LAKELAND – On Sept. 10, County of St. Paul council discussed the idea of partnering with the MD of Bonnyville to conduct a feasibility study to create a regional meat processing facility in the region.
The proposal comes from the economic development officers (EDOs) of both municipalities, who are looking to apply for an Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) grant to be able to conduct the study.
County of St. Paul CAO Jason Wallsmith, reading the item to council, said the feasibility study seeks to look at ways to grow the agricultural sector in the region. “They believe there might be a gap with meat processing within the region,” he said.
According to the information included in the meeting agenda, many animals in the region are processed, marketed, and consumed elsewhere in Alberta, in Canada, or around the globe, and a meat processing facility could grow the local food ecosystem in the region.
A feasibility study would seek to understand the current regional processing of meat, existing demand, existing feedstock across all livestock, processing types and levels of services the region could support, and any barriers or challenges - like regulatory requirements or funding.
As per the proposal, the MD of Bonnyville would be the managing partner for the project and the applicant for the ACP grant, with the County of St. Paul being the project partner.
Reeve Glen Ockerman expressed his support for the proposal.
“We always say local, right? Eat local, grow local, consume local . . . and this is maybe just an extension of that.”
Coun. Kevin Wirsta says he feels there is “definitely a market for it,” but expressed some uncertainties as to the inspiration behind the study. He wondered why the two municipalities would have to spend money on doing a study on an area that is often covered by the private sector.
“I think we probably all agree that we would like to see an expansion of that industry in the area,” said Coun. Ross Krekoski, explaining that a feasibility study would also look at how municipalities could accommodate expansion of meat processing.
Ockerman believes potential expansion of meat processing in the region would be a big “win” for northeast Alberta and help with the food supply chain.
Coun. Maxine Fodness made a motion to partner with the MD of Bonnyville and apply for an ACP grant to conduct a regional meat processing facility feasibility study. The motion was carried.
Speaking with Lakeland This Week later in the week, Reeve Barry Kalinski of the MD of Bonnyville said while he cannot speak for MD council, he is supportive of the idea. MD council will be discussing the proposal during its next council meeting on Sept. 24.
