The investment must be made or actively in process at filing, so construction can begin before, but you should not move to the United States to run it until you hold status that permits it. Many investors file, continue building from Canada with a U.S. manager, and relocate after the immigrant visa issues.
Build with money now; work with status later
Form I-526 must show that the capital has been invested or that the investor is actively in the process of investing, with the funds irrevocably committed. Spending on land, pens and a mill before filing is therefore consistent with the rule and makes the job-creation plan more credible. What Dale cannot do is take up residence in the United States and manage the operation day to day before he holds a status that allows it; visits to inspect construction, meet contractors and sign documents are permitted as a visitor, but running the yard is not.
His engagement in policy formulation can be demonstrated from Alberta during this period through officer resolutions, budget approvals and correspondence with the U.S. manager. Once the petition is approved and a visa number is available, he and the family process at the consulate and enter as conditional residents, at which point full-time management on site is expected.
The two-year conditional period, and the I-829 filing window in its last ninety days, run from that admission date.