The Beaumont and District Agricultural Society (BADAS) is a Canadian nonprofit organization registered under provincial legislation, specifically the Agricultural Societies Act of Alberta. It operates as a registered charity with the Business Registration Number 863915526RR0001.

Overview

Founded in 1990, BADAS is dedicated to strengthening rural roots in the urban fringe of Alberta’s Capital Region. Its core mission is to support and enhance the quality of life for residents of the Town of Beaumont, Leduc County, and surrounding communities by advancing agricultural, recreational, and cultural opportunities. The society fosters a biodiverse ecosystem and promotes urban agriculture to benefit future generations.

Vision and Mission

BADAS envisions improving community quality of life by fostering biodiversity and advancing urban agricultural initiatives. The organization provides a range of facilities, programs, services, and events designed to connect people with nature-based, environmental, and agricultural experiences.

Facilities and Infrastructure

The society owns a fully developed fairground spanning 28.9 hectares (71.3 acres), featuring significant investments approaching $1 million in infrastructure. The grounds include:

• Community gardens with approximately 90 to 100 plots for local residents to cultivate produce and learn agricultural skills.
• An equine cross-country course covering about 60 acres.
• Two large sand ring arenas (270 feet by 130 feet) equipped with an announcer’s/judge’s tower.
• A pole barn housing 30 covered stalls and additional outdoor stalls numbering 128.
• A storage facility with four bays totaling around 1,440 square feet.
• Renovation projects for heritage structures, including the Gobeil Heritage Barn and the Magnan Heritage House.
• Two outdoor riding/rodeo arenas each approximately 26,443 square feet.

Programs and Community Engagement

BADAS actively promotes education, leadership development, and environmental stewardship. The society encourages community engagement through events such as parades and seasonal activities like rain barrel sales to support sustainability initiatives. It also operates the Urban Agriculture Centre (UAC), which evolved from food forest education efforts to promote urban farming and nature-based learning.

Membership and Governance

With a membership base of approximately 150 individuals, BADAS emphasizes inclusive leadership, passion for education, community connections, and environmental responsibility. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and has a General Manager to oversee operations and growth.

Role in the Community

BADAS serves around 20,000 residents in the Beaumont area and plays a vital role in preserving agricultural heritage while integrating modern urban agricultural practices. It is recognized by provincial and regional agricultural associations, reinforcing its position as a key community institution in Alberta.

This article synthesizes information reflecting the scope, mission, facilities, and community role of the Beaumont and District Agricultural Society as a registered nonprofit agricultural organization in Canada[1][2][3][4][5].

[1] https://www.beaumontagsociety.com [2] https://www.albertaagsocieties.ca/agsocieties/leduc-county/beaumont-district-ag-society/ [3] https://www.beaumontagsociety.com/about/ [4] https://albertaopenfarmdays.ca/farm/beaumont-district-agricultural-society/ [5] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/beaumont-and-district-agricultural-society/