About this Event
We invite you to join an interactive workshop designed to help Battle River communities look at economic development through the lens of place — the people, assets, resources, stories and opportunities that make our region distinctive.
Through facilitated small-group discussions and full-group report-back sessions, participants will draw on their own knowledge and experience to explore:
- What are the key assets of our region?
- Who are the people and organizations helping shape our communities?
- What resources or opportunities may be overlooked or underused?
- What makes this place distinctive?
- Where are there opportunities for collaboration and locally rooted economic development?
Participants will work together to identify assets, actors and opportunities and begin developing a practical roadmap grounded in the strengths of the region.
Sometimes the most valuable resources are already here — they simply need to be rediscovered, connected or viewed differently.
Workshop Facilitator
This special workshop is coming to our region thanks to Dr. Jane Ross, who was invited by Shorefast founder Zita Cobb to develop an MOU partnership with the Shorefast Institute, facilitated by the Association for Life-wide Living of Alberta.
The workshop will be led by Catherine Newhook, bringing experience and perspective connected to the work of the Shorefast Institute for Place-Based Economies.
Shorefast works with communities, governments and markets to develop and expand place-based approaches to economic development.
Shorefast was founded by Zita Cobb, a Canadian business leader and social entrepreneur who returned to her birthplace of Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and helped establish an internationally recognized model of community-driven economic development.
Fogo Island Inn is one of the best-known examples emerging from this work, demonstrating how local culture, community knowledge and economic development can work together to strengthen a place.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is for the Battle River region, including:
Municipal leaders • Business owners and entrepreneurs • Educators • Community organizations • Tourism and agriculture representatives • Economic development professionals • Regional partners • Residents interested in the future of their communities
You do not need previous experience in economic development. What matters is your knowledge of the region and your willingness to contribute ideas.
Battle River Potluck Lunch
Please bring a food specialty from your community to share!
Lunch will celebrate the foods, producers and communities of the Battle River region. Bring something locally produced, locally made or meaningful to your community.
Event Details
Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Camrose County Council Chambers, 3755 43 Avenue, Camrose, Alberta
Event venue & nearby stays
Camrose County, 3755 43 Avenue, Camrose, Canada
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.