Communities receive funds
PROJECTS EXPECTED TO CREATE JOBS, DIVERSIFY LOCAL ECONOMIES
Five southern Alberta communities are receiving funding from the Alberta government for six projects that will create jobs and diversify their local economies.
A total of $225,000 will be provided through the Community and Regional Economic Support program.
The announcement was made Friday by Maria Fitzpatrick, MLA for Lethbridge-East, on behalf of Economic Development and Trade Minister Deron Bilous.
“We want to help provide local leaders the support they need to use their expertise to grow and diversify the economy in their communities,” said Fitzpatrick. “This financial support means they can undertake projects collaboratively, that will benefit families and businesses across the region.” The funding includes: • $25,000 to the Town of Claresholm for its project called Claresholm: Defining a Promise;
• $10,000 to the Village of Champion for the Champion Commercial Sustainability Project;
• $50,000 to the Vulcan Business Development Society for its Industrial Land Strategy for Vulcan Business Park;
• $65,000 to the Vulcan Brand Innovation Society for Operation Communicate, Accelerate and Collaborate;
• $25,000 to the Town of Magrath for the Sustainable Agriculture Education Partnership; and
• $50,000 to the Town of Taber for the Southern Alberta Regional MRF Feasibility Study.
The funding will help communities tackle economic development projects they may not have been able to on their own, according to Bilous.
“Through these projects, local leaders are working together to grow and diversify our economy, and make life better for Alberta families,” he said.
These projects are among many throughout the province receiving support through the first intake of the CARES program, which occured last year.
The CARES program evaluated 88 applications from communities across the province, representing a total of $10.5 million in requested grants.
As part of the Alberta Jobs Plan, the Alberta government has allocated $30 million over two years to promote long-term economic growth and prosperity in Alberta’s communities and regions.
The second intake is now open and will run until May 31. For more information on how to apply, as well as eligibility criteria, visit