The Municipal District of Bonnyville council approved two grant applications under the Alberta Small Community Opportunity Program during its December 10 meeting, marking steps toward economic development projects.
The initiatives include funding for community engagement on small modular reactors (SMRs) and the creation of a Master Resort Plan for the expansion of Kinosoo Ridge Resort.
Scott Kovatch, the M.D.’s economic development specialist, presented the grant applications, highlighting the program’s 90/10 funding model, which supports projects addressing rural challenges and building local economic capacity. The maximum eligible budget per project is $100,000.
Kovatch emphasized that these initiatives align with the M.D.’s objective of fostering a “viable and diversified” local economy. The SMR project aims to engage rural businesses and residents in discussions about industrial growth tied to unclear energy. Meanwhile the Kinosoo Ridge project seeks to identify opportunities for expanding tourism facilities, optimizing revenue, and attracting investment.
Councillors expressed support for the SMR consultation project, with the motion to approve its grant application passing without issue. However, the Kinosoo Ridge Master Resort Plan sparked a more robust discussion.
Coun. Josh Crick voiced concerns about the long-term financial implications of subsidizing Kinosoo Ridge. “It doesn’t seem like we’re really making anything off our tourism facilities,” Crick said, adding skepticism about potential future costs despite the minimal initial investment required for the master plan.
