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GROWING YOUR BUSINESS 1 0 / 2 6

N E W S L E T T E R

M.D. CONTACTS

BARRY KALINSKI Reeve

bkalinski@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-573-6082

Contents 3 4 6 7 8 9 10

Foreign Direct Investment: Supporting Growth in Rural Alberta Breakfast of Community Champions Explore the M.D. of Bonnyville Economic Development Dashboard Here We Grow Again! Building the Foundation for Successful Development Business Support Partners Learning the Lingo

BEN FADEYIW*

Deputy Reeve, Ward 6 Councillor bfadeyiw@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-826-1462

JOSH CRICK Ward 1 Councillor jcrick@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 587-398-2916

CAROLINE PALMER Ward 2 Councillor cpalmer@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 587-398-3075

DAN AMALIA Ward 3 Councillor damalia@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 587-398-2716

ED DUCHESNE Ward 4 Councillor educhesne@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 587-398-3004

Growing Your Business is published four times a year. Please sign up for a digital copy at investmdbonnyville.com. Disclaimer: Generative AI has been used in portions of this publication. Municipal District of Bonnyville 4905 - 50 Avenue, Bag 1010, Bonnyville, Alberta T9N 2J7

BRIAN KOLUK* Ward 5 Councillor bkoluk@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 587-398-2992 SCOTT KOVATCH* Community Investment Strategist

web - investbonnyville.com email - ecdev@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

skovatch@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-826-3171 ext. 2041

*Economic Development Liason

Foreign Direct Investment: Supporting Growth in Rural Alberta Foreign direct investment (FDI) occurs when a company or investor from outside Canada invests in, establishes, or acquires a business operation in Alberta. In rural communities, FDI can be an important source of capital, expertise, technology, and market connections that may not otherwise be readily available. Rural Alberta offers investment opportunities across agriculture and value-added food processing, energy, renewable technology, forestry, tourism, logistics, data infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. Foreign investors can help businesses expand production, develop new facilities, introduce innovative equipment, and access international customers. These investments can create direct local employment while also supporting contractors, suppliers, accommodation providers, retailers, and other service businesses. FDI can also strengthen community infrastructure and economic resilience. A new processing plant, energy project, or technology-based operation may increase demand for reliable utilities, transportation connections, skilled trades, and training programs. When planned well, these improvements can benefit existing businesses and residents as well as the new investment. Attracting FDI requires more than available land. Investors need clear development processes, reliable infrastructure, a capable workforce, competitive operating conditions, and responsive local partnerships. Municipalities can support investment readiness by maintaining current site information, identifying suitable industrial lands, coordinating with regional and provincial partners, and engaging investors early. For rural Alberta, strategic foreign investment can diversify the local economy, add value to local resources, and create long-term opportunities for residents and businesses. Please note — the M.D. is currently undertaking the development of a Foreign Direct Investment Strategy. We have consulted with local businesses and will make the information available once completed.

Growing Your Business 10/26 – investmdbonnyville.com

Breakfast of Community Champions The M.D. of Bonnyville Economic Development Department hosted its first Realtor Breakfast at the end of September, bringing together real estate professionals from across the region. A Realtor Breakfast or networking function is a practical way for rural municipalities to connect local real estate professionals with current economic development priorities. Realtors are often among the first people investors, businesses, families, and developers speak with when exploring a community. They understand local property availability, buyer needs, market trends, and the questions people ask before making an investment decision. This inaugural event featured several guest speakers. Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr, shared a provincial update highlighting Alberta’s economic growth, investments in Portage College, the strength of the energy and agri-food sectors, and future opportunities connected to 4 Wing Cold Lake and the F-35 program. Gerry Storoschuk of Royal LePage Northern Lights Realty provided a local market update, reporting 65 active industrial listings in the M.D. The available inventory represents opportunities for businesses, developers and investors looking to establish, expand or relocate operations in northeastern Alberta. His update also reinforced the value of ongoing collaboration with local real estate professionals. Matt Peck provided an update on the East Central Regional Innovation Network, and the value of regional innovation supports for entrepreneurs and growing businesses. He highlighted renewed Alberta Innovates funding through 2032, which will help the network continue connecting businesses and communities with expertise, resources, and collaborative opportunities. The presentation reinforced a strong innovation ecosystem supports economic diversification, helps local ideas move toward commercialization, and strengthens the capacity of rural Alberta businesses to grow and compete. Bob Bezpalko’s Alberta HUB presentation highlighted the organization’s role in supporting investment and business growth across northeast Alberta. Alberta HUB brings together municipalities, Indigenous communities, businesses, industry, and post-secondary institutions to promote the region’s strengths in energy, agriculture, aerospace, and defence. He outlined the factors investors consider, including labour, land, logistics, taxes, energy costs, incentives, and quality of life. The presentation also emphasized transportation connections through the Eastern Alberta Trade Corridor and emerging aerospace opportunities, including drones, UAVs, and the Alberta HUB Skyways initiative. Manager of Economic Development and Community Investment Strategist for the M.D., Scott Kovatch, emphasized the importance of an ongoing, practical dialogue between the M.D., real estate professionals, and the investment community. He recognized that Realtors and appraisers understand the region’s current market conditions, including what buyers, sellers, investors, and developers are seeking — and the barriers that can prevent opportunities from moving ahead. He also introduced the M.D.’s Concierge Development Team, which is intended to help make the investment process clearer, faster, and more coordinated. The team brings Economic Development, Planning & Development, and Assessment & Taxation staff together to support prospective investors from early concept discussions through permitting and development. This includes guidance on zoning and applications, communication with affected parties, potential tax considerations and available investment incentives. The objective is to help turn available land into active investment with as few surprises as possible.

M.D. staff also provided information on assessment, taxation, the Industrial Incentive Grant Program, and planning processes related to permitting, and zoning. Bringing Realtors together creates an opportunity to share timely information about available industrial, commercial, agricultural, and residential sites; infrastructure improvements; development incentives; and local business opportunities. It also helps ensure Realtors have accurate, consistent information when promoting the area to prospective clients. For rural Alberta, these events can be especially valuable because many investment opportunities depend on local knowledge. A potential business owner may need to understand road access, utility capacity, zoning, tax considerations, workforce availability, broadband coverage, or proximity to supply chains. Realtors can help identify suitable properties and connect investors with municipal staff, landowners, developers, and service providers. A successful Realtor Breakfast should be concise, informative, and relationship focused. Providing updated maps, site profiles, contact information, and a clear overview of municipal processes helps Realtors confidently communicate local opportunities. By strengthening relationships with the real estate community, rural municipalities can improve investment readiness, promote available land and buildings, and support sustainable local growth. Stay tuned for details on our next Realtors Breakfast, coming in 2027.

Growing Your Business 10/26 – investmdbonnyville.com

Explore the M.D. of Bonnyville Economic Development Dashboard Looking for data, site information, and investment opportunities in the M.D. of Bonnyville? Visit our interactive Economic Development Dashboard at bit.ly/EcDevDashboard. The dashboard is a practical resource for businesses, investors, developers, and site selectors exploring opportunities in northeastern Alberta. It highlights the M.D.’s competitive advantages, including business-friendly zoning, industrial land availability, competitive taxes, skilled labour, transportation access, and responsive municipal support. Users can explore key sectors driving regional growth, including energy, proteins and agriculture technology, renewable technology, tourism and quality of place, construction, and Canadian Armed Forces procurement. The dashboard also connects visitors with information to support business-case development, development permits, zoning considerations, and local investment services. Whether you are expanding an existing operation, considering a new location, or learning more about the region, the dashboard offers a convenient starting point. Explore the opportunities and discover why the M.D. of Bonnyville is positioned for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth.

ALBERTA NET POPULATION MOVEMENT (APRIL 1 – JUNE 30, 2026) Source: Statistics Canada

Here We Grow Again! Alberta’s population reached 5,101,050 on July 1, 2026, following an increase of 21,874 residents between April and June — the strongest quarterly growth rate (0.43 per cent) among Canada’s four largest provinces. Migration accounted for approximately three-quarters of the quarterly increase. Alberta gained 10,770 people through net international migration and 5,893 through net interprovincial migration, while natural increase (births minus deaths) added 5,211 residents. Alberta continued to attract more residents from other provinces than it lost, particularly through net gains from Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia, and Quebec. Over the preceding 12 months, Alberta added 76,419 residents, a 1.52 per cent annual growth rate — the highest among Canadian provinces. The report notes Alberta’s non-permanent resident population declined modestly to about 279,500, largely because of fewer study- and work-permit holders. However, the number of asylum claimants remained elevated. For municipal planning and economic development, the figures indicated continued demand pressures on housing, infrastructure, labour supply, and local services, driven primarily by sustained migration into Alberta. Source: Government of Alberta, Quarterly Population Report, Second Quarter 2026, September 23, 2026

Growing Your Business 10/26 – investmdbonnyville.com

Building the Foundation for Successful Development Site selection is one of the most important decisions for any new business, industrial project, or community development initiative. The right location can reduce operating costs, support long-term growth, improve access to customers and workers, and minimize delays during construction and approvals. A poor site choice can create costly challenges related to infrastructure, zoning, transportation, servicing, or community compatibility. Best practice begins with defining the project’s operational needs. This may include land size, building requirements, access to highways or rail, proximity to suppliers and markets, availability of skilled labour, and reliable power, water, wastewater, broadband, and natural gas services. For industrial and energy-related projects, developers should also consider load capacity, pipeline or transmission access, environmental constraints, emergency response needs, and potential opportunities for cogeneration or behind-the-fence power. Early engagement with municipal planning, assessment, taxation, utility providers, and neighbouring landowners is essential. This helps identify land use requirements, development timelines, servicing costs, and potential concerns before significant investment is made. A thorough site-selection process compares several viable locations using consistent criteria. By considering both immediate needs and future expansion, businesses can select sites that are practical, resilient, and positioned for long-term success in the M.D. In 2024, the M.D. hosted SiteLink Forum. As a result, the Economic Development team developed an interactive Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Story Map (https://investmdbonnyville.com) which helps investors explore industrial land opportunities, including lots for sale in five industrial parks. It provides links to land-use planning documents, Area Structure Plans, WebMap resources, and the Development Concierge Team to support informed site selection and project development.

Business Support Partners Below, you will find links to business support agencies and descriptions of the programs and services they offer including workshops, seminars, and more.

BUSINESS SUPPORTING BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT The Bonnyville & District Chamber of Commerce is a strong voice for businesses across the Lakeland region. Since 1948, the Chamber has worked to help local businesses grow through advocacy, networking, promotion, education, and practical member services. The Chamber supports businesses of all sizes, including home-based businesses, non-profits, farms, small businesses, and larger corporations. Members can access marketing opportunities, networking events, a business directory, member-tomember discounts, group benefits, training, and resources that support employee attraction and retention. The Chamber also represents business interests by reviewing and advocating on municipal, provincial, and federal issues that affect the local economy. Through events and initiatives such as the Business Resiliency Awards, Chili Cook-Off, job fairs, and business support gatherings, it creates valuable connections among employers, entrepreneurs, community organizations, and government partners. Save the Date: The Bonnyville Oil & Gas Show returns June 16 & June 17, 2027. This biennial event brings together industry leaders, suppliers, service companies, and decision-makers to showcase innovation, products, services, and opportunities in Northern Alberta’s energy sector. bonnyvillechamber.com

Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC)

Farm Credit Canada (FCC)

Alberta Innovates

Futurpreneur

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs

Invest Alberta

Business Link

Northeast Alberta Information Hub (Alberta HUB)

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)

Prairies Economic Development Canada

Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce

Travel Alberta

Community Futures Lakeland

Travel Lakeland

afsc.ca

albertainnovates.ca

awebusiness.com

businesslink.ca

cme-mec.ca

coldlakechamber.ca

lakeland.albertacf.com

fcc-fac.ca

futurpreneur.ca

investalberta.ca

albertahub.com

canada.ca/en/prairies-economic-development

industry.travelalberta.com

travellakeland.ca

East Central Regional Innovation Network eastcentralrin.com

Growing Your Business 10/26 – investmdbonnyville.com

Learning the Lingo Welcome to our new feature! In each newsletter, we’ll highlight a few economic development terms and ideas that may come up in our updates. Curious about what “cogeneration” means, or wondering what a Designated Industrial Zone is? We’ll break down these terms in clear, straightforward language to help make the information in our newsletter easier to follow. Behind-the-fence refers to energy equipment — such as solar panels, batteries, generators, or a cogeneration system — that is installed on a business or industrial property and used mainly to supply that site’s own power needs. The term means the equipment is located on the customer’s side of the utility connection, rather than being part of the broader electricity grid. For the M.D., an example could be a processing facility, greenhouse, oil and gas operation, or data centre that installs solar generation, a natural gas generator, or battery storage to power its own buildings and equipment. Any excess electricity may sometimes be exported to the grid, depending on the project setup and applicable utility requirements. Behind-the-fence energy is power produced and used directly at the same property, reducing the facility’s reliance on electricity purchased from the grid. Cogeneration (also called combined heat and power) is a system that produces electricity and useful heat at the same time from one fuel source. For the M.D., this could mean an industrial facility, energy operation, greenhouse, processing plant, or large commercial site uses a natural-gas engine or turbine to generate its own electricity. Instead of letting the heat created by that process go to waste, the facility captures it for uses such as building heat, hot water, drying crops or materials, or supporting another industrial process. Cogeneration gets two useful products — power and heat — from the same energy input, which can make operations more efficient and reduce energy costs and emissions compared with producing electricity and heat separately.

A Designated Industrial Zone (DIZ) is a specific area of land that a municipality has officially set aside for industrial business activities. This means DIZ is a place intended for things like manufacturing, processing, warehousing, energy services, equipment yards, transportation businesses, or other operations that may need more space, truck access, utilities, or separation from homes and commercial shopping areas. The designation helps ensure that: • industrial businesses have suitable locations to operate and grow; • roads, water, sewer, power, and other services can be planned for industrial needs; • land uses that may create noise, traffic, or emissions are appropriately managed; and • nearby residential, agricultural, and commercial areas are protected from incompatible development. An Energy Neighbourhood or Utility Neighbourhood is a planned area where homes, businesses, farms, or industrial facilities are designed to share or make better use of energy and utility services. Instead of every property operating completely on its own, the area may include shared infrastructure such as: • local power generation, including solar, natural gas, or cogeneration; • battery storage or microgrid systems; • shared heating systems or recovered waste heat; • water, wastewater, broadband, and other utility connections; and • infrastructure designed to support electric vehicles, clean technology, or future industrial growth. For the M.D., this could be an area near an industrial development, agricultural processing operation, or new business park where utility services are planned together to improve reliability, reduce costs, and support economic development.