Business Visitation Program
The M.D.’s Business Visitation Program (BVP) aims to support local businesses by fostering strong relationships between the M.D. and business owners. The program involves in-person or virtual visits by the Economic Development Specialist to discuss various aspects of the business environment, available resources, future plans, challenges, and growth opportunities.
These visits help the M.D. understand the needs and trends within the local business community, allowing for better support and resource allocation. Feedback from these visits informs policy updates and service improvements. Business owners can book a one-hour visit to share their unique stories and receive guidance on expanding their network and improving operations.
As identified in the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan as part of Council’s goal to building a viable and diversified regional economy, the BVP is part of the larger objective to develop an economic development strategy inclusive of business/industry attraction, retention, and expansion while maintaining our rural influences.
The program is part of the M.D.’s broader efforts to enhance communication and collaboration with local businesses, ensuring their success and growth. For more information or to schedule a visit, business owners can contact the Economic Development Team at ecdev@md.bonnyville.ab.ca or by calling 780-826-3171.
Military Procurement
Defense Construction Canada contracted EllisDon to build a new fighter squadron facility at CFB Cold Lake. The new building is expected to have two structures for training and operations for the new F-35 fighter jets being procured for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) through the Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP). The contract to design the facility was awarded to EllisDon for $9.2 million in September 2020.
Over the last four months, the M.D. of Bonnyville Economic Development Team has worked with other regional partners, such as the Bonnyville and Cold Lake Chambers of Commerce, Alberta HUB, STEP Alliance, City of Cold Lake, Community Futures Lakeland, Government of Alberta, Portage College, Cold Lake First Nations, and the ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration to bring together local businesses and contractors with key builders — EllisDon, BuildWorks Canada, BIRD Construction, and Public Services and Procurement Canada — for the FFCP to promote the procurement process and bring value to the local area with increased employment.
Vital information was discussed at the May 2025 event, including how to apply for the Open Construction Source List, the bidding process for contracts, security clearance, and qualification requirements. The City of Cold Lake organized the use of the Energy Centre’s Reid Field House, which was the perfect location to host an event of this size. Between 220 and 250 interested parties were in attendance.
If you missed attending the event, please reach out to ecdev@md.bonnyville.ab.ca for more information.
What does the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) Review and Update mean for industry?
Why does the M.D. have a Land Use Bylaw?
In accordance with Alberta legislation, every municipality must adopt a Land Use Bylaw (LUB). This bylaw governs how land and buildings can be used and developed within the M.D., ensuring orderly growth and alignment with broader planning documents like the Municipal Development Plan, Intermunicipal Development Plans, and Area Structure Plans.
The LUB assigns zoning to each parcel of land and outlines what types of development are permitted, discretionary, or prohibited in each district.
What this means for your operation?
Proposed updates to the LUB include changes that may directly benefit companies operating in the energy sector. Relevant, proposed updates include:
• Expanded permitted uses: Several land uses that were previously discretionary will be permitted. This means fewer regulatory hurdles and shorter approval timelines for developments such as:
→ Recreational vehicle and equipment storage (which can be relevant for field offices or work camps)
→ General commercial services within Rural Commercial and Rural Industrial districts
• Clarity and consistency: Clearer guidelines for development reduce uncertainty during planning and project execution.
• Alignment with long-term growth: The proposed updated LUB will align with current infrastructure plans and future land use expectations, helping oil and gas firms plan for expansion or diversification.
Thinking about expanding, building, or reclassifying a site?
Whether you’re establishing a new industrial support yard, expanding a logistics hub, or converting an existing parcel for a new use, our Planning and Development Team is here to help.
Let us know your plans — we can guide you through the permitting process and ensure your project complies with the latest land use regulations.
For more information, contact planning@md.bonnyville.ab.ca.
Business Support Partners
Below, you will find links to business support agencies, click on each link for descriptions of the programs and services they offer including workshops, seminars, and more.
CANADIAN MANUFACTURERS & EXPORTERS (CME)
The Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) organization has been advocating for Canadian manufacturers for over 150 years. CME supports 2,500 leading manufacturers through member-driven programs and services, focusing on areas like productivity, trade, export, energy, environment, and leadership development. CME influences policy at federal and provincial levels to create a competitive environment for manufacturers. The association values innovation, integrity, and growth, aiming to make Canada a global leader in manufacturing and exporting. CME’s mission is to enable members to compete successfully both domestically and internationally, recognizing manufacturing as a vital part of Canada’s economy.
CME offers several key services to support manufacturers:
• Advocacy: Influencing policy at federal and provincial levels.
• Training and development: Programs focused on productivity, leadership, and skills development.
• Networking: Opportunities for members to connect and collaborate through events and forums.
• Export support: Assistance with trade and export strategies to help members compete globally.
• Consulting: Expert advice on energy, environment, and operational efficiency.
These services aim to enhance the competitiveness and growth of Canadian manufacturers.
cme-mec.ca
AGRICULTURE FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATION afsc.ca
ALBERTA INNOVATES albertainnovates.ca
ALBERTA WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS awebusiness.com
BONNYVILLE AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE bonnyvillechamber.com
BUSINESS LINK businesslink.ca
COLD LAKE REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE coldlakechamber.ca
COMMUNITY FUTURES LAKELAND lakeland.albertacf.com
EAST CENTRAL REGIONAL INNOVATION NETWORK eastcentralrin.com
FARM CREDIT CANADA fcc-fac.ca
FUTURPRENEUR futurpreneur.ca
PRAIRIES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CANADA canada.ca
TRAVEL ALBERTA industry.travelalberta.com
Please visit our website at investmdbonnyville.com for grants and funding opportunities.
Facts & Figures
POPULATION
Of the four largest provinces, Alberta was the only one to post population growth in the first quarter of 2025. British Columbia and Ontario both saw their populations decline by 0.04%, while Quebec declined by 0.01%. Alberta recorded the second highest growth rate amongst provinces and territories, just behind Prince Edward Island (0.42%). Canada grew by 0.05%. Over the 12 months preceding April 1, 2025, Alberta’s population grew by 138,136 new residents, or 2.9% year-to-year (y/y), more than double the national rate of 1.2%. Although still strong, this was Alberta’s slowest annual growth since Q1 2023 and 1.5 percentage points below the rate for the same period in 2024.
Interprovincial migration
Among all jurisdictions, Alberta was the only one to record significant interprovincial inflows in the first quarter of 2025, gaining 7,176 new residents from other parts of the country. In contrast, Ontario experienced the largest net outflow (-5,237), followed by British Columbia (-1,636) and Quebec (-1,000). Since 2022, Alberta has consistently posted net gains from interprovincial migration — a marked reversal from the 2016 to 2021 period, when more people left the province than moved in. The first quarter of 2025 also marked the eleventh consecutive quarter in which Alberta recorded the highest net interprovincial migration gains in the country. The largest number of new residents came from Ontario, followed by British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
Natural increase
Natural increase added 3,118 people in the first quarter — the balance of 12,415 births and 9,297 deaths. Alberta had the highest natural growth rate amongst the provinces at 0.06%, followed by Manitoba (0.03%). At the national level, growth due to natural increase was -0.01%, indicating that the population would shrink in the absence of migration.
Alberta’s real GDP by industry increased by 2.7% in 2024, following 2.3% in growth in 2023.
Manufacturing shipments increased 0.8% month-to-month (m/m) to $8.5 billion in April.
Alberta housing starts increased 19% m/m in April to 63,358 units (SAAR) Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate. They were up 38% from a year ago.
The number of rigs drilling in Alberta averaged 101 in May, up 8.1% from a year ago.
During the past 12 months, Alberta welcomed 116,470 net international migrants and saw a net inflow of 36,082 interprovincial migrants.
The consumer price index in Alberta increased 1.5% y/y in April.
New motor vehicle sales pre-tariff momentum continues
After surging in March, Alberta’s new motor vehicle sales inched down in April, but remained elevated. The number of new vehicles sold eased 0.5% m/m to 23,163. Despite the monthly dip, the strong pre-tariff activity, which drove sales to the second-strongest March on record, carried into April. Sales were up 12% y/y, and this was the strongest April in eight years.
Truck sales (+14% y/y) had their strongest April, while passenger car sales remained subdued (-8.3% y/y). Although sales continued to be strong, the average price of a sold vehicle fell for the second month in a row (-1.6% m/m) and was down 3% from last April.
According to Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration’s Labour Market Information Bulletin from June 2025, the following number of jobs have been posted online and represents the hiring demand for each community:
• Bonnyville: 118 job postings in May 2025, 150 job postings in April 2025 - 21.3% decrease from the previous month.
• Cold Lake: 181 job postings in May 2025, 184 job postings in April 2025 - 1.6% decrease from the previous month.
ALBERTA NET POPULATION MOVEMENT (JANUARY 1 TO MARCH 31, 2025) Source: Statistics Canada
SMALL BUSINESS CONFIDENCE INCREASING
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business produces a small business barometer monthly. The monthly barometer surveys and tracks small business confidence, expectations, and operating conditions in Canada.
July 2025 Results
12-month Small Business Confidence Index, 50.9 – change +3.4
3-month Small Business Confidence Index, 49.3 – change +1.3
SMALL BUSINESS CONFIDENCE, TOP THREE SECTORS
SECTOR OVERVIEW
A few sectors are experiencing a slight increase in optimism, such as health and education (+3.9 points), information, arts and recreation (+0.5 points), and construction (+1.1 points).
For the complete article, visit cfib-fcei.ca
Economic Development Newsletter November 2025
SCOTT KOVATCH
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
Email: skovatch@md.bonnyville.ab.ca
Website: investmdbonnyville.com
Phone: 780-826-3171
