LAC LA BICHE – Private developments worth at least million could qualify for up to million in infrastructure support under a new incentive approved by Lac La Biche County Council.

Council approved the Major Development Project Incentive Program on Aug. 18, creating a framework for the County to help cover eligible public infrastructure required to move major private developments forward.

Mayor Paul Reutov said the goal is to make Lac La Biche County more competitive when developers are deciding where to invest.

“Lac La Biche County is open for business,” Reutov said. “If a credible developer is prepared to invest tens of millions of dollars here, create jobs and grow our economy, we want to be ready to compete for that investment and help make it happen.”

Projects must bring at least $10 million in private investment

To qualify, a project must include at least $10 million in verified private investment and demonstrate a meaningful economic or public benefit.

The incentive isn’t intended to pay for the private development itself.

Instead, the County could contribute toward eligible public infrastructure required for a project, including water and wastewater servicing, roads, intersections, shared access and other public works.

The maximum County contribution would be the lesser of:

• the cost of the eligible public infrastructure;
• 10 per cent of the developer’s verified private investment; or
• $3 million.

That means the $3 million is a maximum, not an automatic grant available to every qualifying development.

Private development costs remain the responsibility of the developer.

“This program gives us a clear, responsible way to partner on the public infrastructure that can unlock major private investment while protecting County taxpayers,” Reutov said.

Each project still needs Council approval

Developers will begin the process by submitting a two-page Project Request Form, followed by a meeting with the County.

Administration would then review the proposed project, infrastructure requirements, level of investment, expected benefits, financing and whether the development is ready to proceed.

Any proposed incentive would then return to Council for an individual decision.

The County says no municipal money will be spent until required financing, approvals and agreements are in place, along with developer commitments and appropriate security.

The program is part of the County’s broader push to attract investment, create jobs and expand its assessment base.

It also follows Council’s recent focus on industry growth as one of its long-term strategic priorities. In July, Council allocated up to $5 million from its Strategic Initiative Reserve toward the next phase of an Energy and Industry Hub, including planning, due diligence, partnership development and investment-readiness work.

The Major Development Project Incentive Program will now give Council another tool when a large private development requires public infrastructure to move ahead.