Lethbridge Exhibition requests emergency funding from city

The Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre in Lethbridge has barely opened their doors and already they can barley afford to keep the lights on. The folks at the Lethbridge and District Exhibition approached the city for some emergency aid. A loan to help keep the doors open for the Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre. 

Chief Executive Officer, Mike Warkentin says rising interest rates have impacted his organization which is why they need help to cover a funding shortfall for his group. Council voted that if it receives provincial support by December 11th it will provide a capital grant of just under 2.1 million dollars.  Around half of the funds to be given to the city by the province will help cover the capital shortfall.

Warkentin says they expected to lose money for the first four years of operation, but if they don’t get help, they could be in trouble by as early as this spring. He says, however, the Agri Food Hub and Trade Centre is still very much needed for our region.