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Business is growing in Bonnyville

Business is growing in the Town of Bonnyville. New businesses popping up around town has become a frequent occurrence. Since Jan. 1, 52 development permits have been granted for businesses to start operations in Bonnyville.
Since Jan. 1, the Town of Bonnyville has seen 52 development permits come across their desk. Pet Valu is one of the newest stores in town.
Since Jan. 1, the Town of Bonnyville has seen 52 development permits come across their desk. Pet Valu is one of the newest stores in town.

Business is growing in the Town of Bonnyville.

New businesses popping up around town has become a frequent occurrence. Since Jan. 1, 52 development permits have been granted for businesses to start operations in Bonnyville.

A total of 16 home businesses were included in the list, which saw a variety of new services brought into town. According to Mayor Gene Sobolewski, the growth in business in Bonnyville is partly due to the previous council's focus on making the town more business friendly.

“A number of years ago we worked very hard as a council to create a development friendly atmosphere. We readily recognized that Bonnyville is the gateway to a lot of oil activity. We're in the centre of it all. We decided that was something we needed to capitalize on and that's exactly what we've done,” detailed Sobolewski.

Newly elected councillors are showing they'll continue moving in the same direction, lobbying for members of the oil industry to call Bonnyville home.

Recently, council discussed at length whether or not they would accept oilfield service company League Projects development permit application. After a lengthy deliberation, council voted in favour of allowing the business to operate, despite concerns over zoning.

“While there was debate, at the end of the day, the aspect of bringing development and business into town triumphed,” Sobolewski noted.

As a result, the town has gained a business with the intention of contributing to the local economy on a long-term basis.

“With the current contract awarded it gives us some time to find other work and set down permanent roots in Bonnyville. We've hired a local to be our area manager and our intention is to be successful enough to remain there permanently,” said League Projects owner Brent Sieben.

Seeing a gap in services and an economy on the rise could also be factors in businesses moving to town.

Whether it's because of council's approach, or a product of timing, a wide variety of business owners are attempting to establish themselves in Bonnyville.

“There was a real demand. People wanted a pet store in town. I felt having the store would help to diversify our economy a bit. There really isn't another pet store in town,” explained Terri Murphy, owner of Pet Valu Bonnyville.

Going forward, Sobolewski hopes the town can capitalize on the recent momentum. If the economic picture within the province continues to become stronger, council intends to be in the position to accept new businesses and expand what the town has to offer.

“We recognize we're emerging from one of the biggest economic slowdowns since the 80s. It gives us time to pause and think about ways to build on what we've got. It's very important for us to create the opportunity for investment,” Sobolewski said.

Council will continue to work hand-in-hand with the town planning and development department, reviewing applications and fixing issues to help bring new business to the area. Sobolewski reiterated council is open to hearing any request that could generate revenue and help to create growth.

“We work very closely with development and we try to bring investment into the community. We're working with a number of developers in residential, industrial, and retail areas. We ensure they do their diligence, with the intention of welcoming investment,” explained Sobolewski. “The bottom line is, the more business you're able to create, the more prosperous the town will become.”

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