The Government of Canada, through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), is investing in communities affected by the coal transition.
Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan, and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, the Honourable Daniel Vandal announced more than $5.6 million in support for eight projects across Alberta, including projects in the Hanna and Special Areas No. 2 region, to help communities attract investment, create jobs, and transition towards a greener economy on Monday, January 17.
“(PrairiesCan) has been and continues to be a great source of support for the Harvest Sky region as we look at opportunities to make our communities sustainable after the loss of our coal-fired power plant,” said Harvest Sky Region Economic Development Corporation Economic Development manager Mark Nikota in a press release.
A total of $2.25 million in new funding is being delivered to Harvest Sky Economic Development Corporation to conduct a strategic analysis and economic diversification study that will inform future investment and business attraction activities for the region comprising Hanna, the Village of Youngstown, and Special Areas No. 2. An additional $143,917 in additional funding will be delivered to the Hanna and District Association for Lifelong Learning to establish a business hub and concierge centre in Hanna.
Over $2 million in new funding to the Special Areas Board in Special Areas No. 2 in support through the Canada Coal Transition Initiative-Infrastructure Fund to develop an industrial park to support industrial applications sustainable to a remote location.
