BONNYVILLE – The Town and MD of Bonnyville are joining forces to tackle economic development.
During town council’s regular meeting on April 28, they voted in favour of participating in a regional economic development partnership project with the MD.
“The MD requested a decision regarding the town’s confirmation of continued participation in this project as decisions need to be made in the future, including financials and the direction of the project overall,” detailed assistant CAO Bill Rogers.
The decision comes after the MD was successful in their application for the Community and Regional Economic Support (CARES) grant, which the town supported. The two-year grant will provide roughly $112,000 toward the $340,000 total budget to cover the cost of hiring an economic development officer, developing a strategy and implementation plan for the municipalities and region, and a destination management plan. The remainder of the price will be split between the town and MD.
“They’re also suggesting a 50/50 split cost-sharing between the town and MD for the cost of the economic development officer position and the expenses associated with it,” Rogers said. “For 2020, for example, the financial contributions are estimated at $40,000, or maybe less and future amounts would be negotiated between both parties as they become clear.”
Coun. Brian McEvoy was in favour of continuing.
“With the state of our economy and what we’re going to be facing as we move forward with the ongoing pandemic, this could become a very important position with the two municipalities.”
Coun. Elisa Brosseau agreed, “I think it’s an opportune time for us to join forces with the MD. I think an economic development officer, a regional one, can just make sure that we work together without businesses and communities coming out of COVID-19 and moving forward into the future. I look forward to our collaboration with the MD and I believe we’ll only get stronger and more resilient together.”
One topic raised by council was how the regional economic officer’s success would be measured to see if they’re accomplishing what the municipalities are aiming for.
CAO Mark Power described that as “the next step.”
“The two administrations will get together, the town and the MD, and they’ll plan committee terms of reference and membership make up. Part of that I’m sure is going to be the establishment and looking at deliverables that are measurable.”
Once the finer details are worked out, both councils will have the opportunity to look at the documents and approve them at a future meeting.
