Multiple Edmonton region municipalities receive NRED funding

From 2024-25, the Government of Alberta invested $2.7 million into 27 municipalities through the Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) program. Among those recipients were five municipalities from the Edmonton Metropolitan Region: Fort Saskatchewan, Stony Plain, St. Albert, Leduc County, and the City of Leduc. 

Each of these municipalities is looking to use the funding to enhance their economic opportunities, with most initiatives directly tied to improving investment readiness. The funded projects include: 

• The City of Leduc will receive $72,500 to support the promotion of Leduc’s strategic advantages (such as its connection to the CANAMEX highway – which the Edmonton region to both U.S. and Mexican markets) and drawing in investment. 

• Leduc County will receive $79,100 to support efforts to position the county as a global logistics hub, thereby furthering investment through that avenue.  

• St. Albert will receive $35,000 in funding to support its tourism industry and enhancing visitor experiences, thus boosting the city’s economic opportunities in this sector 

• Fort Saskatchewan will receive $212,000 to update their wastewater and transportation systems, creating a foundation for sustainable growth and investment attraction.  

• Stony Plain, which will receive the largest amount of funding available, will use the $300,000 from NRED to develop more land for commercial and industrial use.  

These Edmonton region municipalities represent a significant portion of the overall investment made through the NRED program. The $2.7 million in funding to municipalities across Alberta is part of a larger investment of $9.8 million towards 81 projects, organizations, and businesses.  

The NRED program is specifically designed to both strengthen local economies across the province, while also creating new economic opportunities. Focusing specifically on regional communities, the NRED program grants can now provide up to $300,000 to recipients.  

These investments highlight the dedication of communities across the Edmonton Metro Region in pursuing new economic opportunities — and enhancing their investment readiness.  

Quotes:  

“This investment into a multitude of Edmonton region municipalities is a strong signal of confidence in our region’s potential for growth. These five municipalities are taking concrete steps to enhance their investment readiness and strengthen the foundations for long-term economic opportunity. From logistics and industrial development to tourism and infrastructure, these projects reflect the collaborative, forward-thinking approach our region is known for. Congratulations to each of these municipalities who received this funding.” 

—Malcolm Bruce, CEO of Edmonton Global 

“Fort Saskatchewan is experiencing strong growth, and this NRED funding supports the infrastructure planning needed to keep pace. By updating our wastewater and transportation master plans, we’re laying the foundation to attract new investment, create jobs, and support the long-term prosperity of our city.” 

—Gale Katchur, Mayor of Fort Saskatchewan  

“Leduc County is grateful for this funding support. The NRED grant funding will be used to help market Leduc County to domestic and international investors, which will encourage economic development and business diversification, job creation and improved services for the region.” 

—Tanni Doblanko, Mayor of Leduc County 

“The City of Leduc is incredibly grateful to the Government of Alberta for recognizing the importance of investment attraction efforts in our region and for showing their commitment to our success through the Northern Region Economic Development (NRED) grant. These funds will be used to create investment attraction and marketing plans for Leduc that will support the vision of a prosperous and diversified economy.”  

—Bob Young, Mayor of the City of Leduc 

“St. Albert continues to lay the foundation for long-term financial sustainability and investment readiness. Through the support of the Northern and Regional Economic Development grant, we’re taking a strategic approach to understanding and growing our visitor economy. By identifying key tourism drivers, emerging trends and untapped markets, this initiative will help diversify our local economy and elevate the experiences that make St. Albert a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.”   

—Cathy Heron, Mayor of St Albert 

“We are proud to receive the full $300,000 in grant funding for our Roadmap to Readiness Project. This investment will help unlock the potential of our North Business Park and Highway 16A corridor, paving the way for targeted growth in key sectors like manufacturing, agribusiness, logistics, professional services, and shopping, dining & arts. Interest in our North Industrial Lands continues to grow, and with strategic planning and a clear commitment to investment readiness, we are well-positioned to support new opportunities for businesses in Stony Plain and across the Edmonton Metropolitan Region.” 

—William Choy, Mayor of Stony Plain