Heritage Agriculture Society records year-over-year growth

STONY PLAIN -- The Heritage Agricultural Society continues to see year-over-year growth in its local impact. 

The Stony Plain-based non-profit was founded in 1974 and operates with a mandate to preserve and celebrate local heritage and community spirit. A year before they officially came into existence, the organization signed a 99-year lease from the Parkland School Division to take over the historic Red Brick Common, which continues to be their base of operations as of today. 

This week, officials with the Heritage Agricultural Society appeared before Stony Plain Council at their Governance and Priorities Committee meeting. Some of the areas they discussed related to the continued growth of the organization's operations and impact in the community. This comes as more than 60,000 visitors, and/or participants, utilized the non-profit's programs and spaces in 2025-2026. Managing Director Melissa Hartley says it's been a busy time for their organization.

"From celebrations to workshops to sports teams, the increased rentals show just how much these spaces matter to the people around us," said Hartley. "They are not just rooms; they are places where community happens. This year we also created new spaces for music and a sensory classroom for École Centre-Nord and the office spaces for the Métis Government of Lac Ste. Anne. Two powerful examples of how collaboration can transform a place."

Over the past year, the PERC has served 49,200 users, which the organization says reflects its importance to the local community. Among its regular gym users were 47 recurring groups, including churches, sports teams, and schools, which accounted for 21,936 participants. Celebrations also thrived at the venue, last year we hosted 156 birthday parties with 7,800 guests and five weddings with 526 attendees.

"We have seen remarkable growth in community engagement, with events across our grounds thriving like never before," said President Phyllis Kobasiuk. "Long-standing favourites returned stronger, and new initiatives drew in audiences who were eager for fresh experiences. Our partnerships expanded significantly this year, with local businesses, cultural organizations, and regional collaborators joining us to co-create programs that celebrate diversity, creativity, and rural ingenuity."

The Heritage Agriculture Society adds that the Red Brick Vintage store has continued to flourish as both a vibrant community hub and an environmentally conscious revenue stream.