Outdoor amenities, including trails and playgrounds, remain open for public use.
Early activation of the site will include reopening indoor washroom facilities and returning horses to Heritage Ranch, followed by an expansion of equestrian services, with full restaurant, catering and event-hosting services expected to return through summer and fall 2026.
Keep an eye on this page for updates as they become available.
Heritage Ranch Update
Heritage Ranch is entering its next chapter as a new operator officially takes the reins.
Heritage Ranch update
The City of Red Deer has finalized a five-year operating agreement with Stock Yard Kitchen Ltd. for Heritage Ranch. The new operator officially took the reins May 7 and will begin reopening equestrian, restaurant and event services in phases over the next several months.
Stock Yard Kitchen Ltd. brings experience in both restaurant and equestrian services through the combination of two locally owned businesses. The Meraki Group, which has experience in the local restaurant industry, including State & Main, Original Joe’s and the Ponoka Golf Club’s eighteen91 restaurant, will lead restaurant, catering and event services. JR Adventures, based in the Caroline area, will provide equestrian services which are essential to Heritage Ranch’s identity and offerings.
Heritage Ranch visitors can expect the following:
- A four-season restaurant focused on affordable, quality food and beverage service
- Equestrian offerings, including trail and carriage rides
- Year-round event hosting
- Investment in and enhancement of Heritage Ranch’s rustic amenities
Visitors to Heritage Ranch will notice increased activity as the new operator conducts site preparation and transition work. However, indoor amenities, restaurant services and equestrian offerings will open in a phased approach over the next several months. Throughout this transition, the public will continue to have access to the outdoor park and public spaces of Heritage Ranch.
Early activation of the site will include reopening indoor washroom facilities and returning horses to Heritage Ranch, followed by an expansion of equestrian services, with full restaurant, catering and event-hosting services expected to return through summer and fall 2026.
| Open | Closed |
|---|---|
| Trails, stairs, green spaces and park areas | Restaurant |
| Playgrounds | Indoor washroom facilities. Temporary porta-potties provided at the base of the tower. |
| Mitchell Pond | Trail rides & other equestrian services |
| Day-use picnic shelter (no booking required, first come, first serve) & on-site washrooms | Indoor/outdoor event hosting |
| Parking |
Frequently Asked Questions - Heritage Ranch Transition
When will Heritage Ranch reopen?
Will there be horses?
Yes! Equestrian services are an important part of the Heritage Ranch experience. The new operator is working through transition and operational planning, and more details about specific services and timing will be shared as plans are finalized.
Will the new operator offer the same services?
Heritage Ranch is a cherished community asset, and The City’s priority is to ensure it is a beautiful, affordable and welcoming destination for residents and visitors. The City has been working through a public procurement and agreement process to select a new operator who can support the future of the site while maintaining the natural and rustic qualities that make Heritage Ranch special. The new operator of Heritage Ranch will provide:
- A four-season restaurant focused on providing affordable, quality food and beverage services
- Equestrian operations
- Year-round event hosting
And an investment and enhancement of Heritage Ranch’s rustic and community-focused amenities.
What is the vision for Heritage Ranch?
The process for choosing a new operator focused on ensuring the long-term operation of Heritage Ranch in alignment with the needs and expectations of our community. This includes:
- Affordable, quality food services,
- Effective and innovative community programming,
- Utilization of public spaces for event hosting,
- Continued equestrian services, and
- Ongoing facility, building and parking lot maintenance.
The vision for Heritage Ranch is guided by the Waskasoo Park Special Gathering Places - Master Plan (pdf) and Heritage Ranch Concept Plan (pdf).
Will Heritage Ranch still feel the same?
Maintaining the natural, rustic, community-focused character of Heritage Ranch is a priority. The City recognizes that residents value the trails, green spaces, ranch setting, family-friendly amenities and overall atmosphere of the site. We are working diligently with our new operator to ensure this is part of the foundation of their services.
Are washroom facilities available?
At this time, portable washroom facilities are on-site to support visitors during the closure of the indoor facilities. We will share more information when timelines for reopening are available.
Why did the process to select a new operator take several months?
Heritage Ranch is a unique site with restaurant, event hosting, ranch space and public recreation functions. The City needed to complete a public procurement process and negotiate an agreement that supports responsible operations, protects the public interest, and sets the new operator up for success.