The Town of Stettler Council has approved a reallocation in municipal funding from the Stettler Regional Board of Trade to establish an in-house Economic Development Officer position.
The decision followed an in-camera session during the March 3, 2026 council meeting.
Upon returning to the public session, Councillor Myshrall moved to reduce the Town’s funding allocation to the BOT by $60,000 in the 2026 tax budget & by $120,000 in 2027.
The motion directs town administration to incorporate funding for a dedicated Economic Development Officer (EDO) within the 2026 operating budget.
This shift allows the Town to take direct oversight of investment attraction and industry development, portfolios previously managed through the Board of Trade.
Before this change, the BOT’s 2026 budget was projected at $542,621, with approximately $351,321 covered by municipal support.
Stettler Regional Board of Trade To Transition To Independent Organization
Stettler Town council has also directed the Stettler Regional Board of Trade to transition to a fully independent operating model.
This means the BOT will assume complete responsibility for its own financial management, staffing & operational oversight.
While the Board of Trade will continue to receive a set amount of annual municipal funding support, it will no longer function as a Town-run organization.
Historically, the BOT has been funded through a combination of municipal grants & revenue from business licenses, which were maintained at $150 for local residents for the 2026 year.
The realignment follows a year of transition for the Board, including the recent move of the Big Jack Classic ice fishing event to an independent association.
The BOT will now pivot to focus strictly on community initiatives like the shop-local program, while the Town’s new economic development officer will focus on broader economic policy & investment.
The change is expected on the agenda at the next Board of Trade meeting in mid-April.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
