The County of Stettler will not increase its annual contribution to the Stettler Town and Country Museum this year, but council has left the door open for further discussion during the 2027 budget cycle.
At its Feb. 11 meeting, council voted to maintain 2026 funding at the current level of $32,000, declining a $2,000 increase requested by the museum during a Jan. 28 presentation.
It was noted that municipal budgets are built in the fall, not at the start of the calendar year.Â
Council signalled it will send a letter inviting the museum to return in October, when 2027 deliberations begin.
The County’s museum contribution rose from $30,000 to $32,000 in recent years,with a suggestion of exploring a per-capita formula in the future.
It was also noted the County provides funding to the three museums in Stettler, Big Valley & Donalda, while the Town of Stettler funds just the one.
In 2025, the Town provided $36,000 in grant funding to the museum & is expected to consider a $37,000 request for 2026 at the first regular meeting in March.
Strong Year For The Museum
2025 was a busy year for the Stettler Town and Country Museum, which hosted major events including the Model T Tour, Light the Night, Heritage Expo, Culture Days & Night of Terror at the Boo-seum.
Canada Day attendance reached 1,860 visitors, while a total of 3,824 visitors over the four summer months, an increase from 1,678 visitors in 2015.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
