A new stage is expected to be complete for the 2017 Winkler Harvest Festival.

While the ambitious project has been scaled back to fit sponsor Triple E's $250,000 budget, (original plans ballooned to more than half a million dollars) City Events Coordinator Deb Penner says the facelift and new dressing rooms will be a welcome change.

"For the first time we'll have plumbing so we don't have to send our superstars to a porta potty," Penner says. "It didn't lend itself to the classy event we were running."

Along with a proper bathroom, the new backstage area will offer air-conditioned dressing rooms and a storage space.

The project is being spearheaded by James Elias of Triple E.

Render of the main stage at the Harvest Festival grounds after the makeover and construction of a new backstage structure.

Two years ago, Triple E held a special 50th anniversary celebration and annual staff BBQ during the Thursday of the Harvest Festival weekend. More than 1,700 staff members were treated to a free midway all evening. The Thursday event was such a success they've made it a tradition.

Elias notes they've long been passionate about the local summer festival and saw the frustration of organizers at the limitations of the former main stage.

While the festival draws big name acts, he notes the stage lacked many amenities.

Original plans included reshaping the bowl to create more space for viewers, something Penner says they are still investigating.

"We are seeing bigger crowds every year, but we'll take it step by step," she says.

The current bowl seats up to 7,000.

"We know we need to find some more room."

Work is currently underway on the main stage thanks to local supporter Triple E