Minister Vandal announces investments to support infrastructure and economic development projects in Alberta

More … than $39 million help Alberta Communities attract investment, create jobs and transition to a sustainable green economy

WABAMUN, AB, July 3, 2024 /CNW/ – Canada and the world is moving away from coal power, to protect our climate and create a more sustainable and robust economy. Canada invests in communities, workers and people affected by the transition away from coal, and we ensure they are at the centre of our work.

Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Prairies, announced $39,432,507 for 10 projects – through the Canadian Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI) and the CCTI Infrastructure Fund (CCTI-IF) – to support sustainable economic growth in coal-affected communities AlbertaThis funding, through PrairiesCan, supports the construction of new infrastructure to attract new investment, help businesses grow and create strong, resilient communities with more well-paying jobs.

Here are some examples of projects receiving support:

• Parkland County receives $17,500,000 to upgrade the Wabamun sewage treatment plant, develop a body of water and redevelop the existing riverside public park in the hamlet of Wabamun.

• Paul First Nation receives $850,000 for a transition, training and employment center for entrepreneurship training and business support.

• THE Castor City receives $891,000 rebuild and transform a campground into a multi-purpose venue open all year round.

• THE Coronation City receives $891,000 renovate and redevelop two buildings into business incubation and acceleration centers that provide support and programs to businesses to foster commercial growth.

• THE Village of Forestburg receives $313,000 develop land and underground utilities for the Jeanne Lougheed Historic Park project and up to the Flagstaff County border to support a joint industrial park project.

The funded projects will support more than 680 jobs and help Alberta Communities benefit from economic opportunities that reflect the Prairies’ increasingly diverse economy.

In accordance with the principles of the government of Canada Framework for building a green economy in the Prairies, These investments aim to work together on common interests, to enable a sustainable and prosperous net-zero carbon economy, by improving capacity and skills development in these communities and providing support to grow their businesses.

Quotes

“Transitioning to a low-carbon economy is good for our environment, our economy, our health and our future. This government’s support for these 10 projects demonstrates our priority for workers and communities impacted by the transition away from coal. These investments will help create well-paying jobs, attract new investment opportunities and build a stronger, more sustainable economic future by Alberta and across the Prairies.
– The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of the Prairies

The story continues

“As we transition away from coal, the federal government is doing its part with municipal and regional partners to ensure Albertans receive the support they need. Driving economic growth, creating the jobs of the future and opening opportunities that ease the transition for Alberta “Coal communities are at the heart of today’s investments.”
– The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages

“These investments are essential to encouraging future growth in our community and improving the quality of life for our residents, businesses and visitors. This funding supports improvements to the county’s infrastructure and will stimulate local tourism and development while leading to future economic prosperity and a sustainable economy. We look forward to the many opportunities and economic development that will come from these investments – the future of Parkland County is bright.”
–Alain BetParkland County Mayor

“Paul First Nation “We are extremely pleased with the valuable contributions made to our training and capacity building. With this assistance and support, we will significantly enhance our economic and social development opportunities, and stimulate the economy while building good relationships and creating good model citizens. We would like to thank PrairiesCan. We look forward to taking full advantage of this opportunity. By providing popular cultural teachings and rituals, we will provide our youth with the tools they need to succeed.”
– Dennis Paul, Technical Advisor, Paul First Nation

Quick Facts

• Today’s investments provide full federal funding for Alberta communities more than $14 million invested since 2018 under the Canadian Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI) and more $60 million invested since 2019 through the Canadian Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund (CCTI-IF).

• The Canadian Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI) supports skills development and helps communities adapt to a low-carbon economy.

• The Canadian Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund (CCTI-IF) aims to help communities transition away from coal by investing in infrastructure.

• The Framework for Building a Green Prairie Economy is a long-term commitment to working differently, through better coordination across federal departments on investments in the Prairies and closer collaboration with Prairie partners on their priorities for a prosperous and sustainable Prairie economy.

Context

PrairiesCan invests $39,432,507 for 10 projects in Alberta to support skills development, infrastructure investment and economic diversification in communities impacted by the transition from coal-fired electricity generation. The projects receiving funding will have significant environmental and economic benefits, including supporting more than 680 jobs while enabling coal-impacted communities to create new sources of economic growth.

PrairiesCan funding for these 10 projects comes from the Canadian Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI) and the Canadian Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund (CCTI-IF).

Canadian Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI) – $1,382,507

CCTI is an investment of $35 million over five years. It supports skills development and helps communities adapt to a low-carbon economy. The fund was launched on April 1, 2018and finished March 31, 2023CCTI investments supported a total of 15 projects in Alberta.

Projects announced today as receiving CCTI support include:

• Paul First Nation receives $850,000 develop a transition, training and employment center for entrepreneurship training and business support.

• Paul First Nation receives $532,507 carry out a feasibility and technical study for the needs of developing a solar park.

Canadian Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund (ICTI-IF) – $38,050,000

The CCTI-IF was launched on August 20, 2020. This $150 million The fund aims to help communities transition away from coal by investing in infrastructure. The initiative is set to end on March 31, 2025To date, investments under the CCTI-IF have supported a total of 14 projects Alberta.

Projects announced today as receiving support through the CCTI-IF include:

• Paintearth County receives $2,300,000 modernize and develop wastewater and stormwater servitude infrastructure for a mixed-use industrial park.

• Parkland County receives $17,500,000 to upgrade the Wabamun sewage treatment plant, develop a body of water and redevelop the existing riverside public park in the hamlet of Wabamun.

• Parkland County receives $12,400,000 to improve the intersections of Spruce Valley and Pinchbeck-Bevington Road on Highway 16A to increase access to the Acheson Industrial Area.

• THE Castor City receives $891,000 rebuild and transform a campground into a multi-purpose venue open all year round.

• THE Coronation City receives $891,000 renovate and redevelop two buildings into business incubation and acceleration centers to provide support and programs to businesses to foster commercial growth.

• THE Village of Forestburg receives $313,000 develop land and underground utilities for the Jeanne Lougheed Historic Park project and up to the Flagstaff County border to support a joint industrial park project.

• THE Village of Forestburg receives $250,000 develop the planning and design of the Forestburg South industrial subdivision.

• THE Village of Forestburg receives $3,505,000 for the design and construction of road and utility extensions in the industrial park of Village of Forestburg.

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SOURCE Prairie Economic Development Canada

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