniel Vandal, the federal minister for Prairies Economic Development Canada, says the money aims to support a full-scale Stampede to deliver the "authentic western experience" this year.

"Our government understands the struggle this sector has faced over the last two years, and we're continuing to support an economic recovery for tourism-related businesses here in Alberta," Vandal said.

"We know that doing so will have widespread benefits and support quality jobs across a whole range of industries."

The federal government also provided about $1.8 million for four other tourism projects in southern Alberta:

• Charmed Resort, a campground in the Crowsnest Pass that offers playhouse cottages for families to rent.
• Cochrane Tourism Association.
• Heritage Park Historical Village in Calgary.
• Tourism Calgary.