Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation Awarded $1-Million Grant for Facility Expansion
The Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation in Coaldale has received a significant $1-million grant to support a major expansion project that will transform Canada's largest bird of prey facility. This funding, announced at an event on Friday afternoon, will help construct a new indoor environmental learning center and develop previously inaccessible outdoor areas.
Transforming Visitor Experience with Indoor Facilities
According to Colin Weir, managing director of the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation, the facility has historically been primarily an outdoor experience, lacking proper indoor spaces for educational programs and events. "It's quite a milestone for us," Weir stated, emphasizing that the expansion will enable the center to host classes and events indoors for the first time.
The $1-million grant comes from the Alberta Community Facility Enhancement Program, which supports non-profit organizations in upgrading, building, or renovating public community facilities. This funding represents a crucial portion of the foundation's overall $3.5-million expansion project.
New Environmental Learning Center Features
Construction is already underway on the environmental learning center, located on the previously undeveloped west side of the property. The new facility will include:
- Presentation and event rooms
- Capacity to host over 200 people
- Landscaping improvements throughout the property
Weir confirmed that land previously inaccessible to the public will open this summer, with the full building completion scheduled for mid-2027.
Expanding Educational and Tourism Opportunities
The expansion will significantly enhance the facility's educational offerings and tourism potential. Currently operating seasonally with visitors welcomed back on May 16, the expanded center will be able to offer experiences earlier and later in the season.
This summer, the foundation will open a new aviary partially funded through a separate CFEP grant. "We'll be able to take visitors on guided tours to see some of the birds that have been injured or orphaned and are recuperating before they go back into the wild," Weir explained.
Impressive Visitor Statistics and Future Goals
Before the pandemic, the facility attracted approximately 15,000 visitors annually. With the expansion, Weir anticipates doubling that number to between 25,000 and 30,000 people each year. "That's significant for us in our little town here," he noted, referencing Coaldale's population of about 9,600 residents in 2025 according to Alberta government data.
Weir emphasized the unique nature of the Birds of Prey Centre, stating, "There's not many places you can go in North America where, once you walk through the front door and pay your admission, you can reach out and touch a live owl, or see a bald eagle or a golden eagle just five or six feet away." The facility typically exceeds visitor expectations with numerous opportunities for interactions with both birds and knowledgeable staff.
The expansion project represents a substantial investment in environmental education and wildlife conservation in southern Alberta, positioning the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation as a premier destination for both local residents and tourists seeking unique wildlife experiences.
