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Photo: M.D. of Greenview
TMIP Development

M.D. of Greenview taking a pause on Tri-Municipal Industrial Partnership development

May 8, 2020 | 2:30 PM

The Municipal District of Greenview says that further development of the Tri-Municipal Industrial Partnership (TMIP) with both the City and County of Grande Prairie will be taking a pause due to the economic climate created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project has been in the works for the last three years south of the City, with the goal of building a hub for the energy sector right here in the Peace Region.

However, due to the current market conditions from the COVID-19 pandemic that has had a negative impact on the energy sector, as well as local businesses, the project will be taking what Greenview Council calls a “sabbatical”.

The municipality says that until prices in the oil & gas market can stabilize, continued development on the area is not prudent.

Reeve for the M.D. of Greenview Dale Smith says he’s hopeful that the energy sector can rebound in the near future and the project can get back on track.

“Greenview Council’s decision to defer resources from the TMIP project is based on current market conditions and Greenview’s commitment to providing a high level of service to its ratepayers, even during this uncertain time of economic instability.”

“Council is hopeful that with the stabilization of commodity prices, the project will return to a funding status that will allow for accelerated growth”

Greenview administration will continue to manage the project internally. The municipality says that by using internal resources to manage the project, costs will be reduced by an estimated $750,000.

It is estimated the M.D. of Greenview has invested around $1 million in the project to date.

The M.D. says while the project is on pause, they will continue to work with the province to ensure historical, environmental and legislative concerns are being addressed to allow for the transfer of lands to Greenview.

The province signed a memorandum of understanding on the project back in February, to allow for the transfer of up to 7,000 acres of crown land for development of the site.