Study to provide direction for economic growth

Tina Kennedy
South Peace News

High Prairie will see a new "needs assessment" study and the Regional Economic Development Association is encouraged by what it means for their efforts.

During their Jan. 14 meeting, REDA members decided to go ahead with the plan. Funding for the project was made available by Lesser Slave Lake Community Development Corporation.

Edie Spagrud, executive director for LSLCDC, says the study, carried out by Equus Consulting Group, will pinpoint needs identified by the community. In turn, a draft of that paper will be presented to REDA at their March 6 meeting. Once presented, more modifications will be made and a final report presented to the group, for their use.

"What they're doing is helping us with the preliminary process . . . and it's up to REDA to decide what to do that."

Part of the grant, accessed through Western Diversification, requires REDA and involved municipalities collaborate their economic development efforts.

Susan Richter, newly elected chairperson for REDA, says the group is a resource for local municipalities, High Prairie and the M.D. of Big Lakes. This needs assessment will give the group a focus.

"You can't have direction if you don't have a plan."

REDA and its area, which incorporates First Nations, Métis settlements and municipalities has a great deal to offer. The needs assessment will examine everything; business, agriculture, forestry, tourism, health, education and oil and gas.

It offers a picture of how things are now, where things can be developed and where things may need to be developed.

It also ensures the area sees a defined plan for future growth, she adds.

That's where REDA becomes a resource. The intention of the group, from its beginning last summer, was to be a resource for ideas, networking and smaller projects that would enhance economic development efforts throughout the area. That's still its focus, says Richter.

"The intention has always been to be a resource or vehicle to the councils."

Spagrud says once finished and presented, the needs assessment will become part of a larger plan. But its success does depend on implementation.

"Basically it's up to the community to take ownership and take responsibility. The piece of paper itself doesn't have any value itself unless it's implemented."

The March 6 meeting, at the High Prairie provincial building, at 7 p.m., is where REDA members and Spagrud hopes the public brings more to the table. With the draft paper ready for review, people can contribute their ideas before the final report is presented.

Richter says she hopes to see more REDA and public members at the meeting. The more people there the better the chance the study has of being implemented and successful.