12/04/2025
*UPDATE*
While the final budget is not approved yet, we are incredibly grateful to City Council for voting unanimously in favour of a $30,000 grant to support the museum next year.
Sunnybrook Farm Museum Needs Community Support
We recently learned that, after 37 years of operation and long-standing partnership with the City of Red Deer, Sunnybrook Farm Museum will no longer receive City funding due to changes in the Community Culture Development Fund. This fund is no longer designed to support core museum operations.
For nearly four decades, Sunnybrook Farm Museum has cared for a 10-acre historic park, heritage buildings, and a collection of more than 5,000 artifacts—many originally from the City’s own collection. Each year, more than 13,000 visitors, including thousands of students, enjoy this space as a place to learn, reflect, and connect with Red Deer’s history.
Without stable operating support, we may be forced to shorten our season, cancel school programs, reduce summer student jobs, and cut permanent staff.
As City Council enters budget deliberations next week, we are formally requesting that the City consider a direct annual operating grant of $50,000, similar to how other major municipal cultural institutions are supported. This funding would help protect a site that was gifted to the people of Red Deer and ensure it remains open and accessible to the community.
If Sunnybrook Farm Museum has been meaningful to you or your family, we encourage you to share your support with City Council. Your voice matters, and public support truly makes a difference.
Thank you to our community for 37 incredible years of support. 💚
