Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) has announced a federal investment of more than $10.9 million to support Alberta not-for-profit, CKUA Radio Foundation.
PrairiesCan says the funds will be used to modernize CKUA’s Edmonton headquarters, including the expansion of community performance space to increase exposure for up-and-coming Alberta artists, while providing an additional revenue stream for the donor-supported broadcaster. CKUA’s studios and broadcast technology will also see upgrades, while some of the funds will be put toward preservation of the station’s vast archive of music recordings, interviews, and artifacts.
“Access to trusted local voices strengthens our culture and ensures that important regional stories, perspectives, and talent are heard,” said Eleanor Olszewksi, the Minister responsible for PrairiesCan, in a release. “Our new government is proud to invest in Alberta’s arts and culture ecosystem and help communities to thrive economically by supporting CKUA in amplifying local voices and talent. This investment will help ensure that the Alberta stories CKUA has broadcast across our province for nearly a century continue to reach audiences at home and around the world for years to come”
PrairiesCan says its total investment of $10,984,224 will create 20 jobs, help maintain 30 more and attract close to $10 million in private sector investment.
“We are honoured to receive this investment from PrairiesCan and deeply grateful for the recognition of CKUA’s role in Alberta’s arts and culture landscape,” added Adam Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer and Acting CEO of CKUA. “This support will allow us to modernize essential infrastructure, invest in our people, and develop new programming that deepens our connection with audiences across the province and beyond. It reflects the voices of thousands of supporters who stood up and shared what CKUA means to them. With this investment, we are better positioned to grow, to serve, and to continue building a vibrant cultural future for our communities.”
It’s estimated the CKUA network reaches an estimated 475,000 Alberta listeners a month.
The community station’s financial struggles have been well-documented, culminating in a 2024 attempt to raise $3 million dollars to keep the 98-year-old cultural institution from going dark. In addition to inflation, skyrocketing utility rates ($1M alone in 2023) and capital costs, CKUA’s headquarters – the historic Alberta Hotel on Jasper Avenue – has been draining its reserves between post-pandemic office market vacancies, property devaluation, and a $6 million dollar loan.
