‘Think Taber’ project funded but still undefined

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On April 9, the Alberta government announced that it had tripled its investment into the Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) program, and the Town of Taber is one of the program’s grant recipients. Its ‘Think Taber’ project, which aims to attract international investment to the community, will receive $17,500.

 The NRED program is designed to create new opportunities and strengthen the province’s local economies. In 2024-25, the Province invested $9.8 million in 81 projects through the program, tripling its annual $3 million budget and doubling the number of grants from the previous fiscal year. Businesses, municipalities, and other organizations can apply for between $10,000 and $300,000 in program funding to promote community growth and innovation in industry. Applicants can now apply for up to three years of funding.

 Meghan Brennan, communications coordinator, said Taber’s economic development department is currently working out the Think Taber details with regional partners. The funding allows communities to apply for projects that suit their specific needs, enabling them to pursue both large-scale economic initiatives and targeted programs that address unique local needs, a GOA news release said.

  Taber town council decided to pursue a similar grant in Oct. 2024. In collaboration with the MD, it agreed to apply for a $100,000 Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) grant to fund a regional airport expansion feasibility study. The grant did not require matching funds from the recipient. The council meeting agenda in Oct. called the study “critical for exploring potential infrastructure improvements that could significantly enhance regional transportation, attract business investments, boost tourism, and promote economic development in our community.”

 The $17,500 from the NRED is far less than the ACP grant, but could contribute partial funding to a similar feasibility study or an entirely different initiative. Either way, economic growth is an ongoing point of emphasis for Mayor Andrew Prokop, town council, and Economic Development Manager Amy Allred.

 The NRED program is intended to address workforce shortages, aging infrastructure, and barriers to investment attraction that can threaten long-term economic opportunity, the news release said.

 Matt Jones, minister of jobs, economy and trade, said the program “unlocks new opportunities for Albertans in every corner of the province, ensuring Alberta remains the best place to live, work, invest and raise a family.”