Economic development is a process that leads to sustainable growth and development of a region’s economic base. It involves business development, competitive advantage analysis, and encouraging entrepreneurship in an environmentally responsible manner. The Lesser Slave Lake region has immense opportunity to capitalize on the established oil & gas and forestry industries. These opportunities allow us to work toward a diversified economy, job creation and business investment for the region. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for current and future generations.

The economic development of the Lesser Slave Lake region is carried out by the Economic Development Committee, an advisory group to the Tri-Council. The Committee is comprised of ten members: three representatives from the Town of Slave Lake, three representatives from the MD of Lesser Slave River, two representatives from the Sawridge First Nation, one employee from the Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education’s Entrepreneurship and Regional Development branch, and one Economic Development Officer. Meeting once per month, the Committee addresses economic development matters in the region and works with various stakeholders to increase economic activity in a sustainable and responsible manner for the Lesser Slave Lake area.

Slave Lake Regional Tri-Council Economic Development Strategic Plan
The strategic plan aims to ensure the area is a vibrant, prosperous, economically and culturally diverse service hub for north central Alberta offering the opportunities and amenities that make it a location of choice for those who live, work, and visit.

Click here to view a pdf of the plan.

The MD of Lesser Slave River Councillors and members-at-large actively participate in organizations established to focus on Economic Development in the region:

Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake Region and Community Future Tawatinaw
Community Futures are proactive, progressive community organizations dedicated to strengthen both their community’s entrepreneurs and their community’s economy as a whole. Community Futures is a not for profit government funded corporation and provides small business counseling, assistance with business plans, business loans, entrepreneurial training and community economic development assistance to community partners.

Slave Lake Chamber of Commerce
This organization’s mission is to act as one voice serving and supporting area business, while promoting positive attributes that will attract both business and families to our unique communities.

Lesser Slave Lake Economic Alliance
The Alliance’s mission is of networking partners leveraging their resources to plan, promote and implement economic development initiatives for the LSLEA region.

Together, they work with businesses both within and beyond the boundaries of the community to generate economic growth and prosperity for Lesser Slave River and its residents and promote Lesser Slave River as an excellent place to live and do business.

In addition, they capitalize on our geographic location and realize our potential as a major route to the North and the Pacific as outlined in the Integrated Sustainability Plan regarding Economic Growth.

Strategy 1: The Municipal District will support regional economic development, business development and tourism initiatives.

Strategy 2: Branding

Strategy 3: Enhance Visitor Services