BONNYVILLE – The MD of Bonnyville is moving ahead with hiring an economic development officer.
The municipality got word from the province that they've been approved for the Community and Regional Economic Support (CARES) grant.
The two-year grant, which funds initiatives that will enhance local economic conditions, will see provide roughly $112,000 toward the $340,000 total budget for the economic development position and plan. The MD will be footing the remainder of the bill at around $227,000 to pay for the employees' wages, developing a strategy and implementation plan for the municipality and region, and a destination management plan.
“We’re going to hire somebody, they’re going to help us through public consultation with our neighbours and partners,” detailed CAO Luc Mercier during council’s committee meeting on April 15.
The original idea when they submitted the application back in November 2019 was to include the Town of Bonnyville in the process.
“That option is still open if they choose to come on board, but they haven’t made that commitment today,” noted Mercier.
According to Mercier, if the town decided to contribute it would cut the MD’s costs down by about 50 per cent.
Even if they move ahead on their own, the municipality would still want to speak with their neighbours to see what would benefit the region.
“We know that economic development isn’t something that’s pigeonholed. It encompasses the whole area,” Mercier stated.
In order to give the economic development officer the information they need to move forward, Coun. Ben Fadeyiw suggested giving the town a deadline to say if they'll be partnering on the project or not.
“It would be tough for an economic development officer to have a vision if they don’t know what partners are involved. I think we should put a timeline as to when the Bonnyville group is going to participate or not."
Fadeyiw added, "With all the struggles that are out there, we’re seeing some scary numbers for our businesses and it’s an opportune time for an economic development officer to be here. I’m excited about this.”
Coun. Dana Swigart described the project as “a benefit for the entire area.”
“If the area’s booming, you kind of think ‘well, you don’t need economic development because we’re booming anyway.’ We’re not booming now, so it’s a good time to be doing this."
