Sustainable Jobs success stories

To help the communities of Hanna, the Village of Youngstown and Special Area No. 2 in Southeast Alberta transition their local economies away from coal-fired electricity generation, PrairiesCan has provided nearly $1.5 million in CCTI funding for the Harvest Sky Region Economic Development Corporation.

The federal investment supported local feasibility studies aimed at attracting new business investments, diversifying the local economy, and creating new employment opportunities for local workers. The studies covered a range of topics—including labour force and infrastructure assessments, red tape reduction strategies, land inventory, and educational resource requirements.

Impact

• 10 businesses expanded, created or maintained
• Enhanced investment readiness and community development
• Increased regional collaboration
• Shared marketing resources, including regional and partner brand development and websites
• Agricultural Education Resource Centre opportunities
• Initiation of irrigation projects, which are now under development in partnership with a variety of project partners and stakeholders

Status

• Completed: September 2023

PrairiesCan provided $70,000 through the CCTI to help Leduc County explore the feasibility of transforming the former Nisku Recreation Centre into a business retention and expansion facility to address local business needs. This included finding solutions to local supply chain issues, increasing access to capital, developing new products and services, and increasing export opportunities.

In addition, the study completed an economic analysis and explored the development of specific business supports for the region. These included providing a collaboration space for the value-added agricultural sector and assisting local advanced manufacturing businesses to integrate new technologies and train their labour force.

Impact

• Provided evidence and data to support the need for the business retention and expansion facility
• The feasibility study led to the opening of the new Business and Entrepreneur Centre in March 2023: Located in the heart of the Nisku Business Park, the facility is a hub for nurturing new and diverse economic growth in the region by providing connectivity, infrastructure, support, programming, and a centralized address for a community of entrepreneurs, suppliers, services, and consumers

Status

• Completed: November 2020

PrairiesCan has invested $17.7 million from the CCTI-IF to complete the Nisku Spine Road in Leduc County. The north‒south roadway increases the accessibility of high-volume transportation between the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, the Nisku Business Park, the Edmonton International Airport, and the cities of Beaumont and Leduc. The Nisku Spine Road will act as an economic catalyst to attract investment and create new business opportunities in the region.

Impact

• Creation of approximately 950 local jobs
• Attraction of up to 60 businesses
• Development of new opportunities for business expansion throughout Leduc County and surrounding areas
• Reduced congestion and improved safety on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway, Alberta’s busiest highway connecting Edmonton and Calgary
• Provision of a high-capacity link between 41st Avenue and Airport Road

Status

• Completed: October 2022

PrairiesCan has provided $12.4 million from the CCTI-IF to Parkland County to upgrade two key intersections, Spruce Valley and Pinchbeck-Bevington, as well as water and wastewater utilities near one of the intersections.

With this investment, these intersections will provide the safe and accessible transportation access required to develop the remaining 2,600 acres of undeveloped industrial land—paving the way for new business growth and development opportunities. These upgraded intersections will help accelerate industrial and commercial development in Acheson’s highly attractive logistics hub via the safe movement of labour and goods to market. This will enable Parkland County to encourage investors to develop and ensure a successful transition to a new and diverse economy.

Impact

• 456 jobs created and supported
• 22 businesses created, supported or expanded
• Acheson industrial area opened for development across various sectors, including advanced manufacturing and value-added agriculture
• Parkland County’s tax revenues increased, enabling continued services to nearby communities and residents
• Infrastructure that meets the needs of business and industry and encourages new business, industrial development, and diversification

Status

• Completed: October 2025

PrairiesCan has invested $17.5 million from the CCTI-IF to Parkland County for a multi-pronged project in the Hamlet of Wabumun to upgrade the wastewater facility and redevelop the waterfront park. This will alleviate capacity pressures and revitalize an existing public waterfront through upgrades to water features and beach expansion.

The project will bolster economic development, diversification, and growth in the Wabumun area. It is expected to increase visitors to the community and enhance recreational opportunities—stimulating resort and tourism developments, new businesses, and economic activities in downtown Wabumun. With highway access, large potential development areas, and an expansive lake less than an hour away from Edmonton, the area has significant potential for tourism and economic development.

Impact

• 96 jobs created and supported
• 32 businesses created, supported, or expanded
• Wastewater facility modernized, including environmental upgrades using new green technologies
• Revitalization of the waterfront park with the upgrade to the existing spray deck and beach expansion to provide residents with improved facilities while boosting tourism
• Waterfront spray park and refreshed playground upgraded with walkways between the amenities, landscaping, lighting, and seating

Status

• In development: 2027 expected completion date

To help the County of Paintearth transition from coal-fired electricity generation, PrairiesCan provided $2.6 million from the CCTI-IF to make the upgrades to its wastewater and stormwater easement infrastructure to attract business and enable industrial development. The project will support and service the incremental development of mixed-use industrial space. Improvements to the site will support the creation of an industrial park, which will provide opportunities in areas such as commercial food and beverage, travel accommodations, transportation servicing, and agricultural retail.

Impact

• 78 jobs created or supported
• 15 businesses created or expanded
• Key critical municipal wastewater and stormwater infrastructure upgrades
• Supporting industrial park development with fully serviced lots
• Industrial park will provide a competitive advantage for attracting new businesses to the region while generating revenue to sustain the county in its transition
• Partnership between the County of Paintearth and the Town of Castor strengthened

Status

• In development: March 2026 expected completion date

PrairiesCan provided $193,026 in CCTI funding to support the establishment of the Coronach Business Hub. Developed and operated through a partnership between the Town of Coronach and Connexus Credit Union, the Hub provides business support, mentorship, training, information on sectoral trends, and a workspace for individuals who plan to transition from employment to entrepreneurship. Through this project, the Town of Coronach hired a Hub Manager who conducted community outreach and engagement, hosted youth programs and managed the hub. The Hub’s training and business development programs have been well-attended.

Since the CCTI funding ended in March 2024, the Community Development Officer for the Town of Coronach has taken over the management role for the Business Hub. In early 2025, the Business Hub signed an MOU with the Southeast Techhub in Estevan, SK to provide additional programming and support to businesses in the Coronach region. Since March 2024, an additional 57 people were trained and 7 businesses were created, maintained, or expanded.

Impact

• 141 businesses created, maintained, or expanded
• 1 job created directly through the hiring of a Hub Manager
• 291 participants trained through the Hub’s training and development programs
• Provided support for individuals to transition from employment in the coal industry to entrepreneurship

Status

• Completed: March 2024

With $1 million in funding from PrairiesCan through the CCTI, a Heavy Equipment Operator program was established at Southeast College in Estevan. This program provides opportunities for workers in the coal industry to retrain for jobs in sectors such as oil and gas, construction, agriculture, and highway infrastructure.

The program targeted workers affected by the coal transition in the Estevan area, as well as students throughout Saskatchewan. Participants received 12 weeks of intensive, hands-on training in the operation of heavy equipment, delivered by experienced instructors working with them one-on-one. The acquisition of simulation equipment for this training also enhanced other programs such as the Heavy Equipment Truck and Transport Technician program.

From April 2021 to March 2023, the program graduated 33 students from the Heavy Equipment Operator program, with additional sessions of the program forthcoming. Four cohorts completed the program at the Estevan Campus, and one cohort of six students completed the program in a nearby First Nation community. All six students from the First Nation cohort found employment in the industry.

Impact

• Training program developed
• Training spots increased
• 33 participants trained, including one cohort of six Indigenous participants
• Acquired simulation equipment for multiple programs

Status

• Completed: March 2023

In 2020, nine communities in southeast Saskatchewan created the South Saskatchewan Ready (SSR) economic partnership to work together on regional economic development. To support SSR’s development and projects, PrairiesCan invested over $1.4 million in CCTI funding.

The partnership involves the communities of Coronach, Bengough, Rockglen and Willow Bunch as well as the rural municipalities of Bengough, Happy Valley, Hart Butte, Poplar Valley and Willow Bunch. SSR helped these communities work toward a common goal of transitioning their economy from coal to green energy, technology, and innovative industries.

In the summer of 2021, SSR launched its brand and announced its sector-level feasibility study that identified over 78 potential opportunities based on local strengths and resources. Opportunities could include cleantech derived from natural resources, new agricultural additives to reduce greenhouse gases from agricultural lands and battery storage. In October 2021, it announced an international tourism agreement reached with Montana’s Missouri River Country to develop cross-border tourism products aimed at increasing tourist visits in both areas.

Through community consultations and surveys, SSR was able to complete a Regional Tourism Strategic Plan in 2023. This strategic plan, as well as the sector-level feasibility study and regional branding, has been consistently used by SSR and its communities in their planning and efforts to attract investment. The partnership with Montana’s Missouri River Country is still in effect and the level of cross-border visitors remains strong.

Impact

• Established a regional economic development organization
• New regional branding and branding support for communities
• Creation of 57 businesse
• Asset inventory assessment
• Tourism agreement with Montana
• Sector-level feasibility study
• Regional tourism strategy

Status

• Completed: March 2023

PrairiesCan provided over $1.3 million through the CCTI-IF to upgrade and pave Kensington Avenue in the rural municipality of Estevan to connect businesses and communities in the northern end of Estevan to the Estevan Bypass. This improved infrastructure creates a direct heavy truck route, which increases traffic efficiency and public safety. In addition, the improved route decreases travel distances for large trucks, improving the lifespan and usability of the roads. The project is expected to support future economic development in the region.

Impact

• 2 communities benefited from infrastructure upgrades
• 4 businesses created, maintained, or expanded
• 20 jobs during construction, including engineers, labourers, supervisors, and truck drivers
• Connected businesses and communities to improve accessibility and transportation

Status

• Completed: March 2023

PrairiesCan supported key infrastructure maintenance in Coronach’s main business district with an investment of over $6.9 million through the CCTI-IF. The project replaced the existing water and sewer infrastructure and resurfaced streets and sidewalk. This investment ensures a safe and reliable water and sewer service, allows the town to attract and retain residents, and encourages investment in the central business district.

Impact

• 39 jobs created or maintained
• 19 businesses created or expanded
• Critical infrastructure that will improve the livability and functioning of the main business district
• Infrastructure that meets the needs of businesses and industry, which encourages new businesses and diversification

Status

• In development: March 2026 expected completion date

With over $1.9 million from PrairiesCan through the CCTI-IF, the Town of Coronach worked with SaskTel, the Government of Saskatchewan's telecommunications Crown Corporation, to install a fibre optics network in the towns of Coronach, Rockglen, Bengough, and Willow Bunch. Through this project, they connected to SaskTel's fiber optic loop in the region, replacing antiquated copper transmission equipment with the latest network technology, and wiring fiber to residential and business premises.

Impact

• 100 jobs maintained
• 60 businesses created, maintained, or expanded
• Four communities benefited from infrastructure projects
• Critical infrastructure that will improve the livability of the region
• Infrastructure that meets the needs of businesses and industry, which encourages new businesses and diversification

Status

• Completed: June 2024

The Southeast Sask Economic Partnership Inc. (SSEP) was provided with just under $350,000 through the CCTI-IF to complete the necessary engineering and assessment work for the proposed Rafferty Marina, near Estevan. Local municipalities had identified a full-service marina as an economic priority for the region and SSEP’s Economic Development Strategy outlined the possibility of a marina and other development at the Rafferty Dam Reservoir (McDonald Lake) under its Destination Tourism Economic Pillar. A Market Opportunity Assessment report, outlined in a previously completed feasibility study, found that this development would be economically viable. Through the Phase 2 project, public consultations, land acquisition duties, and engineering work were completed.

Impact

• Two jobs maintained
• One business created, maintained, or expanded
• Two enterprises assisted
• Completed engineering and assessment reports will allow SSEP to move to the next phase of the overall project

Status

• Completed: March 2025

With $4 million through the CCTI-IF and $750,000 in CCTI funding, ACOA supported the Verschuren Centre in Sydney, Cape Breton to scale up its bioprocessing capacity. The Verschuren Centre is a not-for-profit research, development, and demonstration facility that provides contracted services to industry and communities in bioprocessing, marine processing, carbon transformation, bioplastics, energy storage, and sustainable resource use.

With the CCTI funding, the Verschuren Centre installed a 1,000L bioreactor, providing a first-of-its-kind shared-use facility for Canadian companies to pilot their technologies in Nova Scotia. As the cluster of bioprocessing companies grew in Cape Breton, the Verschuren Centre identified a need for larger bioreactors to provide expansion capacity in the bioprocessing and synthetic biology space across Canada. With the CCTI-IF support, the Centre introduced the first industrial scale bioreactors (10,000L and 15,000L) in Atlantic Canada for shared commercial use. Now, Cape Breton is home to bioprocessing businesses in sectors such as food, nutraceuticals, chemicals, textiles, agriculture, and cosmetics, which use these larger industrial bioreactors.

Impact

• Introduced the first industrial-scale bioreactors in Atlantic Canada for shared commercial use
• Attracted bioprocessing companies from across North America to work directly with the Verschuren Centre
• Created approximately 30 jobs among an industrial cluster of bioprocessing companies

Status

• Completed: December 2024

ACOA invested $450,000 in CCTI funding and $267,500 from the CCTI-IF to support Stark International to establish an in-house automated transformer oil diagnostic lab. Stark International, located in New Glasgow, provides on-site transformer repair, oil processing/rejuvenation, and installation services. With an in-house diagnostic lab supported through the CCTI, Stark was able to better compete with other clean technology companies and identify further opportunities to expand its in-house processing and testing capabilities. It used the funding from the CCTI-IF to acquire the necessary equipment for expanded research and development activity.

Impact

• Established an in-house laboratory to automatically perform diagnostic testing on transformer oil
• Expanded capacity for in-house research and development activity
• Provided long-term employment opportunities in a clean technology industry

Status

• Completed: January 2024

ACOA provided $300,000 in CCTI funding to support a two-year pilot project for establishing a new location for Ignite Labs in Pictou County. Ignite Labs is an incubator space for rural-based technology companies to grow to the commercialization phase. It offers an array of services and support―including infrastructure, mentorship, and industry partnerships―to new and early-stage enterprises, which greatly reduces the risks associated with new start-ups. This project aimed to encourage innovation and engage youth in technology, thus diversifying the local economy and creating new growth. Ignite Labs exceeded its target to support at least 10 companies during its first two years of operation, with over 60 companies assisted to date.

Impact

• Stimulating tech-based business growth, encouraging innovation in local businesses, and engaging youth in technology
• Over 60 companies assisted

Status

• Completed: Summer 2022

ACOA provided $1.3 million in CCTI funding to support the expansion of Protocase's "45 Drives” Division. Protocase, in Sydney, creates fully customized electronic enclosures, mounting fixtures, and accessories for a wide range of corporate clients. The company’s “45 Drives” Division provides data storage hardware and software as service solutions for cloud computing and data storage. This project involved the construction of a new 11,000-square-foot facility to house the rapidly growing 45 Drives Division. This expansion has enabled Protocase to keep up with the growing demand for its products and to continue its trajectory as a significant local employer with a leading reputation for being a lean manufacturer using advanced manufacturing technology.

Impact

• Expansion of a new 11,000-square-foot manufacturing facility
• Protocase has become a major employer in the area

Status

• Completed: Summer 2021

ACOA provided $476,344 in CCTI funding to the Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) Chaleur to support the development of a small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) diversification initiative. This project has helped 22 SMEs strategically plan for the development of new products and service offerings, diversify into new markets, and sustain or create new jobs. This includes assisting the Glencore Smelter and Trevali Mine supply chain companies in acquiring new skills, identifying new fabrication and manufacturing opportunities, and improving productivity. By diversifying the economy and creating new employment opportunities, this project supports workers and communities transitioning away from coal in Belledune and the surrounding Chaleur region.

Impact

• Helping supply chain companies gain new skills and access new market opportunities
• Allowing SMEs to diversify into new product lines, services, and revenue streams
• Creating and sustaining new jobs for all 22 SMEs that took part in this initiative

Status

• Completed: March 2023

The Port of Belledune, a key transportation asset, generates a significant portion of its revenue through imported coal. ACOA provided $1.7 million in CCTI funding to produce a Master Development Plan to prepare the port for its transition away from coal and expand the scope of its services and client base, with the goal of achieving a more diversified clientele and handling greater volumes of cargo. This project has also supported the port to position itself as a Green Energy Hub for future industrial expansions, creating new sustainable jobs over the next decade. Overall, this project has enhanced the port’s capacity to create and manage new growth and employment opportunities.

Impact

• Creation of the Port of Belledune’s 2022-2052 Master Development Plan
• Positioning the Port of Belledune as a Green Energy Hub for industrial expansion and new job creation

Status

• Completed: December 2022

ACOA has provided $979,000 in CCTI funding to the Port of Belledune to undertake site preparedness studies to establish a Green Energy Hub. These studies will ensure that the port will have the required energy, land, and water resources needed to secure industrial tenants to operate at its Green Energy Hub industrial site. This project supports job retention and creation throughout the region by analyzing land use, utilities, and infrastructure to boost the port's ability to attract investment and become a Green Energy Hub to foster new economic opportunities in Belledune.

Impact

• Positioning the Port of Belledune as a Green Energy Hub for industrial expansion and new job creation
• Completion of a water resource and infrastructure planning study, including a water utility business model to manage the resource
• Completion of a viability study for the industrial development of a Green Energy Park comprised of three distinct Front-End Loading engineering studies
• Completion of a green steel strategy for the Green Hub Industrial Park

Status

• Completed: March 2025

ACOA provided $2.5 million in CCTI funding to the Quebec Stevedoring Company Inc. to build a new wood pellet warehouse and to undertake major technology improvements to the pellet shiploading conveyor system at Terminal 3 of the Port of Belledune. This project supports job creation throughout the region by increasing the capacity to ship wood pellets made in New Brunswick to markets around the world and diversifying the port’s shipment opportunities in the transition away from coal.

Impact

• Creating 17 new jobs
• Sustaining 136 existing supply chain jobs exporting wood pellets to European markets
• Increasing and diversifying the Port of Belledune’s capacity

Status

• Completed: March 2021

ACOA has provided New Brunswick Power (NB Power) with $2 million from the CCTI-IF to support the conversion and testing program to replace coal with biomass and other fuels at the Belledune Power Generating Station. To phase out coal-fired electricity generation by 2030, NB Power undertook a fuel testing program that will provide data on the process and output potential of biomass as a fuel source for the power plant. This testing program delivered concrete outcomes that will inform NB Power’s decision on a final fuel strategy for the facility.

This project supports job retention throughout the region by advancing the process of securing a clean fuel supply for the station and mitigating the effects of the coal phase-out on workers and communities in the region.

Impact

• Supporting the continued employment of approximately 130 workers at the Belledune Power Generating Station
• Creating a path to clean electricity generation at the facility and the opportunity for supply chain growth

Status

• Completed: July 2024

Through the CCTI-IF, ACOA has invested $3.15 million with Cimbec Canada Inc. and Carboniq Inc. for analysis of a pozzolan deposit in Heron Bay. Pozzolan, a volcanic rock, can be used as a partial substitute for clinker, a material used in cement production and a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, the project aims to explore pozzolan as a low-carbon alternative for the cement industry. It has the potential to support job creation and new economic opportunity in Heron Bay and the surrounding region.

Impact

• The use of pozzolan in cement manufacturing could support job creation and economic opportunity in Heron Bay
• The Heron Bay Pozzolan Project has the potential to reduce GHG emissions from the Canadian cement industry by up to three million tons per year

Status

• Completed: March 2025

ACOA invested $375,000 through the CCTI-IF to help the Restigouche Regional Service Commission develop a plan to create a for-profit corporate structure, capable of investing in renewable energy production projects and representing the collective financial interests of northeastern communities, as well as Pabineau First Nation and Eel River Bar First Nation. The funding also supported the Commission to deliver a wind energy forum in Fall 2024 for the communities’ elected officials and strengthens readiness for future calls for proposals from NB Power in collaboration with private sector partners.

Impact

• Establishes 50/50 equity business partnership with private-sector wind energy companies
• Supports the participation of northeastern and First Nation communities in renewable energy production projects and the creation of an energy alliance in northern New Brunswick
• Introduces a new investment stakeholder in New Brunswick’s energy sector, which strengthens local autonomy, generates income directly to member communities, and supports the overall greening of the economy

Status

• Completed: March 2025

ACOA invested $800,000 through the CCTI-IF to upgrade training capacity and address labour shortages. The project aims to acquire six in-class simulators, a mobile training trailer with two simulators, and four heavy equipment units to modernize and expand the heavy equipment operator training program at the Bathurst Campus. This project responds to the shortage of skilled labour in infrastructure projects across all sectors, including the construction of wind farms over the next decade.

Impact

• Will allow for the training of 42 heavy equipment operators annually
• The modernization and expansion of training capacity through simulation technologies combined with hands-on work on heavy equipment will have a direct impact on skills development
• Provides a direct response to the current skilled labour shortage and supports workers in the greater Belledune area in the transition to a low-carbon economy
• The project will produce a new generation of skilled heavy equipment operators for companies building renewable energy infrastructure projects at the Port of Belledune Green Hub and wind farm construction sites

Status

• Completed: March 2025