Town of Luseland agrees to extend economic development position

By Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Your West Central Voice

LUSELAND – The Town of Luseland council agreed to extend a three-way agreement that funds the local economic development manager. The decision was made at the Oct. 15 regular meeting of council.

The Town of Luseland council approved extending the economic development officer (EDO) program an additional two years, to 2028. EDO Iryna Shabala has been in the role about a year. Submitted

In an Oct. 20 interview with Your West Central Voice newspaper, Town of Luseland Mayor Kathy Wurz noted that during regular committee reports councillors heard an update on the economic development officer position, which she noted began as a two-year trial program between the town, Luseland and District Chamber of Commerce and Luseland Credit Union.

It was noted that a large part of the two-year program was spent in recruitment, with the current staff member Iryna Shabala only in place for about a year.

Wurz stated that the credit union was curious if the town would be willing to extend its 25 per cent share of the economic development program for another two-year term.

The mayor observed that town council was receptive to the idea as they felt the economic development officer is a valuable asset to the Luseland community. Wurz noted Shabala has a master’s degree and is a great resource for Luseland.

Councillors passed a resolution authorizing the extension of the economic development officer agreement for two years, up to 2028, which the mayor noted is the end of the current council term. That way, she noted, the next council would have a chance to make their own decision about it.

As part of the discussion councillors noted some directions they’d like Shabala to go in the fourth quarter of the year, including a possible Luseland trade fair and approaching the high school about economic development and employment.

The mayor noted there could be employment opportunities developing in the region, including a new steam injection plant through Strathcona Resources. Wurz stated she recently attended an open house regarding the plant and the company stated it will be looking for help in both construction and operation, with a tentative start date of 2027.