Communities adapting to a future beyond coal-fired electricity
- Harvest Sky Region Business Development Initiative
- Leduc County Nisku Spine Road Project
- Feasibilty Study for Leduc County Business Support Facility
- South Saskatchewan Ready
- Southeast College
- CBDC Chaleur Economic Diversification Initiative
- Port of Belledune Master Development Plan and Green Energy Hub
- New Warehouse in Belledune for Maritime Terminal Operator and Stevedore QSL
- Ignite Labs – Pictou County
- Protocase Incorporated
- Verschuren Centre
Harvest Sky Region Business Development Initiative
Nearly $1.5 million in funding support to help communities in Southeast Alberta’s Harvest Sky Region to attract investment, expand local businesses and create jobs.
| Region | Central and Southeast Alberta |
|---|---|
| Impact |
|
| Status | In development |
| Timeline | March 2023 expected completion date |
Project overview
The coal-fired electricity generation sector has been one of the primary employers in Alberta’s Harvest Sky Region (formerly known as the Cactus Corridor region) for nearly 40 years. The communities of Hanna, the Village of Youngstown and Special Area No. 2 have been deeply affected by the Government of Canada’s commitment to phase out traditional coal-fired electricity generation by 2030.
To help these communities in Southeast Alberta transition their local economies away from coal-fired electricity generation, Prairies Economic Development Canada has provided nearly $1.5 million in funding for the Harvest Sky Region Economic Development Corporation.
Objectives
With this investment, the Harvest Sky Region Economic Development Corporation has begun work on feasibility studies that will provide analysis and strategies to attract new business investments, diversify the local economy and create new employment opportunities for local workers. The studies will cover a range of topics—including labour force and infrastructure assessments, red tape reduction strategies, land inventory, and educational resource requirements.
Expected results
Benefits flowing from this project are expected to include:
- expanding, creating or maintaining 10 businesses
- enhanced investment readiness for the region
- increased regional collaboration on infrastructure and economic development projects
- shared resources to market investment opportunities for the region, including partner branding and websites
- feasibility studies for a potential Agricultural Education Resource Centre
- the initiation of regional irrigation projects
- a community development project to enhance investment readiness
Leduc County Nisku Spine Road Project
The federal investment of $17.7 million to complete Nisku Spine Road will create approximately 950 local jobs and new opportunities for this region impacted by the transition from coal-fired power.
| Region | Central Alberta |
|---|---|
| Impact |
|
| Status | In development |
| Timeline | March 2023 expected completion date |
Project overview
In June 2021, Prairies Economic Development Canada announced an investment of $17.7 million to complete the Nisku Spine Road in Leduc County, Alberta. The north‒south roadway, once fully constructed, will increase 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.
Federal funding is being provided through the Canada Coal Transition Initiative-Infrastructure Fund (CCTI-IF). Previous federal government funding to construct portions of the Nisku Spine Road includes $7.3 million in 2015 and $2.3 million in 2009 through Infrastructure Canada.
Objectives
The project is expected to act as an economic catalyst that will attract investment and create new business opportunities in the region. Leduc County is home to a coal mine and a generating station that have been key contributors to the County’s tax base since 1988. An economic study commissioned by the County anticipates that the completion of the Nisku Spine Road will offset losses resulting from the move away from coal-fired electricity generation.
Expected results
Benefits flowing from this project are expected to include:
- the creation of approximately 950 local jobs
- attracting up to 60 businesses
- the 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
- the provision of a high-capacity link between 41st Avenue and Airport Road
Feasibilty Study for Leduc County Business Support Facility
With $70,000 in funding from Prairies Economic Development Canada,Leduc County explored repurposing a local recreation centre into a business support facility.
| Region | Central Alberta |
|---|---|
| Impact |
|
| Status | Completed |
| Timeline | Completed on November 2, 2020 |
Project overview
Prairies Economic Development Canada provided $70,000 in funding support to enable Leduc County to explore the feasiblity of transforming the fomer Nisku Recreation Centre into a Business Retention and Expansion facility.
The resulting feasiblity study explored how a business support facility can help 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 to addressing business support programming, the study completed an economic analysis and explored the development of specific business supports that are important to the region. These include 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.
Objectives
Informed by strong engagement with local businesses, the feasiblity study helped Leduc County to identify gaps in business support for the region, and provided guidance on how to best support local business needs and leverage regional strengths.
Expected results
The resulting Business Retention and Expansion facility is expected to:
- provide evidence and data to support the need for the Business Retention and Expansion facility
South Saskatchewan Ready
Almost $1.5 million in Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) funding supports a partnership for the future economy of southeast Saskatchewan.
| Region | Southeast Saskatchewan |
|---|---|
| Impact |
|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Timeline | Projects completed by March 31, 2023 |
Project overview
Nine communities in southeast Saskatchewan recognized the need to work together on regional economic development. In 2020, they created the South Saskatchewan Ready (SSR) economic partnership. To support the development of SSR and several of its projects, PrairiesCan has invested almost $1.5 million through the Canada Coal Transition Initiative. The funding will be used to help attract new investors and workers to the region as part of the transition from a coal economy.
Objectives
The partnership represents the communities of Coronach, Bengough, Rockglen, and Willow Bunch and the Rural Municipalities of Bengough, Happy Valley, Hart Butte, Poplar Valley, and Willow Bunch. SSR helps these communities work together toward a common goal of transitioning their economy from coal to green energy, technology, and innovative industries. The goals also include expanding their strong agricultural sector and enhancing their position as a gateway to trade between the United States and Canada.
Results
In the summer of 2021, SSR launched its brand and announced that a sector-level feasibility study had identified over 78 projects based on local strengths and resources. In October 2021, they 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. Additionally, SSR is working on three large projects from the feasibility study, including cleantech derived from natural resources, new agricultural additives to reduce greenhouse gases from agricultural lands, and battery storage. SSR and PrairiesCan look forward to more successes to come from this partnership.
Southeast College
With funding of $800,000 from Prairies Economic Development Canada, a Heavy Equipment Operator program was established in Estevan, Saskatchewan.
| Region | Southeast Saskatchewan |
|---|---|
| Impact |
|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Timeline | Project completed by March 31, 2022 |
Project overview
A just transition for workers in the coal industry includes opportunities for retraining in jobs that will continue to be in demand in other sectors throughout the region. Southeast College’s creation of a Heavy Equipment Operator program in Estevan helps address the need for these workers in the oil and gas sector, construction, agriculture and highway infrastructure.
Objectives
This training program targets employees affected by the transition from coal in the Estevan area, as well as students throughout Saskatchewan. Participants receive 12 weeks of intensive, hands-on training in the operation of heavy equipment, delivered by experienced instructors working with them one-on-one. The training is an effective blend of in-class theory and simulation training, along with hands-on operation of heavy equipment. The acquisition of simulation equipment for this training will also enhance other existing programs such as the Heavy Equipment Truck and Transport Technician program.
Expected results
Southeast College obtained equipment for training and has already fully trained two cohorts of highly skilled, industry-ready heavy equipment operators for work in local sectors including oil, construction and infrastructure. The spring of 2022 will see the next intake of students. The college expects to train at least 16 participants per year.
CBDC Chaleur Economic Diversification Initiative
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) delivers the Canada Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI) in New Brunswick. The agency is providing $980,000 to the CBDC Chaleur.
| Region | New Brunswick |
|---|---|
| Impact |
|
| Status | Project is entering year two of activities |
| Timeline | Expected completion date of August 31, 2023 |
Project overview
The community of Belledune, New Brunswick, will be affected by the phase-out of coal fired electricity as Canada moves to a net-zero carbon emissions future. It is home to the coal-fired Belledune Generating Station and to the Port of Belledune, a key transportation asset that imports coal for the station and supports a wide range of industrial activities. The region was also impacted by the closure of the Glencore Smelter and the temporary closure of the Trevali Mine.
Objectives
Through the Canadian Coal Transition Initiative, ACOA provided $980,000 to the CBDC Chaleur to support the development of a small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) diversification initiative to assist the Glencore Smelter and Trevali supply chain companies in acquiring new skills, identifying new fabrication and manufacturing opportunities, tooling up and improving productivity.
Expected results
This project will help companies to strategically plan for the development of new products and service offerings, as well as to diversify into new markets for the purpose of generating new revenues, and sustaining or creating new jobs. By diversifying the economy and creating new employment opportunities, this project will mitigate the impacts of a future coal phase-out on workers and communities in Belledune and the surrounding region.
Port of Belledune Master Development Plan and Green Energy Hub
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) delivers the Canada Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI) in New Brunswick. The Agency is providing $1.7 million to the Port of Belledune.
| Region | New Brunswick |
|---|---|
| Impact |
|
| Status | Project is near completion |
| Timeline | Expected completion date of May 31, 2022 |
Project overview
In New Brunswick, there is one coal-fueled generating station in Belledune, employing 125 people. The Port of Belledune, a key transportation asset in that region, stands to be affected the most by the coal phase-out. The transition may result in job losses at the Port, since the coal that is imported for the generating station accounts for a significant portion of the Port’s revenues.
Objectives
Through the Canadian Coal Transition Initiative, ACOA provided $1.7 million to the Port of Belledune for an extensive series of studies to produce a master development plan enabling the Port to prepare for the coal phase-out, and to 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 will enhance the Port’s capacity to manage new growth opportunities and create new employment opportunities, thus mitigating the impact of transitioning from coal-fired electricity.
Expected results
This project is supporting jobs throughout the region by helping to position the Port as a Green Hub for future industrial expansions, creating new sustainable jobs over the next decade.
New Warehouse in Belledune for Maritime Terminal Operator and Stevedore QSL
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) delivers the Canada Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI) in New Brunswick. The Agency is providing $2.5 million to QSL, also known as the Quebec Stevedoring Company Ltd.
| Region | New Brunswick |
|---|---|
| Impact |
|
| Status | The new wood pellet warehouse has been completed, and upgrades to the shiploading system are well underway. |
| Timeline | Expected completion date of May 31, 2022 |
Project overview
The community of Belledune, New Brunswick, will be impacted by the phase-out of coal as Canada moves to a net-zero carbon emissions future. It is home to the coal-fired Belledune Generating Station and to the Port of Belledune, a key transportation asset that imports coal for the station and supports a wide range of industrial activities. The transition has the potential to result in job losses at the Port, since the coal that it imports for the generating station accounts for a significant portion of the Port’s revenues.
Objectives
Through the Canadian Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund, ACOA provided $2.5 million to QSL/the Quebec Stevedoring Company Ltd. 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.
Expected results
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 mitigating the impacts of a future coal phase-out on workers and communities in Belledune and the surrounding region.
Ignite Labs – Pictou County
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) delivers the Canada Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI) in Nova Scotia. The Agency has provided $300,000 to Ignite Labs.
| Region | Nova Scotia |
|---|---|
| Impact |
|
| Status | In progress |
| Timeline | Two-year pilot completed in the summer of 2022 |
Project overview
Ignite Labs is an incubator space for rural-based technology companies to grow to the commercialization phase. This two-year pilot project involves the establishment of a new location in Pictou County, an area traditionally dependent on coal. Ignite Pictou offers an array of services and support to new and early-stage enterprises in north eastern Nova Scotia.
Objectives
Ignite Labs will offer an array of services and support―including access to infrastructure, mentoring, and industry partnerships―to new and early-stage enterprises, which will greatly reduce the risks associated with new business start-ups. This project aims to encourage innovation and engage youth in technology, thus diversifying the local economy and creating new growth.
Expected results
Ignite Pictou has exceeded its stated target to support at least 10 start-up companies during its initial two years of operation, with 20 companies assisted to date.
Protocase Incorporated
Project: Expansion of the Protocase Incorporated “45 Drives” Division
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) delivers the Canada Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI) in Nova Scotia. The Agency has provided $1.3 million to Protocase Incorporated.
| Region | Nova Scotia |
|---|---|
| Impact |
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| Status | Project is complete |
| Timeline | Completed in the summer of 2021 |
Project overview
Protocase Incorporated is located in Sydney, Cape Breton, a community with a long history of coal mining. Protocase 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 involves the construction of a new 11,000-square-foot facility to house the rapidly growing 45 Drives Division.
Objectives
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.
Expected results
Protocase has experienced rapid growth in recent years.The company has become a major employer in Cape Breton and currently has over 300 employees.
Verschuren Centre
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) delivers the Canada Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI) in Nova Scotia. The Agency has provided $750,000 to the Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment.
| Region | Nova Scotia |
|---|---|
| Impact |
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| Status | Project is complete |
| Timeline | Completed in the summer of 2021 |
The Verschuren Centre is located in Sydney, Cape Breton, a community with a long history of coal mining. The Verschuren Centre is a not-for-profit research, development and demonstration facility that provides contracted services to industry and communities in the areas of bioprocessing, marine processing, carbon transformation, bioplastics, energy storage and sustainable resource use.
Objectives
This project aims to build incremental capacity in bioreactor technologies to increase supply services for new biotech companies at critical stages of pre-commercialization. By giving these companies a place to build on early research, the Centre is helping them move their products to the commercialization stage, thereby creating new jobs and wealth in a high-tech field and diversifying the local economy.
Expected results
The newly expanded facility with large-scale bioreactors is now home to a growing number of companies and has attracted interest from companies outside of the Atlantic Region. It has effectively created a new bioscience cluster of companies in Cape Breton.
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