An idea that's been discussed around the City of Winkler and R.M. of Stanley council tables for awhile is moving ahead to become a reality.

Councils for the two municipalities have approved to create the position of a Business Development Officer. The position will be paid for on a 50/50 basis by the R.M. and the city.

Winkler Mayor Martin Harder says the new role will focus on both economic and community development.

He says there are times a business may need some help to get growing, sometimes they may need help to establish a business, or help in trying to run it properly. The Winkler/Stanley Economic Development Corporations is involved with that. He adds the person that fills the new role will also be involved with immigration to ensure that labour force is available.

Harder says it's a tremendous opportunity for the city to be able to partner with the R.M. of Stanley on an equal basis.

"If we look at immigration, I dare say, the last go-round, the R.M. of Stanley was probably a bigger benefactor than Winkler from that particular round. Because Schanzenfeld and Reinfeld were created because of immigration," added Harder.

"It's nice to have an equal say. The other thing that's nice about it is nobody has the priority. This is a community, equally funded, equally based position that will be equally benefitting to both parties."

Harder says they will leave the decision up to the Winkler/Stanley Economic Development Corporation as to the office location the new Business Development Officer will be based out of.