Partnerships

Partnership is one of the cornerstones of Northlands Park. With industry, community, and government all represented at the organization’s table at one time or another, cooperation has been integral to the organization’s establishment and expansion.

Original founding members of the Edmonton Agricultural Society (EAS) were people involved in industry and civic affairs. Eminent figures such as Donald Ross provided linkages to community well-being, business, and EAS activities through their multiple roles in the community.

Like Ross, a variety of industry partners contributed to the Edmonton Exhibition Association’s (EEA) success over more than a century. Industry partners promoted their businesses within the context of EEA events, facilitated exhibition activities by providing such things as prize donations and transportation offers, and established relationships with the EEA and its visitors.

Similar to their for-profit counterparts, community organizations were a widely varied group of partners that posed great gains and some challenges for the EEA. Many parties clamoured for the association’s attention, and with a limited number of resources available for sharing, the EEA strived to be fair in how it partnered with the voluntary sector.

Neighbourhood leagues, art clubs, and charity societies could all use financial donations, but the EEA’s disbursement of operational funds was somewhat limited this way. Instead, the association often partnered through the provision of facility space, fundraising opportunities, and promotion. 

Government partnerships, an enduring facet of the organization, have also made their mark on the exhibition association. Profound contributions have been made to Northlands Park from all three levels of government in an effort to benefit the organization as well as the region’s residents, and economy.

The significance of partnership within Northlands Park’s philosophy cannot be underscored. Without it, many ambitious visions may not have been realized. Ultimately, both Northlands Park and its many partners have learned and benefited from their joint efforts.

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