From Plans to Projects: The Prairies’s Project Initiation Workshop

October 8, 2025 | Polytechnic University, Red Deer, Alberta

Moving from energy plans to real-world projects is one of the biggest challenges facing municipalities and Indigenous communities working toward a sustainable energy future. Co-hosted by MCCAC and QUEST Canada, this Project Initiation Workshop is designed to bridge that gap—offering practical tools, tailored coaching, and direct access to funders and technical experts. This one-day intensive workshop in Red Deer is for municipal staff and Indigenous community leaders in the Canadian Prairies who are actively developing energy or climate projects. Whether you’re exploring community solar, EV charging infrastructure, building retrofits, energy efficiency, or fleet electrification, this event is designed to move your project closer to implementation.

Who Should Attend? This workshop is designed for Indigenous community and municipal staff members involved in:

• Sustainable energy initiatives such as community solar, building retrofits, and electric vehicle infrastructure
• Project planning, financial management, and development roles

Why Attend? Through hands-on sessions, participants will advance their own energy project concepts—refining scopes, strengthening financial strategies, and identifying clear next steps. You’ll also connect with clean-tech providers, peers, and funders who can support your goals.

Participants will leave with:

• A refined project scope and clear critical path
• An initial financial model and detailed funding strategy
• A solid plan for hiring contractors and managing project execution
• Increased confidence to implement sustainable energy projects and navigate challenges
• A strong network of funders, consultants, and solution providers to support future development

This event builds on QUEST’s successful 2024 model and offers deeper dives into technical design, contracting, and financing. Travel support is available for eligible participants, with a focus on rural and remote communities.

Registration is open exclusively to staff and leadership from municipalities or Indigenous Communities located in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba.

Workshop Location: Red Deer Polytechnic | 100 Donald Blvd, Red Deer, AB T4N 5H5

We are delighted to host From Plans to Projects at Red Deer Polytechnic—a forward-thinking institution unbound by tradition and deeply committed to applied learning, community impact, and innovation. With strong emphasis on energy innovation, sustainability, and industry-aligned applied research, RDP offers state-of-the-art facilities like the Energy Innovation Centre and Alternative Energy Lab, making it an excellent setting for a action-focused workshop aimed at bridging plans with the implementation of sustainable energy projects.

This campus embodies values of agility, bravery, connection, discovery, and empowerment—mirroring QUEST Canada’s own mission to activate local leadership in Canada’s clean energy transition. Its dynamic, real-world learning environment—where students, faculty, and industry collaborate—makes it a natural fit for municipalities and Indigenous communities looking to turn energy plans into meaningful action.

Thank You to Our Sponsors We are grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, whose partnership makes this Plans to Projects workshop in the Canadian Prairies possible. Their commitment to activating community leadership and shaping a fair and lasting energy future is key to our shared success.

Interested in Sponsoring? Align your organization with Canada’s sustainable energy future and connect directly with municipal and Indigenous project leaders driving local implementation. Sponsorship opportunities provide high-value exposure, meaningful engagement, and a chance to support innovative clean energy solutions. To learn more about how your organization can get involved, please review our sponsorship package (hyperlinked below) or contact us via email at mschweyer@questcanada.org.

With Gratitude to Our Program Supporters This event is made possible through the generous support of  Cenovus, the Government of Alberta, the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre, and Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), whose ongoing commitment to the Net-Zero Communities Accelerator (NCA) program empowers us to deliver workshops that advance our shared goals. We’re deeply grateful for their foundational support through the broader program that enables this important work.