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Photo Courtesy Canadian Press

Province shares recipients of 2023-24 Northern and Regional Economic Development program grants

Apr 10, 2024 | 2:34 PM

Seventy-four projects across Alberta are receiving a combined $7.3 million through Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) program this year.

The province revealed the latest batch of recipients on Tuesday.

“Alberta’s government remains steadfast in our commitment to fostering economic growth and diversification across every region of our province,” Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, says. “The NRED program demonstrates this commitment. We look forward to collaborating with the next cohort of successful applicants from all corners of Alberta, empowering them to realize their goals and contribute to our province’s prosperity.”

Each project is eligible for up to $200,000, with the City of Grande Prairie receiving $75,000 to support the development of an investment attraction plan.

The program provides up to 50 per cent of total eligible project costs. Projects led by Indigenous communities will receive up to 75 per cent of total eligible project costs.

All Peace Region recipients:

City of Grande Prairie – The City of Grande Prairie will develop its Investment Attraction Action Plan.

  • Grant amount: $75,000

County of Grande Prairie No. 1 – The County of Grande Prairie will implement its Industrial Investment Attraction Strategy and develop investment marketing.

  • Grant amount: $37,000

High Level Native Friendship Centre Society – The Friendship Park and History Walk project will enhance and upgrade the High Level Native Friendship Centre’s amenities.

  • Grant amount: $114,000

Mackenzie County – Mackenzie County will develop an outdoor recreation and tourism plan.

  • Grant amount: $55,800

Municipal District of Peace No. 135 – The Recreation and Tourism Development Signage project will help increase tourism to the Municipal District of Peace.

  • Grant amount: $24,500

Northern Sunrise County – Sunrise Gateway Busines Park Business Attraction Strategy will support a marketing package to attract new development in the Sunrise County Business Park.

  • Grant amount: $20,000

Regional Economic Development Initiative for Northwest Alberta – Northwest Alberta Investment Attraction and Business Development project will support the creation of business cases and undertaking activities, such as feasibility studies, workshops and conferences, to support local entrepreneurs and investors in the Northwest region.

  • Grant amount: $83,200

The Village of Berwyn – The Berwyn Main Street Beautification project will support the development of a highway-commercial and multi-family residential structure plan.

  • Grant amount: $33,000

Town of Fox Creek – The Fox Creek Wayfinding Signage project will enhance wayfinding signage in Fox Creek.

  • Grant amount: $199,300

Town of Grimshaw – The Social Media Readiness and Development project will provide business supports and marketing within the Town of Grimshaw.

  • Grant amount: $30,000

Town of High Level – The High Level Business Attraction project will support proactive attraction of new businesses and services that fill existing commercial, industrial, and services gaps.

  • Grant amount: $99,500

Town of Peace River – The Town of Peace River will develop the Investment Attraction Strategy for a Northern Hub.

  • Grant amount: $32,500

Town of Spirit River – The Town of Spirit River will upgrade and revitalize the Chepi Sepe Campground.

  • Grant amount: $30,475

Village of Donnelly – The Hemp Decortication, Economic Development Strategy and Infrastructure Improvements Project will support a strategy to develop a new agricultural and processing industry within northern Alberta’s largest agricultural area.

  • Grant amount: $100,000

Willmore Wilderness Preservation and Historical Foundation – The Rocky Mountain Traditions Moving Forward project will support marketing, tourism awareness and capacity building in the guide and outfitting sectors.

  • Grant amount: $149,000

Anyone wanting to view the full list of all the projects across Alberta receiving this provincial funding can visit the Alberta government’s website.