Rural Development: Success Stories

Alberta North
By Jennifer Isaac

A Loon Lake student is proof-positive that rural learners don’t need to leave home to gain valuable employment skills.

“One of our students was searching for financially accessible options so that he could finish his Administrative Technologies Certificate program without having to leave home,” says Val Marshall, Executive Director of Alberta-North. “He discovered that he could take online courses at the Community Access Point (CAP) at Loon Lake. For two nights a week, and with the assistance of the CAP coordinator, he progressed through his courses.”

The Alberta-North partnership began in 1994 as a way to increase and improve access to education and training opportunities for learners in communities located in northern Alberta. Partners include: Athabasca University; Aurora College; Grande Prairie Regional College; Keyano College; NAIT; Northern Lakes College; and Portage College.

The development of CAP sites in 83 northern communities is good news for residents. “This brings opportunities for post-secondary distance education,” adds Marshall. “We have standard technology at the sites and have recently identified the core services that will help learners be successful.”

She adds that the Alberta-North institutions “have built expertise in developing and delivering distance education.” “We also have strong knowledge in supporting distance learners,” Marshall says. “Alberta-North has become a model for community-based education with the Alberta post-secondary system. Our stewardship model provides communities with permanent services for distance learners, regardless of what type and level of programs are being offered, including assistance of a facilitator training to support distance learners, technology, high speed internet and study space.”

The Alberta government has been instrumental in providing funding. “Alberta-North receives an annual grant that is used for upgrading technology at the community sites,” Marshall says. “It’s also used for upgrading technology used in delivering distance learning from the institutions.” The money is also used for establishing new community access points, training facilitators and faculty, and for marketing and professional development.

“We have recently selected a distance delivery platform that will be common to all partners,” Marshall notes. “The systems previously used had become more expensive, technical support from the vendors was eroding and training staff and students on multiple systems was difficult.”

Member institutions were involved in testing and evaluating possible new platforms. “They worked together on a recommendation to our Board of Directors,” she says. “They decided to adopt a common platform. They provided a three-year timeframe to allow each institution time to implement the new platform.

“Our vision is that northern learners will have affordable and equitable access to university and college level education.”

Canadian Badlands Initiative
By Jennifer Isaac

The culture of the Canadian Badlands is literally "layered in the land," says Cindy Amos, Executive Director of Canadian Badlands Ltd. "Our natural heritage is over 75 million years old," she adds. "The region is home to the world's most extensive dinosaur bone beds, badlands and hoodoos, as well as a world-class dinosaur museum."

Canadian Badlands Ltd. is a not-for-profit company that was formed by a group of municipal government leaders, in order to develop the region. "We decided that unity and partnership would result in strength-in-numbers benefits for all," she says.

Currently, 48 municipalities out of 65 are participating in the "largest regional tourism partnership in Alberta." "It's marvelous to consider that we have so many working toward a common goal," she says.

Members represent the southeast quarter of Alberta, ranging from the Stettler region in the north, south to the Montana border and from just east of the Highway Two corridor to the Saskatchewan border.

"The ultimate goal is to make the Canadian Badlands a highly recognizable tourism destination, as popular and well-known as the Canadian Rockies," Amos says. "We want to encourage people to want to visit and to explore the region."

Four key themes of the project include: natural history and dinosaurs; aboriginal history and current culture; settlement and industrial development and the arts; recreation opportunities available.

To date, Amos says, a website, brand and logo have been developed. "Six self-guided driving tours have also been created," she says.

The touring routes dig through the layers of natural and cultural heritage. "Regional driving tours are three to four days long and offer many ideas of what to do and see," Amos notes. "You can customize your own one or two-day road trip or use Side Trips to create a week-long vacation. Our touring routes can be enjoyed in any season."

The region is best described as a 'rubber tire market. "Typically, we attract the U.S. travelers coming up through to Alaska," she says. "We also attract urban comfort seekers and accomplishers. We want to have them stop. We want visitors to know that we have more than just provincial parks. We want them to celebrate who we are."

Like the other members of the group, Amos has great enthusiasm for small-town Alberta. "When you travel to one of the local rodeos, you bring your own lawn chair, you pay $10.00 and you sit up by the gate to see the live rodeo action and the Brahma bulls up-close."

Another popular destination in the region is the Windmill Museum located in Etzikom, where visitors can marvel at the power of wind.

The Canadian Badlands Initiative has received a healthy shot in the arm from Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, which has committed $70,000 to support administration of the organization in its founding year.

"Also, that same government body has provided an additional $250,000 in support for the 2007-2008 fiscal year," Amos adds.

"The Canadian Badlands is a fantastic tourist experience to witness. Western living is so entrenched in rural Alberta."

Defence Industry Development Project
By Jennifer Isaac

Doing business with the military is a lucrative venture for many small businesses throughout Alberta.

From drycleaning uniforms to making sandwiches to arranging floral bouquets, economic opportunities abound for local businesses.

"The Department of National Defence (DND) is like having a huge major company of that size in your vicinity to cater to," says Bill Werny, Project Director with the Defence Industry Development Project in Eastern Alberta. "Local companies have a fantastic opportunity to capture significant spending from the military, their employees and their families."

Three of the most important military bases in Canada are located in Eastern Alberta. CFB Cold Lake is the premier fighter training base in the Canadian Air Force; CFB Wainwright is the centre for excellence for Canadian Army training; and CFB Suffield is one of the largest training areas in the world.

The Defence sector is a significant employer of both military and civilian personnel in Eastern Alberta. Current estimates of annual payroll on the bases exceed $250 million, translating into opportunities for local communities to provide housing, goods and services for DND military and civilian personnel.

"There is a substantial amount of local procurement being done by the three military bases in the Eastern Alberta corridor, amounting to approximately $9.7 million annually in goods and services supplied by local and regional firms," Werny notes. "Base commanders and local procurement officers are committed to maximizing local procurement.

Among the goods and services required are housing, consumer goods, recreation, education and professional services. "A key factor will be for communities to establish strong working and social relationships with this employment sector," he says.

The MERX system is an essential tool for identifying and pursuing local procurement opportunities. "We need to ensure that local businesses are aware of the needs of major military bases," he notes. "We need to convince small businesses of the need."

MERX is open to all potential suppliers and can be accessed at www.merx.com. "The registration process is simple, quick and free of charge for the government procurement components of MERX," Werny says.

Education and awareness are key elements in the process, and training sessions offered in the regions help to explain how to navigate through the system. "Our workshops explain that the military requires goods and services," he says. "Civilian and military needs run a close parallel.

"We walk them through the bid process at our training sessions."

Werny recalls an example where flowers were required for the Officer's mess in Wainwright. "A small florist in Provost provided the bouquets and arrangements for the tables," he says.

Sometimes, it's a tough sell to convince the locals, he admits. He recalls running a MERX session in Hanna, with 10 small businesses in attendance. "This old fellow ran the local hardware store," Werny says. "He was certain that the MERX system would never work for him. But then he saw a contract to supply insect repellant and be darned, he quickly found the exact product they were looking for and delivered it ahead of time.

"They called him back, because he was so prompt. It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy."

Similarly, in Medicine Hat, the British troops were unhappy with the vacuum-packed sandwiches being brought in. A contract was issued and confined to the local area. "A local lady saw it and bid on the contract," Werny says. "She won a $100,000 contract. That's no small potatoes."

Key success factors for local firms would be to monitor MERX and participate in the bid process, as well as to maintain relationships with Base procurement officers to ensure they are aware what capabilities are available in the local region.

Greater Edmonton Rural Tourism Initiative
By Jennifer Isaac

Ever wanted to pet an alpaca? Camp out in a tepee? Stay at a bed and breakfast? Browse through a pottery studio?

A program that offers a refreshing change from the hectic pace of urban living invites travelers to consider taking a day-trip away from the city of Edmonton.

"Our organization is called the Edmonton Regional Tourism Group and it represents 26 communities within the capital region," says Erica Thomas, coordinator of business development and marketing with the Greater Edmonton Rural Tourism Initiative. "This region offers a memorable visit for everyone. Visitors will get a chance to sample numerous activities and events, including the many festivals that celebrate our rural culture."

The Counties of Lamont, Leduc, Parkland, Strathcona and Sturgeon have joined together to welcome visitors to the Region and to invite them to explore Edmonton's "glorious countryside and all it has to offer."

"For the last eight years, our group has been meeting on Tourism partnerships," Thomas adds. "We realized that it was essential to emphasize our rural attractions.

"There needed to be a focus on economic development and in helping rural operators to become more sustainable."

Typically, rural businesses operate on minimal advertising budgets, which poses a distinct marketing challenge. "Their budgets were so tiny," she says. "For example, a U-pick might have $50 to spend on their marketing campaign. That's the main reason we're working so hard.

"If we can get 100 operators pooling their resources and their money, then we can provide a marketing tool that is much more significant and effective."

Travel Alberta matches the contributions, enabling rural businesses to expand their limited budgets. Thomas notes that a generous grant for $1.23 million received from the Rural Alberta Development Fund also helps the group to build sustainability for the future.

The educational component ensures that operators are market-ready. "We offer a mentoring program and workshops for our members," she adds. "It also helps with cross-promotion."

The festivities and events are attracting a regular clientele, with visitors eagerly anticipating annual rural experiences like the Country Soul Stroll, which normally attracts up to 500 people each year.

"This event is entering its sixth year of operation," says Thomas. "We encourage visitors to experience the soul of the country and we provide a guide that highlights all the activities."

The Country Soul Stroll is a self-driven tour that draws people into the country. "It's been hugely successful," Thomas says. "Once people see how easy it is to leave the Edmonton skyline behind, they start to do it more often. These are very family-focused day trips."

She adds that one of the biggest successes is the Edmonton Countryside Spring Drive held on Mother's Day weekend, which attracted 1,200 people last year. "In past years, we've had 30 rural tourism operators participating. Their features were outlined on a map, and each one offered something special, for example like orange juice and champagne in a greenhouse."

Another popular project encourages visitors to buy local for healthy eating. "They can purchase fresh vegetables and berries from participating vendors," she says.

But before you embark on your day trip experience on the road less traveled, phone ahead to make sure the business is operating that day.

"The Edmonton region presents a variety of fun attractions and activities to participate in, and they're just a 30-minute drive away," Thomas says. "Treasures are nestled throughout the area, just waiting to be discovered.

"Experience the wonders of rural life and enjoy your adventure."

Village of Tilley
By Jennifer Isaac

Tilley Mayor John Timko calls himself a Tilley-ite.

"I'm one of the original village people," he jokes, when he describes how long he's lived in Tilley. Timko is passionate about his little community, which is comprised of over 400 residents and is located 24 kilometres east of Brooks. He's proud of the passion and enthusiasm of the locals, and believes that through collaboration, they can make a difference.

"We're always looking at different ways of planning," he says. "We're eager to hear other people's thoughts and learn from their past experiences."

Mayor Timko and his council have been working in collaboration with experts from Alberta Culture and Community Spirit to proactively determine how the tiny community can sustain itself in years to come.

"By using a holistic approach to community development, Tilley is becoming more successful at helping itself," says Karen Blewett, Community Development Officer for the Southern Region (Medicine Hat). "Plus, this approach puts a positive spin on a community.

"Tilley uses a dynamic, asset-based approach."

A snapshot of Tilley reveals that mainly young families live in this self-described bedroom community. Employment is found nearby in Brooks, at the agricultural research centre, the meat-packing plant or within the oil and gas industry. Tilley offers a Kindergarten to grade 12 school, a curling rink, two restaurants, a hotel and a senior's centre. "Tilley is a safe place where everyone knows each other," Blewett adds.

Collaborative efforts have been underway since April 2006 to help the village and surrounding area work through a planning process that will ensure community and economic growth for future sustainability.

"Community members wanted to know how they could be proactive in building their village," she says. "The goal is to help them be better equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to collectively put strategies and actions in place."

The holistic approach is based on seven capitals, including human, social, cultural, political, natural, financial and infrastructure. "Traditional research primarily looks at only the infrastructure," she says. "It's much more balanced to look at the holistic."

Residents were asked what they valued about their community and what helped to create the great quality of life in Tilley. The Community Capitals Framework approach helped council and community members to appreciate the assets that already existed. "As well, it helps determine ways of investing those assets to create strategies that will increase prosperity within all segments of the community," Blewett says. "Focusing on these community assets helped local people get excited about what they have to work with."

A willingness to embrace change and to seek outside resources has also been a key element for strengthening the community. "With most rural communities on the decline, residents in Tilley realize that they have to let the outside in," she says. "Tilley is 100 per cent open."

As an example, Tilley Village Council is currently reviewing other fire hall structures within the County of Newell, to accurately assess their own needs. "We like to use the Big Brother approach," Mayor Timko says. He adds that Tilley is collecting information on 'going green' by considering utilizing geothermal heating for their new fire hall. "Thirty years from now, we want people to know that we had good planning in place," he says. "Our community is made up of one major element," he says. "And that's people."

Blewett agrees. "Tilley is a perfect example of a community that is very committed and passionate about moving forward."

Questions or requests for rural information may be directed to rural@gov.ab.ca.