Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) is Alberta's leading economic development network. For over 40 years, we have been committed to advancing the economic development profession by providing resources, professional development and networking opportunities. As a non-profit organization, we are governed by a volunteer board of directors  that represent the interests of our membership. Our varied membership includes: municipalities; towns; regions; tourism groups; financial institutions; Crown Corporations; businesses; Regional Economic Development Authorities; Community Futures Development Corporations.  Join now, or renew your 2016 membership today.

EDA Resources - Wood Buffalo Business Recovery Hotline

In the beginning of May, 2016 a wildfire swept through the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) including the City of Fort McMurray. Insurance companies estimate this wildfire is the costliest disaster in Canadian history.

In disasters such as this, emergency responders have a critical role in managing the crisis and attending to the physical needs of the people in the region, it is important to note that economic developers also have a critical role in economic and business recovery in a disaster.  By helping to get businesses back on their feet, livelihoods are restored, and business and economic recovery efforts are accelerated.

EDA stepped in during this crisis and using its Economic Disaster Recovery Program (EDRP) as a template, began to provide additional leadership and experience the RMWB needed to assist them in their business and economic recovery efforts.  On May 30, 2016, the first step in their business recovery efforts was taken. EDA established the Wood Buffalo Business Recovery Hotline in Calgary, Alberta. The Hotline was designed to register small businesses, gather information about their immediate needs and provide access to various resources, including providing emergency financial relief on behalf of the Canadian Red Cross. The Hotline was developed and operated by EDA, in close collaboration with the RMWB. This was phase one of an overall strategy to restore the economy in the region and it was a huge success.  

At the end of August 2016, over 4000 small businesses were registered at the hotline, with 3,496 of them eligible to receive $1000 each in emergency financial aid from the Canadian Red Cross. 

EDA’s contribution to the hotline project is now complete as a new phase of business recovery is underway.

We are proud of the work we did to assist our members in the RMWB, and wish them all the best as they continue with their business and economic recovery efforts.  

To read more about the Wood Buffalo Business Recovery Hotline and EDA’s role click here.