Building stronger local economies
Press Release
Apr 27, 2026
Alberta’s government is investing in communities and driving economic growth across the province through the Northern and Regional Economic Development program.
The Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) program invests in local communities and organizations to support economic growth. Last year, Alberta’s government, through NRED, provided almost $6.5 million to 66 projects across the province, which is helping communities attract investment, supporting local businesses and strengthening regional economies.
“Alberta’s government is growing and diversifying the economy in every corner of the province. We look forward to working with the next group of successful NRED applicants as they put their ideas into action, strengthen local economies and contribute to our province’s long-term prosperity.”
Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration
To build on the program’s success, Budget 2026 includes an investment of $9 million over the next three years for NRED. Since launching, the program has supported 291 projects with a total investment of $28.7 million, helping municipalities, not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous communities prepare for investment, attract business and drive economic growth and diversification.
“With innovative ideas, hard work and dedication, NRED recipients have empowered communities and regions to drive economic development, particularly in northern areas. Programs like this send a clear message that our government stands up for communities in rural Alberta and is going to support them and their growth.”
Tany Yao, parliamentary secretary, small business and northern development
The 2025-26 grants provided by the NRED program include funding to:
- Lac La Biche County to support a feasibility study to identify the investment approach for a year-round hotel and conference centre to grow tourism and attract business travel.
- Town of Westlock to support a downtown redevelopment plan and strengthen Westlock as a regional economic hub for north-central Alberta.
- Mountain View County to support targeted marketing to attract film and television productions.
A full list of recipients is available here.
“Lac La Biche County is pleased to work with Alberta’s government to revitalize and expand our local economy. Receiving the NRED grant gives us the freedom to safely explore the feasibility of new, innovative ideas that will grow our community.”
Paul Reutov, mayor, County of Lac La Biche
“Mountain View County is grateful for NRED’s continued support of our regional film strategy. This investment enables the Mountain View Regional Film Office to execute marketing goals and position the county as a premier destination for production spending and economic diversification.”
Angela Aalbers, reeve, Mountain View County
“The Town of Westlock is grateful for this support through the NRED program. Westlock is well-positioned for growth, and this funding is an important step in helping us build on that momentum. It supports the work needed to strengthen our downtown, improve our investment readiness and create opportunities that benefit local businesses, residents and the wider region.”
Jon Kramer, mayor, Town of Westlock
The NRED program offers grants between $10,000 and $300,000 to municipalities, not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous communities that help attract investment, plan for growth and support local businesses and industries.
Quick facts
- In 2024, Alberta’s government enhanced the Northern and Regional Economic Development program so more projects, both big and small, could apply for funding.
- The program provides up to 50 per cent of total eligible project costs. Projects led by Indigenous communities can receive up to 75 per cent of total eligible project costs.
- Alberta’s government is also strengthening northern and regional economies through other programs and initiatives such as the Northern Alberta Development Bursary, which helps fill workforce gaps in northern Alberta by encouraging students to live and work in the north.
Related information
Related news
- Doubling down on Alberta’s regional economies (April 9, 2025)
- Investing nearly $5B in Alberta’s north (March 18, 2025)
- Enhancing safety and economic growth in the north (March 4, 2025)
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