After a lengthy and expensive legal battle over prime inner-city real estate, the City of Winkler and Stanley Agricultural Society have reached an agreement.

Both parties agreed to halt the expropriation process over the forced sale of the ag society's historic grounds adjacent to the Parkland park, coming to an agreement of $750,000.

Initially, the Ag Society had asked for more but rejected the City's counter-offer.

The prime real estate was needed by the City to begin work on an arena expansion. However, neither party was able to reconcile their differing independent land value assessments.

"Hopefully now we can get serious about building the addition," Winkler Mayor Martin Harder says, adding they were happy to come to an agreement.

The amicable solution halted the traditionally lengthy and often hostile process of expropriation.

"The City of Winkler cares about agriculture and what it means to the growth of our region," Harder says, adding they hope to work together with the Ag Society in the new arena facility.

"We look forward to what the future holds for the Society. From my perspective, it now looks bright and promising," says Stanley Ag Society President Toban Dyck.

However, he says their excitement is tempered by the work ahead of them to find a new home. He notes the board is in talks with potential landowners.

"There is some promising land out there," he says. "There a lot of landowners that want to see us succeed, so that works in our favour for sure."

Harder says they hope to offer the new arena facility for the Ag Society's use as well.

"This truly is a win-win for both parties, as it gives the City the opportunity to expand their vision on that site while at the same giving the Ag Society an exciting future," Harder says.

The Stanley Ag society will continue to use the grounds on Grandeur Ave. until December of this year.