Richard Froese
South Peace News
Big Lakes County remains committed to a proposed regional tourism society that will encompass the High Prairie and Slave Lake regions around Lesser Slave Lake.
But council is still not ready to become a member and pay the annual fee.
At its regular meeting Nov. 13, council approved a motion to send a letter of support to the Slave Lake Regional Tourism Society towards its regional tourism expansion initiatives.
A letter of support was requested by the society by Nov. 15 to apply for a Northern Regional Economic Development Grant, a provincial grant, and a federal grant from the Tourism Growth Program, says Joe Zdeb, director of corporate services.
“The aim is to raise funds to promote regional tourism and execute a five-year growth plan,” Zdeb says.
Plans to expand the tourism society have been made by the society in collaboration with the Alberta North Central Alliance.
It includes Big, Lakes, the Town of High Prairie, the Town of Slave Lake, the M.D. of Lesser Slave River, the M.D. of Opportunity, Sucker Creek First Nation, Driftpile Cree Nation, Swan River First Nation, Sawridge First Nation and Bigstone Cree Nation.
Administration also presented a recommendation that council approve an annual membership in the amount of $10,092 in the 2025 budget to support regional tourism initiatives provided by the society.
The membership fee is based on $2 per resident.
Grouard Councillor Jeff Chalifoux support the society.
“I see the benefits for Big Lakes County for tourism, Chalifoux says.
At its regular meeting Aug. 14, council approved a recommendation to become a member of the society when the newly expanded society is established.
However, at the recent council meeting, many members want to wait until they know more about the support for the expanded society.
North Gilwood – Triangle Councillor Jim Zabolotniuk was the first to ask.
“Who is joining?” Zabolotniuk says.
“Maybe we need to find out what other communities are joining.”
The CAO says he didn’t know who the members are at that time.
Zabolotniuk says more information is needed.
“Think it’s being jumped at really fast,” Zabolotniuk says.
Chalifoux wants to know about the members.
“Are members of ANCA contributing to this?” Chalifoux says.
Zabolotniuk says that maybe only 50 per cent are are committed.
Joussard Councillor Richard Mifflin says it’s important the expanded society move forward.
“I don’t think we should wait on this,” Mifflin says.
“I don’t think it matters how many are on board.”
When the new society is officially chartered, ANCA has set several steps and priorities in the first two years.
The first year will focus on building a strong regional network.
When a municipality or Indigenous community become a member, tourism operations in the local area will:
- Engage in an introductory conversation with the society to gather information about their businesses.
- Be connected to other tourism operators in the entire region for collaboration, if required.