Richard Froese
South Peace News
Big Lakes County and the Town of High Prairie are joining forces to create a regional economic development committee.
At its regular meeting July 9, Big Lakes council approved a recommendation to create the committee.
As part of the motion, council appointed Grouard Councillor Jeff Chalifoux, Joussard Councillor Richard Mifflin and Faust Councillor Robert Nygaard to the committee.
Each were also appointed to the Big Lakes economic development committee at the organizational meeting last October, CAO David Reynolds said.
“After a couple of committee meetings, it became apparent that while the committee was able to work on issues that directly impacted the county, it was missing out of some regional initiatives,” Reynolds said.
“It was agreed to look at a second economic development committee with the Town of High Prairie.”
He added High Prairie is supporting the initiative.
“The Town of High Prairie has agreed to provide council and administration representation to sit on the regional committee,” Reynolds told council.
He noted both committees would have the same meeting dates.
High Prairie would appooint two council members on the committee, as stated in the terms of reference that Big Lakes council passed at the meeting.
The advisory committee will provide strategic guidance and informed recommendations to advance the economic interests of Big Lakes and High Prairie, states the purpose of the committee.
The committee’s mandate is to support initiatives that foster a vibrant, diverse and sustainable local economy.
Reeve Tyler Airth says the idea of a regional committee is not new.
“This is something that has been suggested time and time again.”
Although the County is involved with other regional committees and organizations that cover a wider area, he says the partnership with High Prairie would focus more on local issues and projects.