Updates from across the region.

CORE has launched a three-year regional investment and economic development initiative, approved in 2025 with support from the Northern Regional Economic Development Program and participating municipalities.

CORE brings together nine municipalities: the Town of Whitecourt, Town of Swan Hills, Woodlands County, County of Barrhead, Town of Barrhead, Town of Mayerthorpe, Town of Onoway, Village of Alberta Beach, and Lac Ste. Anne County. The goal is to strengthen economic development capacity, improve investment readiness, and support local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations across the region.

A Regional Investment Marketing Strategist has been hired to provide direct, hands-on municipal and small business support and advance a coordinated regional approach to investment attraction.

Work completed to date includes municipal engagement and community investment readiness assessments, with each municipality receiving an internal report and customized action plan outlining next steps and available CORE support. Foundational work has also begun on a regional investment website featuring local data, along with research into business retention and expansion (BR&E) approaches to better support existing businesses.

Municipal partners, businesses and community organizations are encouraged to connect with CORE to learn more about the initiative and available supports.