Industry

Industry partnerships have been vital to promoting growth and innovation in Northlands Park. Many of the Edmonton Agricultural Society’s (EAS) founding members were directly involved in the business sector and played multiple roles in the community. 

The links between the EAS and industry have centred on agricultural activities that the organization has put on and have increased particularly in the latter half of the 20th century around dealings for event production, trade shows, racing, and gaming.

Dating back to 1879, the Hudson’s Bay Company was one of the first EAS industry partners. Its representatives were part of the EAS board of directors, and its company buildings were used to showcase early agricultural displays. Agricultural linkages led to collaboration with a variety of entities.

It was not sufficient to partner with just livestock owners though, as they and their animals needed transportation to and from fairs, the Edmonton Exhibition Association (EEA) arranged special fares with the Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian National Railway. In other instances of partnership, refrigeration companies extended their services to dairy events taking place on the exhibition grounds.

Such relationships served both parties. The EEA received resources to put toward its activities and garnered useful industry input for the refinement of its events and services. Industry partners in turn received increased patronage and a role in community service.

Important event production industry players have liaised with the EEA on a regular basis as attested to by EEA presence and membership in the Western Canada Fairs Association, which created industry standards and guidelines applicable to events such as Klondike Days, Farmfair International, and the Canadian Finals Rodeo.

A broader sense of industry partnership has come as a result of showcased countries for the summer exhibitions. Partnerships with businesses as far as China, Hungary, and Ukraine have taken hold through delegate visits and invited entrepreneurs. 

Looking at Northlands Park’s industry partnerships it becomes apparent that the private sector has been clearly interwoven into the fabric of the organization. 

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