Growing the North Conference

03/10/2026

Another incredible Growing the North is in the books.

Thank you to our sponsors, speakers, partners, and attendees who came together to share ideas, build connections, and help shape the future of the North. Growing the North continues to be a place where leaders, innovators, and communities come together to learn, collaborate, and move our region forward.

Thank you for being part of it. We look forward to seeing you again next year.

02/21/2026

County Reeve Amanda McDonald brought greetings this week to officially open the 17th Annual Growing the North Conference. As a founding partner and organizing committee member, the County of Grande Prairie is proud to be part of an event that brings communities together to learn, connect, and strengthen the North.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the conversations that move our region forward, and to those visiting our beautiful County for the first time, we are glad you joined us. A sincere thank you to the outstanding team at Evergreen Park and to the organizing committee for delivering another successful conference.
City of Grande Prairie
Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region
Farm Credit Canada
Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce
Grande Prairie Friendship Centre
Innovate Northwest
Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association
Municipal District of Greenview No. 16

02/20/2026

Made it to the Growing the North Conference for a bit today. This amazing Economic Development conference happens every year in Grande Prairie and this is my second time attending.
I was bummed to miss it yesterday but the roads were so awful so I couldn’t go anywhere. My hubby needed to do some errands and get parts for his biz in GP today so he dropped me off for a few hours.
It was good to hear some great speakers and catch up with a few colleagues and hear some new plans for growth in our area.
While my focus is growing Agritourism in the area, growth for the region as a whole is completely necessary in order for small businesses to thrive too. The more we can connect and collaborate in similar ideas the better for us all. I look forward to connecting with more local rural businesses in our communities to see if we can work together to forward regional economic growth. 🙌🙌

02/20/2026

Reeve Ryan Ratzlaff brought greetings this morning to open day two of the Growing the North Conference on behalf of Greenview.

Greenview has supported this event for many years and values the way it brings leaders, innovators, and community members together from across northern Alberta.

Reeve Ratzlaff spoke about the importance of working together to build strong northern communities. He highlighted Greenview’s economy, including agriculture, forestry, tourism, and energy, and the opportunities being created through investment and workforce development. He also shared how Greenview continues to work with regional partners across the Grande Prairie–Greenview corridor to support long-term growth.

Economic development works best when we work together—because what strengthens Greenview strengthens the entire region.

02/20/2026

02/19/2026

Proudly supporting the Growing the North Conference alongside Nolan Dyck, MLA and Henry Goertzen, Councillor of MacKenzie County

KORE is excited to be part of strengthening and growing business across our region.

If you’re attending the conference, please stop by our booth—we’d be happy to connect and answer any questions you may have.

02/19/2026

We attended Tuesday night’s kick-off event for the Growing the North Conference. It was our first Mixer as new members of the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce. It was so great to connect with familiar faces we know well and to meet some incredible new people!

🚨 Ad Deadline Extended 🚨 Tomorrow at Noon
With such a community gathering happening this week, we’ve extended our ad deadline to 🔷 Friday at noon. 🔷

If your business or organization would like to reach the Article’s Peace region audience in northern Alberta and BC, reach out to us TODAY at [email protected].

There is quite a buzz about our new magazine, and everyone wants a copy! Join us and place an ad for your business, event, or call for submissions!

PS. How about that Taste of the Peace Market with local small businesses being showcased and supported? Love it!

02/19/2026

Today is your last chance to experience the Taste of the Peace Local Market, presented by Farm Credit Canada, at Growing the North! 🎉

The market is open to the public all day until 5:00 pm at the TARA Centre at Evergreen Park and you do not need to be registered for the conference to stop by and shop.

Come support an incredible lineup of Peace Region vendors, including:

54+Pine
Shade Tree Chocolate Studio Ltd.
Wooden Nickel Ranch
Grain Bin Brewing
Black Bear Creek Farms
A Counter Full
Stolen Harvest Meadery
Creative Earth Art
Eagle Hill Farm
Broken Tine Orchard
Rooted Kitchen
CJ Alpacas
Crooked Creek Salsa
Peace Country Bison Jerky
Tallow and Crumb
Salty Chickadees
Latitude 55
Evergreen Park
Peace Country Milling & Grains

Whether you're looking for handcrafted goods, locally made treats, farm-fresh products, or unique gifts, this market is a celebration of the entrepreneurs and producers who help power our regional economy.

📍 Main Foyer, TARA Centre at Evergreen Park
⏰ Open until 5:00 pm
🌾 Open to the public

Don’t miss your chance to shop local and taste the Peace!