PrairiesCan location opening in Lethbridge, $11M to support regional projects

Minister Vandal told LNN, “The whole idea is to get out there, to talk to people, talk to business, to non-profits and to make sure they understand and are aware of the supports that we can give to all of the above.”

Prior to being PrairiesCan, the Western Canadian provinces were under the same agency, of Western Diversification. Since then, they’ve split into two separate entities, PrairiesCan and PacificCan, which will serve British Columbia.

He continued, “It just allows us to be more precises; get out there more, do more outreach and do more positive work.”

PrariesCan serves as a federal investor and pathfinder for businesses, supporting innovation and contributing to a strong competitive economy in Alberta.

With the announcement of the new Lethbridge location, it also brought about an $11.2 million dollar investment to be shared between several community stakeholders.

Minister Vandal noted that the funding has been in the works for the past year and is estimated to support 230 jobs in Southern Alberta.

One of the 18 projects receiving a portion of funding is the Lethbridge and District Exhibition, as they’ll accept over $3.5 million to install and provide state-of-the-art digitization.

Mike Warkentin, the Chief Executive Officer at Lethbridge & District Exhibition, said that this is the largest investment of the tourism relief fund in the prairie region in all of Canada.

It’s set to focus on three programs at the new Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre expansion at Lethbridge & District Exhibition, which set to open in Spring 2023.

The expansion project is set to enhance the active networking within the building, it will bring in a brand-new audio and visual system that is set to give a significant competitive advantage, and will also work on improving and revolutionizing the culinary campus on site.

“This particular package puts us over and above and puts us really into a competitive sphere with some of the best facilities in the country,” explained Warkentin. “So, we’re exceptionally excited about our ability to attract new events to the community.”

The $11.2 million dollar investment will impact multiple agencies in Lethbridge. (Photo: LNN on January 19, 2023)

The Lethbridge College was also one of the recipients of PrariesCan funding, as they’ll receive just over $2 million to establish an agriculture and innovation centre for small and medium-sized companies focused on agriculture technology and agri-food products.

Lethbridge College President, Dr. Brad Donald, highlighted that this is one of the largest single grants the post-secondary institution has ever seen.

Donald went on to say, “From an applied research perspective, we’re helping to grow the economy of Southern Alberta’s agricultural capability, helping them deal with challenges for their industry.”

“By having the centre on campus and access to the applied research means students can get access to leading-edge technology, they’re graduating with knowledge of current and leading-edge practices for the agriculture sector,” said Donald. “So, it’s a great blend of helping the sector itself but also have our graduates capable of seeing what that technology looks like.”

As part of the Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) grant, The University of Lethbridge will receive just over $2 million to develop commercial applications for health management, the St. Mary River Irrigation District will be provided with $85,000 to develop and pilot a water stewardship plan, and the Alberta Sugar Beet Growers will receive $242,000 to evaluate new market opportunities.

Investments under the Tourism Reflief Program also include the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation, as they’ll receive $500,000 to build an environmental learning facility. Little Gem Winery Ltd. will be provided with $99,999 to expand culinary and agri-tourism and Tourism Lethbridge will receive $265,000 to develop agri-food tourism strategies and driving tours.

Some municipalities will also get a slice of the $11.2 million dollar investment under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund.

The Town of Taber, Town of Coalhurst, Town of Picture Butte and Town of Coaldale will be using the funds to enhance their communities, beautify parks, create safe spaces to walk, and add public art installations.

Vandal says, “From economic growth to creating new opportunities for Indigenous young people, to showcasing local artwork and cultural exhibits, these investments will help create a bright future for the region’s economic growth by supporting well-paying dependable jobs for today and well into the future.”

The office will be located at the historic Post building on 4 Avenue South, and while there’s no exact date as to when the initial launch will take place, staff are already in place and are able to take questions on services.

To learn more about PrairiesCan, head to the Government of Canada website here.

Read more: LethbridgeNewsNow.

by Sarah Jones

PrairiesCan location opening in Lethbridge, $11M to support regional projects

What's Happening