Alexander First Nation: Indigenous Tourism Community Plan & RV Campground Feasibility Study and Business Plan

Timeline: August – December 2020

Project Description:
Many Chief Consulting Ltd. partnered with Alexander First Nation to develop strategic tourism plans aimed at fostering economic development and diversification. The initiative involved the creation of an Indigenous Tourism Community Plan and a Feasibility Study and Business Plan for the proposed Alexander First Nation RV Campground at Sandy Lake. These projects provided actionable roadmaps to help Alexander First Nation explore and capitalize on tourism as a sustainable economic opportunity.

Key Project Tasks:

  • Indigenous Tourism Community Plan:

    • Educated the community on tourism as an economic development opportunity.

    • Delivered practical guidance on community-based tourism planning and development.

    • Developed an action plan to support the growth of tourism businesses and the local tourism economy.

  • Feasibility Study and Business Plan for Sandy Lake Campground:

    • Conducted a feasibility study to assess the viability of operating a campground facility, including market analysis, income projections, and operational requirements.

    • Developed a business plan to formalize the concept, outline operational structures, and project financial performance for the proposed campground.

    • Created a funding proposal for the Government of Alberta’s Aboriginal Business Investment Fund.

Outcomes:

  • Successfully developed and secured approval of the Indigenous Tourism Community Plan by Alexander First Nation leadership, providing a clear roadmap for community-based tourism development.

  • Completed the feasibility study for the Sandy Lake Campground, which was approved for further development into a business plan.

  • Assisted Alexander First Nation in securing $500,000 in capital infrastructure funding from Indigenous Services Canada for the RV Campground & Resort.

This integrated approach to tourism planning and development has positioned Alexander First Nation to build a sustainable tourism economy, fostering employment opportunities and economic growth within the community.