Government of Alberta Press Release:
An overpass over the QEII in Innisfail is now named in honour of Jack Daines, a legendary rodeo promoter, auctioneer and local philanthropist.
Jack Daines was a larger-than-life figure who dedicated his life to promoting rodeo, selling cattle and maintaining the cowboy way of life in central Alberta.
Jack introduced the rodeo world to Mutton Busting, a children’s sheep riding event, to include kids in rodeo action, which is now an event at major rodeos throughout North America.
He was inducted as a builder into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2009, for his contributions to rodeo, and into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2000.
“Naming this overpass in Jack’s honour is a fitting tribute to the legacy he left behind. He was a competitor, announcer, promotor of rodeo and tireless fundraiser for many groups and organizations over the years.
The Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo, which Jack founded in 1961, is a major stop on the pro rodeo circuit to this day, attracting fans from across the country.” Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors
“Our family is deeply honoured by this tribute to Jack. He loved this community, the rodeo world and the people he met along the way. We are truly grateful to the Government of Alberta for recognizing his legacy in such a lasting and meaningful way.” Duane Daines
Jack Danies operated the Innisfail Auction Market for decades and was highly respected in Alberta’s cattle and auction industries.
Quick Facts
- Jack Daines was born in 1936 and died in December 2021 at age 85.
- He competed as a saddle bronc rider and won Canadian titles in the 1950s.
Since 2024, Alberta’s government has named infrastructure to honour individuals, including:
- In 2024, two bridges on southwest Anthony Henday Drive in Edmonton in honour of Constable Travis Jordan and Constable Brett Ryan of the Edmonton Police Service.
- In 2024, two bridges over the Bow River on Stoney Trail in northwest Calgary after Corporal Nathan Hornburg.
- In 2025, the new wildlife overpass on the Trans-Canada Highway, near Lac Des Arcs, in honour of former Alberta Premier Peter Lougheed.
