A plan for economic development is on its way to becoming a reality for the MD of Bonnyville.
During their committee meeting on Nov. 20, council voted in favour of submitting an application for the Alberta government’s Community and Regional Economic Support (CARES) grant program, which funds initiatives led by municipalities, communities, and regions that enhance local economic conditions.
According to CAO Luc Mercier, if the MD receives the $80,000 they would put it toward hiring a consultant to work on the economic strategies they’re currently considering.
“It’s especially important at this point, because we can use it to help develop our program and how it goes forward,” Mercier explained.
The projects include completing a destination management procedure for Kinosoo Ridge, developing a five-year plan for an economic development strategy, and undertaking a cooperative regional economic development project in partnership with the Town of Bonnyville.
Coun. Dana Swigart wanted to move ahead with the application.
“There are all kinds of things that we missed in the past because we didn’t have anybody providing economic development in the area to help the entire area,” he said.
The economic development research committee estimated the total cost for the consultant would come in around $160,000.
Swigart, who sits on the committee, noted that value was reached after they spoke with other municipalities who had similar positions in place.
“To start off, it’s probably half that amount, because I think that about half of that was salary rates in their budgets to do that. I think it was reasonable, but it doesn’t have to be that much.”
The finer details for the funds will be looked into if they receive the approval for the grant.
“The terms of reference and guiding principles will be discussed in January or February once we get our budget approved, hopefully by December… Council will have more discussion at that point,” Mercier noted, adding it will be added to the $80,000 already included in the budget from the MD for economic development.
The original intent was for Town and MD of Bonnyville to partner on an economic development committee. The town hasn’t officially come on board at this point, but town Coun. Elisa Brosseau will be presenting the opportunity to council at their Nov. 26 meeting.
“I think a partnership is important, because I think there’s many different players that can contribute to economic development in our region. I think by working together we can be that much stronger,” she expressed. “Not only that, our borders are so close that there’s many business owners that have had businesses in the Town of Bonnyville but live in the MD, and vice versa and people who live in the MD, but do all of their shopping and everything in town. I think it just makes sense for us to work together as a region.”
MD council agreed if they pursue economic development alone, it would occur within the MD.
“That’s where our focus would be, it’s not giving away free economic development to another municipality. We’ve got plenty of opportunity for places,” noted Reeve Greg Sawchuk.
