PrairiesCan Minister Daniel Vandal announced nearly $12 million to support the return of a full-scale 2022 Calgary Stampede and new or enhanced tourism experiences that attract visitors and support quality jobs in southern Alberta

June 30, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta – PrairiesCan

Calgary is a globally renowned tourism destination that supports a resilient Alberta economy. In addition to its outstanding urban experiences and attractions, the city is a launching point for domestic and international visitors wanting to explore the southern ranges of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, Alberta’s Badlands, the Cowboy Trail, and enjoy western hospitality at other southern Alberta attractions. The city is also home to the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”, the Calgary Stampede; the famed summer rodeo, exhibition and festival that takes place across Calgary for 10 days every July.

Today, the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced a federal investment of more than $10.1 million to support a full-scale Stampede in delivering authentic western experiences, while representing Calgary’s unique community spirit, and attracting visitors from Canada and abroad to the region to experience Western hospitality.

PrairiesCan is delivering $10 million through the Government of Canada’s Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative to help the 2022 Calgary Stampede bounce back stronger after a scaled-down 2021 event. An additional $150,000 through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund will support adaptions to the BMO Centre and training for staff that enables the facility to exceed health and safety protocols. The total federal investment of $10.15 million through PrairiesCan will enable this year’s Stampede to reignite Alberta’s visitor economy, attract visitors to explore southern Alberta, and spur economic benefits for the region.  

In addition, PrairiesCan is providing $1,832,500 through the Tourism Relief Fund to support four tourism projects in southern Alberta. This funding will help tourism organizations and attractions to create new experiences, or reimagine existing ones that draw visitors and position Alberta’s tourism economy for long-term growth.

In total, PrairiesCan is investing more than $11.98 million to support a strong recovery for southern Alberta’s tourism industry. This investment is expected to help create or maintain more than 1,600 jobs and attract more than 1.13 million domestic and international visitors to Alberta over the next several years.