Leduc County Business and Entrepreneur Centre (BEC)

Closed-down municipal buildings often become neglected liabilities in communities, but with innovative strategies and partnerships, they can transform into dynamic hubs of economic activity, benefiting residents and businesses. The redevelopment of Leduc County’s Nisku Recreation Centre (NRC) into the Business and Entrepreneur Centre (BEC) demonstrates this transformation, showcasing how a vacant municipal building can drive economic development and entrepreneurship.

This redevelopment project achieved various objectives, including creating co-working spaces, social areas, a commercial kitchen, a coffee bar, and a retail pantry. These changes have allowed Leduc County to support start-ups in food, hospitality, and consumer packaged goods while fostering connections and relationships between businesses. The adaptive reuse of the space has rejuvenated the Nisku Business Park by attracting five new businesses to the center, over 25 retailers, and creating over 20 jobs since opening. Additionally, the BEC has become a focal point for cultural and social engagement, enhancing community cohesion and identity. The project has led to the creation, maintenance, or expansion of 32 businesses, assisted 84 small to medium enterprises, and trained over 150 participants in various topics such as agritourism development and employee retention.

The project’s creativity and uniqueness are evident in its use of prototypes, business-to-business collaborations, and active support for emergence. By providing a centralized hub with resources, services, and networking opportunities, the BEC has become a nexus for innovation and collaboration. Tailoring offerings to meet local entrepreneurs’ specific needs, such as developing an agritourism leaders’ network, the BEC cultivates a sense of community and empowerment where businesses can thrive. The economic development team’s hands-on commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, driving economic vitality, and nurturing business leaders has made a lasting and meaningful impact on the local economy.

The project emphasized community engagement and stakeholder collaboration throughout the repurposing process. By involving businesses and other stakeholders from the outset, revitalization efforts aligned with community needs and aspirations. This flexible approach leverages private sector expertise and resources while mitigating risks associated with large-scale redevelopment. Instead of repurposing the entire building based on government decisions, businesses were given the opportunity to co-create their spaces. Drawing on successful initiatives like New York City’s Participatory Budgeting program, the project highlights the transformative power of business-driven decision-making in shaping the future of underutilized municipal assets. This environment of co-creation has led to various success stories, such as sharing employees between businesses to create full-time positions, cross-promoting business offerings on social media, and collaborations between businesses to create new product offerings.

The project also contributes to sustainability goals by repurposing existing infrastructure rather than building new structures. The BEC offers opportunities to increase Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with community herb planters, composting programs, natural walking trails, and support for disadvantaged groups. More than 50% of the businesses utilizing the BEC have owners or senior leaders who identify as women or newcomers to Canada.

Overall, the BEC’s redevelopment has not only achieved its immediate objectives of economic revitalization and community enhancement but also leaves a legacy of positive social, cultural, and environmental impacts.