EDA Invest In Alberta 2019

EQUALITY IN EQUITY: Two First Nations blaze a new trail with a unique partnership

BUDDING OPPORTUNITY: A fledgling cannabis industry sprouts with global ambitions

GAME ON: Central Alberta scores big hosting the Canada Winter Games

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS ALBERTA

PM#40030911

Capitalizing on its entrepreneurial spirit, Alberta is embracing new opportunities to build an economic powerhouse for the future

I N V E S T I N A L B E R TA 2 0 1 9 | B U S I N E S S A N D I N V E S T M E N T A C R O S S A L B E R TA

Where business thrives.

Invest Alberta

If you’re considering Alberta as a place to start or grow your operation, Invest Alberta should be your first stop. Our team of investment professionals will give you the lay of the land, help you map out your next steps and give you the customized guidance you need to succeed.

Your government connection for success.

• Market intelligence and opportunity analysis • Capital funding and incentive programs • Government and business partners • Navigate regulatory challenges • Match investors and investees • Site selectors and regional municipalities InvestAlberta.ca Invest Alberta Invest.Alberta@gov.ab.ca

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edaalberta.ca investalbertamag.ca

ALBERTA MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TRADE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

ALBERTA: WHERE INVESTMENT THRIVES A great place to do business GLOBAL DEMAND FOR HIGH-QUALITY AGRI-FOODS Alberta’s agricultural products have an international reputation for quality and food safety. There is tremendous investment potential for the province’s agriculture sector to expand into the global marketplace and to grow the agri-food processing industry through innovative new processes and materials.

Government support programs are also driving innovation, accelerating the commercialization of new products and maximizing opportunities in every region of the province.

Alberta is open for business, offering investors and businesses the conditions for successful investment prospects and partnerships.

INVEST ALBERTA CONNECTS INVESTORS WITH OPPORTUNITIES

WITH CANADA’S MOST RESILIENT AND

Alberta is doubling its support for the petrochemical sector, with a total investment of $2.1 billion to promote stable, petrochemical upgrading now and in the future.

fastest growing economy, Alberta is one of the most attractive places to invest in North America. Business analysts forecast Alberta’s economy will continue to see continual growth over the next few years.

With a reputation as a business-friendly environment, the province has attracted Fortune 500 companies, global energy leaders and innovative start-ups looking for the best return on their investment.

The oil and gas industry drives Alberta’s economy, followed by agriculture, technology and tourism. The province is expanding its economy by developing new opportunities, encouraging investment and finding new ways to get Alberta’s products into new markets.

Strong legislation is in place to diversify the economy, there are plenty of tax incentives and business support programs in place to help businesses of all sizes thrive.

New and emerging areas for investment include the petrochemicals sector where innovation is turning oil and gas resources into more valuable products. Growth in this sector is expected to generate about $20.6 billion in private investment. The province is also doubling its support for the sector, with its total investment of $2.1 billion to promote stable, petrochemical upgrading now and in the future.

Invest Alberta is a one-stop government connection to doing business in Alberta. For investors and businesses considering Alberta, the team of investment professionals at Invest Alberta provide advice, information, contacts and assistance in all areas of an investment project including: • starting a business in Alberta • navigating Alberta’s regulatory environment • accessing business programs • providing guidance to capital access opportunities • analyzing and helping meet your labour requirements • working with municipal partners on site-specific opportunities • providing state-of-the-art industry data and analysis • helping to maximize the value of Alberta’s world-class infrastructure With an extensive network of international and local contacts, Invest Alberta provides a centralized, coordinated service to support investment across all industries and in all regions of the province.

The team provides business connection services by matching potential investors with prospects that focus on high value, high impact investment.

Alberta offers a business climate second to none. Invest Alberta is there to help investors and businesses find exciting new ventures that succeed.

OPPORTUNITIES IN ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES Huge potential also exists for Alberta’s high-tech industry, where the province is a global leader in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, health innovation, big data and renewable energy.

Alberta’s expertise in aerospace technology is contributing to the province’s export growth, both at home and abroad, as the sector continues to attract attention.

The average annual growth rate of Alberta’s expanding clean technology companies is 5.6 per cent, offering untapped investment opportunities and earning potential across a number of sectors, from software development to agriculture.

For more information contact: invest.alberta@gov.ab.ca | InvestAlberta.ca linkedin.com/company/invest-alberta + 1 587 998 3510 1 855 WHY ALTA (North America only)

CONTENTS

2019 THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS ALBERTA

98

DEPARTMENTS 7

Alberta's Economic Regions

8

Messages

28

12 Alberta By the Numbers 16 City Profiles 114 Member Directory

44

FEATURES

7

28 Chasing the Wind Strong prairie winds and vast amounts of land are drawing investment from around the world to build a thriving renewable energy sector in Alberta

36 In a Haze of Glory Entrepreneurs across Alberta have laid significant roots – and investment – to turn the province’s burgeoning cannabis industry into a global powerhouse

36 48 56 ON THE COVER: Starry night over Vermilion Lakes, Banff National Park.

Photo: Travel Alberta / Stephen Underhay

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60

SECTORS

64

43 ENERGY & PETROCHEMICALS 44 Adding More Value A new wave of petrochemical production facilities

are nearing completion and Alberta already has plans for more

48 Think Locally, Act Locally With an operational headquarters in

88

Grande Prairie, a major oil and gas company produces results for the region’s economic development

55 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE 56 On Guard in Cold Lake A northeastern Alberta city plans to harness the

unique economic opportunities of being home to a military base

60 Out of Sight A remote village in southeastern Alberta is a proving ground for

drone advancements in Canada

63 FINANCIAL SERVICES 64 A Bitumen Bond Two Alberta First Nations tap into the bond market for

72

a first-of-its kind financing deal

65 Capital Distribution An indirect investment from Alberta’s government

66

has boosted the province’s tech sector Banking on the Future Alberta’s largest home-grown financial institution puts cutting-edge technology to work

90

71 AGRICULTURE & AGRI-FOODS 72 Feeding the World A supercluster of agri-food operations in southern

Alberta are planting the seed for global growth

76 Flower Power A Hutterite colony in central Alberta is on the verge of

76

bringing global recognition to the province’s vast canola production

79 FORESTRY 80 Material World BioComposites Group is out to prove that one industry’s

waste is another industry’s billion-dollar treasure

94

82 Bridging the Digital Divide Alberta’s pulp and paper mills find

innovative ways to remain relevant in an increasingly digital world

87 ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH 88 Silicon Prairie Calgary’s efforts to grow its tech sector and draw established

ventures to the city are starting to pay off

89 Level Up Alberta’s video game developers tap into a new tax credit to

accelerate growth

90 Teamwork Makes the Dream Work TEC Edmonton formed two

80

international partnerships that could play a key role in helping tech start-ups access global markets

93 ARTS & TOURISM 94 Going for Gold Central Alberta is looking to score a long-term economic

106

boost from hosting the Canada Winter Games

98 The Final Frontier Tourism ventures across Alberta are tapping into the

province’s breathtaking landscape to offer unique experiences

103 TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS 106 A Tale of Two Retailers Two of the world’s largest companies have

established distribution hubs in a tiny Alberta community

107 Electric Avenues An electric vehicle road trip is now a reality in Alberta

82

thanks to a growing network of fast-charging stations

111 Going Global Custom transport equipment manufacturer broadens its

reach to offset economic cycles

Past Present Future

107 2019

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

JEDI

VENTURE DRIVEN Ensuring Success in our Region THE JOINT ECONOMIC Development Initiative (JEDI) is a dynamic economic development organization serving its two municipal partners, the County of Wetaskiwin and the Town of Millet.

We are a non-profit organization that facilitates strong, sustainable economic growth in our region. From navigating industrial land development and expanding your operations, to leading merger and acquisition opportunities and facilitating foreign investment, we’re here to help.

JEDI provides clients with vital statistics, tailored resources, important contacts, proactive planning and expert follow-through.

We know your bottom line drives where you situate your business. Located in Central Alberta, 40 km south of the Capital City of Edmonton, our affordable land and efficient economy can

support and grow your operations. Compared to nearby urban municipalities, we offer lower cost options for prime industrial property. Our region is in a central transportation sector, located 30 km south of the Edmonton International Airport, with three high-capacity highways that are part of key North American transport corridors, as well as a national railway.

If you are looking for industrial property, we can provide you with all the details on the vast variety of industrial properties available, in order for you to make an educated decision on the perfect fit for your business.

As your partner for industry development, investment and expansion, JEDI is driven to help you with all your needs. To learn more about the JEDI advantage visit www.jedialberta.com

For more information, contact Joan Miller, Director Economic Development Joint Economic Development (JEDI) 780-361-6231 jmiller@jedialberta.com www.jedialberta.com

JEDI

It happens here!

Affordable land rich with resources, a skilled workforce and accessible transportation options – our region holds ample opportunities for the ambitious.

• • • • •

Serviced industrial land at ½ the market price of the adjacent capital region Located in Central Alberta’s manufacturing and logistics hub On 3 high-capacity North American corridor highways Access to a labour force of 334,000 focused on skilled trades 30 km south of Edmonton International Airport and the Leduc-Nisku Industrial Park See what the JEDI advantage is about by visiting www.jedialberta.com

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ALBERTA'S ECONOMIC REGIONS 2019

Battle River Calgary Capital Central Mackenzie

Suite 127 #406, 917-85 Street SW Calgary, Alberta Canada T3H 5Z9 Toll Free: 1-866-671-8182 www.edaalberta.ca

North Central Northeast Palliser Peace Country Slave Lake

South Central Southwest West Yellowhead Wood Buffalo

This map highlights the exciting stories of economic innovation contained in this edition of Invest in Alberta magazine and where they are taking place, and is not meant to be a representation of the entirety of activity taking place in any specific region of the province or in Alberta as a whole.

PRESIDENT: Christopher King CEO: Leann Hackman-Carty MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS: Nancy Toombs ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Janice Grant

WOOD BUFFALO

MACKENZIE

• High Level

PUBLISHED BY: RedPoint Media & Marketing Solutions #100, 1900-11 Street SE Calgary, Alberta Canada T2G 3G2 Phone: 403-240-9055 www.redpointmedia.ca

•

Fort McMurray ■

PEACE COUNTRY

PRESIDENT AND CEO: Pete Graves GROUP PUBLISHER: Joyce Byrne EDITOR: Steve Macleod ART DIRECTOR: Charles Burke PRODUCTION MANAGER: Mike Matovich ADVERTISING SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIST: Anita McGillis

• Peace River ■

SLAVE LAKE

• Grande Prairie ■

Cold Lake ■

NORTH CENTRAL

CLIENT RELATIONS MANAGER: Natalie Morrison SALES RESOURCES: Robin Cook, Erin Starchuk

•

NORTHEAST

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT: Rob Kelly ■ Edmonton

Lloydminster ■

CAPITAL

•

WEST YELLOWHEAD

• Jasper

BATTLE RIVER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jessica Barratt, Justin Bell, Eric Blair, Robin Brunet, Glenn Cook, Michael Ganley, Lewis Kelly, Michelle Lindstrom, Tricia Radison, Christopher Schieman, Dawn Smith, Kelley Stark, R.P. Stastny, Theresa Tayler

CENTRAL

•

■ Red Deer

• Banff

• Calgary

PALLISER

CALGARY

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ILLUSTRATORS Alan Dyer, Heff O'Reilly, Paul Jen, Darryl Propp, Raymond Reid

SOUTHWEST

SOUTH CENTRAL

• Medicine Hat ■

• Lethbridge ■ SPECIAL FEATURES

PM # 40030911 Copyright © 2019.

Invest in Alberta is printed on Forest Stewardship Council® certified paper

| 25, 37

ENERGY & PETROCHEMICALS | 45 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE

Past Present Future

| 55

FINANCIAL SERVICES

| 65

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH | 93

AGRICULTURE & AGRI-FOODS

| 75

ARTS & TOURISM

| 101

| 85

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

| 111

FORESTRY

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MESSAGE from ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS ALBERTA

Welcome to Invest in Alberta WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF Economic Developers Alberta (EDA). We invite you to explore the pages of the 2019 edition of Invest in Alberta to read about a province that is vibrant, innovative, inclusive, and diverse.

In this magazine and in its accompanying microsite (www.investalbertamag.ca) you will read a sampling of the exceptional opportunities this province has to offer: learn about the multi-billion dollar petrochemical plants in our industrial heartland; the innovative way two Alberta First Nations purchased an equity stake in a major Canadian integrated energy company; and the millions of square feet of laboratories and production facilities of the budding cannabis industry.

This publication also gives you valuable information on the economic regions of Alberta as well as timely statistics about our diverse economy. We hope you find this information valuable and consider the benefits to you and your business as of we offer some of the

Christopher King, President Economic Developers Alberta

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best investment opportunities in the world today.

In 2019, EDA celebrates its 45th anniversary. For nearly half a century, our organization has been providing its members with resources, professional development and networking opportunities. EDA serves a varied membership of economic development professionals from across the province. By equipping these experts with the latest economic development resources, they in turn create thriving communities.

Our 45th anniversary theme of “Celebrate the Past.

Thrive in the Present. Excel in the Future� highlights our ongoing commitment to serve our members, to advance economic development as a profession, and to support Alberta communities in fostering sustainable economic prosperity.

Come to Alberta to discover this thriving province and meet our entrepreneurial people. Albertans are creating conditions to continue to excel in the future and we invite you to be a part of it.

Leann Hackman-Carty, CEO Economic Developers Alberta

edaalberta.ca investalbertamag.ca

connect the thoughts

Engage your audience with custom and branded content solutions from a team of master storytellers. redpointmedia.ca Publisher of Invest in Alberta, the official magazine of Economic Developers Alberta.

Northern Alberta has always been a place of innovation. For decades, we've been busy developing better ways to extract and transport natural resources to help fuel the world's growth.

A Bright Future.

As the world changes, we're leveraging our existing strengths to take on modern challenges: using our industrial know-how to become leaders in the development of wind and solar power & enhanced resource recovery.

We welcome new partners to take advantage of what our County has to offer: • • • • •

Modern Industrial Infrastructure Growth-Minded Governance A Highly Trained Workforce Affordable Land Incredible Secondary Service Opportunities

To learn more, please visit us at countyofnorthernlights.com

I N S P I R I N G G R O W T H , I L L U M I N AT I N G L I V E S

County of Northern Lights A L B E R TA , C A N A D A

By the NUMBERS

$100.2 billion MAJOR EXPORTS 2017 Total Merchandise Exports

$58.7 Crude

Petroleum $9.4 Natural Gas

& Gas Liquids $8.2 Petrochemicals $5.8 Crops &

Livestock $5.3 Processed

Food &

Beverages $3.6 Metals &

Machinery $3.4 Forestry

Products $2.0 Refined

Petroleum

Products $0.9 Electronic &

Electrical

Products $0.8 Transportation

Equipment $2.1 Others

$68.4 billion ENERGY EXPORTS 2017

13.7% Natural Gas & Gas Liquids 0.5% Coal & Sulphur 85.8% Crude Oil

$331.9 billion ECONOMIC DIVERSITY Percentage distribution of GDP in 2017

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16.3% Oil & Gas and

Mining 8.3% Manufacturing 6.6% Transportation

& Utilities 10.8% Business &

Commercial

Services 11.8% Real Estate 4.7% Finance &

Insurance 5.0% Tourism &

Consumer

Services 9.3% Retail &

Wholesale 5.4% Public

Administration 4.1% Education 6.4% Health Care 2.0% Agriculture &

Forestry 9.5% Construction

edaalberta.ca investalbertamag.ca

On average, Alberta’s 4.3 million people are the youngest of all Canadian provinces, with a median age of 36.7 years, and 68.6 percent of the province’s labour force aged 25 years and older has a post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate.

In 2017, almost 2.3 million Albertans were employed, international merchandise exports were $100 billion, investment totaled $57 billion, and per capita investment in Alberta was $13,337, more than twice the national average of $6,450.

Between 2007 and 2017, Alberta accounted for 20 percent of Canada’s population growth. In fact, Alberta’s population increase of 22 percent over that period was the largest increase of any province or state in North America.

Although Alberta’s oil, gas and mining sector remains the largest percentage of the province’s GDP, several non-energy sectors displayed considerable growth from 1986 to 2016, including: Construction – 7.0 to 10.7 percent of GDP Finance, Insurance and Real Estate – 13.5 to 16.7 percent of GDP Business and Commercial Services – 6.6 to 11.7 percent of GDP

GROWTH IN SELECTED INDICATORS

LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY

2016 Real GDP Per Hour Worked (in 2007 constant dollars)

2006-2016 Percent Change Alberta

Canada Alberta

Population

Newfoundland & Labrador Saskatchewan Employment

Canada British Columbia

GDP

Manitoba Ontario Quebec

Merchandise Exports

New Brunswick Nova Scotia

Investment

Prince Edward Island

0

5

10

15

20

25

PER CAPITA INVESTMENT

$0

$10

$20

$30

$40

$50

$60

$70

$80

NET FINANCIAL ASSETS/DEBT

2016

2016-2017 Percent of GDP

Newfoundland & Labrador Alberta

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan

British Columbia

Manitoba

Manitoba

Canada

Prince Edward Island

British Columbia

Canada

Ontario

Nova Scotia

Quebec

Ontario New Brunswick New Brunswick

Nova Scotia

Newfoundland & Labrador

Prince Edward Island

Quebec $0

$5,000

$10,000

$15,000

$20,000

*Investment in new housing is not included in these estimates.

-50%

-40%

-30%

-20%

-10%

0%

Sources: Alberta Economic Development and Trade, Alberta Energy Regulator, Alberta Treasury Board, Conference Board of Canada, Statistics Canada

#EDA2019 @edaalberta www.edaalberta.ca

2019 ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE & AGM Celebrate the Past. Thrive in the Present. Excel in the Future.

April 3-5, 2019 The Banff Centre; Banff, Alberta

Past Present Future

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CO-OPERATIVES FIRST

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

IT’S OKAY TO GET SOME GUIDANCE Economic Developers can help navigate regulation

delays can become significant. Besides being tedious, delays can also create planning, financing and operating challenges.

“Getting guidance from someone who’s been through the process brings familiarity, and this familiarity offers entrepreneurs confidence,” said Krueger. “Plus, government processes and expectations for timelines become clearer.”

GOVERNANCE For incorporated organizations, being asked to create bylaws without context is often frustrating and confusing.

“Sample bylaws or templates are helpful starting points,” said Krueger. “But they can also create more questions. Getting a bit of external guidance with bylaws is a good idea.”

Some governments participate in the process. In BC, the province has a standard set of Rules of Association for co-ops. But, with 25 pages of legalese and 170 provisions to choose from, this is not an easy job.

In Alberta, entrepreneurs start their bylaws from scratch. A blank page can be more freeing but also intimidating. Guidance from economic developers in both cases can help.

HELP IS OUT THERE LET’S FACE IT. ENTREPRENEURS ARE famous for going it alone. With guts, a clear vision and hard work, setting up a business can be straight-forward—co-ops included.

But, it’s common to encounter regulatory barriers. Sometimes getting guidance is a good idea.

LEGAL JARGON

Starting a business takes guts, vision and hard work. But entrepreneurs don’t need to go it alone.

A common source of frustration when incorporating a business is the jargon involved. Having to navigate a few do’s and don’ts is a guarantee. Starting a co-op is no different.

“Consulting a lawyer is an option,” said Audra Krueger, Co-operatives First’s Executive Director. “But it’s not the only one.”

While lawyers play an important role, a bit of guidance from an economic development professional can mitigate the expense, she said.

Alberta’s economic development officers are an excellent resource for entrepreneurs looking to get a bit of guidance with regulation.

Setting up a business is exciting but hard. Economic developers and others are there to help with the less fun parts.

Co-operatives First helps rural and Indigenous entrepreneurs starting co-ops. They de-mystify the process, offer best-practice examples and ensure compliance with legislation. Plus, they provide encouragement and guidance along the way.

Co-operatives First also recently launched the Co-op Creator.

While designed for co-operatives, the online platform has useful tools for all entrepreneurs. One of these tools is an online business plan creator.

Beyond Co-operatives First, Economic Developers of Alberta and Community Futures have networks across Alberta. These networks are amazing resources for any entrepreneur.

Likewise, business data organizations, such as Business Link in Alberta, offer early market analysis and similar supports.

Starting a business takes guts, vision and hard work. But entrepreneurs don’t need to go it alone.

BUREAUCRACY Another pain point is incorporation. To incorporate, an individual or group submits paperwork to a “corporate registry.” The corporate registry is a government entity. Each province has one, as does the federal government.

Running into issues with this process is normal but can cause delays. With an average wait time between 2 and 8 weeks, added

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Co-operatives First 306-382-4410 info@cooperativesfirst.com CooperativesFirst.com

edaalberta.ca investalbertamag.ca

CREATING A CO-OP IS NOW EASIER

MY MY BIZ

BIZ PLAN PLAN

Thinking about starting a co-op? There’s a lot to consider. Bylaws, business plans and incorporation.

Not to mention governance and cashflow. Co-op Creator is the most straightforward resource to get your idea up and running. And it’s free. From our unique business plan generator to an online governance course, everything is covered.

Visit coopcreator.ca to get started.

POWERED BY

AROUND ALBERTA Population growth across the province continues to support economic investment in a wide variety of sectors and initiatives

BY JESSICA BARRATT ETWEEN 2006 AND 2016, ALBERTA ACCOUNTED for 22 percent of Canada’s population growth. In fact, Alberta’s population increase of 24 percent over that period was the largest increase of any province or state in North America.

Alberta’s cities played a key role in that growth. In the last 5 years of that timeframe, between 2011 and 2016, Calgary and Edmonton grew more than any other city in Canada, and Lethbridge helped round out a list of

the top five fastest growing metropolitan areas across the country.

And it’s a population that’s prepared to support economic development for decades to come. On average, the province’s 4.3 million people are the youngest of all Canadian provinces, with a median age of 36.7 years.

Here we highlight just one initiative in seven of Alberta’s largest cities that is creating economic opportunity and putting the province’s talented people to work.

CALGARY Charting a New Path to Economic Diversification

Sources: Statistics Canada, Calgary Economic Development

“We need to continue to tap into Calgary’s ‘can-do’ attitude, with passion and energy to go after and make the most out of opportunities for our city.”

– Steve Allan, executive chair of Calgary Economic Development

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If Calgary in the New Economy – with its four focus areas, 13 key initiatives and 45 actions – goes according to plan, the city might just achieve its vision of being the most entrepreneurial too.

“I love change, and every day there are new opportunities to make a difference in this city,” says Allan.

edaalberta.ca investalbertamag.ca

PHOTOS COURTESY: TRAVEL ALBERTA

CALGARY BY THE NUMBERS • Incorporated as a City: January 1, 1894 • Current Mayor: Naheed Nenshi • Population (2016): 1,239,220 • Population Change 2011-2016: 13% • Land Area: 826 sq. km • Major Project Investment: $22.7 billion • Annual GDP per Capita (2017): $80,811 • Median Household Income: $99,583

CALGARY’S ECONOMY HAS DRAMATICALLY changed over the last five years. While energy continues to be the backbone of Alberta’s largest city, an ambitious strategy has been created to capitalize on the city’s strengths and transform the local economy over the next 10 years.

In June 2018, Calgary’s city council unanimously approved the new economic strategy, Calgary in the New Economy. The 10-year plan aims to make Canada’s third largest municipality the city of choice in Canada for entrepreneurs.

“Transformative times require bold actions,” says Steve Allan, executive chair of Calgary Economic Development.

“We need to continue to tap into Calgary’s ‘can-do’ attitude, with passion and energy to go after and make the most out of opportunities for our city.”

And tapping into Calgary’s people – or Calgarians – is one of the strategy’s focus areas. Calgary is one of Canada’s youngest cities with a median age of 36.8 and consistently posts one of the highest levels of economic output per person in Canada – approximately $73,000 in 2017. With seven post-secondary institutions and 27 percent of degree completions in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs, it makes sense that building on this talent and focusing on innovation in the business-to-business sector is another focus of the strategy.

In addition to talent and innovation, the other two focus areas of the strategy are business environment and place.

Place seems to have already taken care of itself as Calgary was ranked as the fifth most livable city in the world by The Economist Intelligence Unit every year from 2008 to 2017, and in 2018 jumped up one spot to fourth overall, making Calgary the most livable city in North America.

EDMONTON The Festival City Gets Serious About the Future EDMONTON HAS CERTAINLY EARNED ITS reputation as The Festival City. Alberta’s capital city hosts over 75 festivals a year, including major film, food and culture events. The city is adding to its impressive list of world-class events in 2019 when it hosts the SingularityU Canada Summit.

The two-day Edmonton event will be only the second SingularityU Summit held in Canada, following the first edition that was held in Toronto in 2017. The SingularityU Canada Summit is presented by Singularity University, a benefit corporation that was established in 2008 by tech industry innovators Ray Kurzweil and Peter Diamandis, and is partnered with organizations such as Google, Deloitte, Genentech, and UNICEF. The Edmonton summit aims to inspire participants to think big, take risks and have a global impact using innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital biology.

“Edmonton’s best asset is the people who live here. We’re a city of makers and risk takers, of doers and dreamers. We’re a city that extends a hand and then rolls up its sleeves to make things happen,” says Derek Hudson, CEO of Edmon-

ton Economic Development Corporation.

The SingularityU Canada Summit is being held at the Shaw Conference Centre, an event space that sits at the foot of Edmonton’s downtown core – which is currently going through its own innovative transformation, including the addition of a public plaza that can accommodate up to 10,000 people.

The public plaza is part of the ICE District, the centrepiece of $5.5-billion in active investment helping revitalize the province’s capital city. The expansive ICE District is a 25-acre development that combines condos, office towers, a hotel and Rogers Place (the new arena for the city’s professional hockey team the Edmonton Oilers). While many amenities are already open for business, complete construction of the ICE District is expected to be complete in 2020, which will also include the 60-storey Stantec Tower, the tallest skyscraper west of Toronto.

“Our goal is to work with the community to help build a prosperous and resilient Edmonton economy by attracting seven levers of economic wealth: direct flights, talent/students, major events, conferences and conventions, visitors, business and investment,” says Hudson.

EDMONTON BY THE NUMBERS • Incorporated as a City: October 8, 1904 • Current Mayor: Don Iveson • Population (2016): 932,546 • Population Change 2011-2016: 14.8% • Land Area: 685 sq. km • Impact from Hosting Major Events (2017): $28.7 million • Increase in Median Household Income Since 2005: 26.6% • Average Household Income: $91,860

Sources: Statistics Canada, Edmonton Economic Development Corp.

COPYRIGHT © ICE DISTRICT JV INC. 2015. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

“Our goal is to work with the community to help build a prosperous and resilient Edmonton economy by attracting seven levers of economic wealth: direct flights, talent/ students, major events, conferences and conventions, visitors, business and investment.”

PHOTOS: D. PROPP PHOTOGRAPHY

– Derek Hudson, CEO of Edmonton Economic Development Corp.

ICE District Public Plaza (top) Royal Alberta Museum (left) MacEwan University's Allard Hall Past Present Future

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RED DEER Big City Living with a Small Town Feel THE CITY OF RED DEER IS RE-IMAGINING WHAT community means to Albertans. New residential developments in Alberta’s third largest city are hoping to capitalize on its location and further increase the city’s base.

Red Deer is within a two-hour drive from over 80 percent of the province’s population thanks to its location in central Alberta and close proximity to the Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Alberta’s main north-south artery that includes a nearly 300-km route between Edmonton and Calgary, and sees more than 16 million trips annually by automobile.)

“It seems cliché, but Red Deer truly is a city with all the conveniences of a larger municipality with the charm of a small town,” says John Sennema, manager of land and economic development with the City of Red Deer.

One of the most notable developments in Red Deer is Capstone at Riverlands. The major urban development is in the heart of the city, nestled along the banks of the Red Deer River. The riverfront community promises residents much more than a traditional suburban expansion with mixed-use urban spaces cradled by the area’s

RED DEER BY THE NUMBERS • Incorporated as a City: March 25, 1913 • Current Mayor: Tara Veer • Population (2016): 100,418 • Population Change 2011-2016: 10.9% • Land Area: 105 sq. km • Average House Price (3 bedroom): $349,900 • Median Household Income: $93,098

Sources: Statistics Canada, City of Red Deer

natural beauty and direct access to Red Deer’s historic downtown core.

The development will feature a mix of medium to high-density housing, such as condos and townhomes; commercial development, including retail centres, offices, dining and a hotel development; and pedestrian-friendly streets acting as social spaces, a public market, and artist studios. All this is designed to not only attract residents to Red Deer but to further diversify the city as an office hub.

“Red Deer is primarily known for its oil and gas service economy along with strong ties to manufacturing, agriculture and agri-processing industries,” says Sennema. “Given our very strategic location we are also focused on attracting additional mixed-use opportunities specific to office, professional and retail development in our downtown core. External support from the province granting Red Deer College the opportunity to pursue university status will further support economic diversity. This will ensure an increase in the range of services and amenities available to our local residents, workers, visitors and the greater central Alberta region of over 350,000 people.”

“Given our very strategic location we are also focused on attracting additional mixeduse opportunities specific to office, professional and retail development in our downtown core.”

PHOTO COURTESY: CITY OF RED DEER

– John Sennema, manager of land and economic development with the City of Red Deer

WATERFRONT VIEW: Red Deer's new downtown district is designed to attract both commercial and residential development.

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LETHBRIDGE New Economic Opportunity is Spudding in Southern Alberta THE POTATO GROWERS OF ALBERTA ESTIMATES potato-related agribusiness injects more than $1 billion into Alberta’s economy and Cavendish Farms is hoping to build on that number.

The family-owned potato processor in southern Alberta is in the midst of a $360-million expansion of its operations, which is expected to be complete in 2019.

“It’s a project that is good for the entire region,” says Trevor Lewington, CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge, speaking to the published projections that the new Cavendish plant will almost triple the plant’s annual production.

The agriculture industry in general has been good for the southern Alberta region surrounding Lethbridge. Strategically located along the north-south CANAMEX corridor – a highway network that runs through Alberta as it connects northeastern British Columbia with Mexico – Lethbridge’s agriculture and agri-food business makes up approximately

16 percent of the city’s GDP. This prime location that’s surrounded by fertile prairie farmland has helped position Lethbridge as the perfect location for new or expanding companies to call home, where people and resources come together to create prosperous change, including food processors.

Southern Alberta’s potato producers are teaming up with academic researchers in a unique partnership to tackle issues – such as crop disease – that all producers face. The Potato Growers of Alberta, Lamb Weston, McCain’s and Cavendish Farms joined together to support the Potato Research Lab at the University of Lethbridge.

“Whether it’s helping a start-up access funding or a large industrial investor find the right land, or just linking two existing business owners together to solve a mutual problem, we want to be a broker of opportunity,” says Lewington.

LETHBRIDGE BY THE NUMBERS • Incorporated as a City: May 9, 1906 • Current Mayor: Chris Spearman • Population (2016): 92,729 • Population Change 2011-2016: 11% • Land Area: 122 sq. km • Major Project Investment: $1.1 billion • Median Household Income: $87,570

Sources: Statistics Canada, Economic Development Lethbridge

“Whether it’s helping a start-up access funding or a large industrial investor find the right land, or just linking two existing business owners together to solve a mutual problem, we want to be a broker of opportunity.”

PHOTO COURTESY: UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

– Trevor Lewington, CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge

Dr. Dmytro Yevtushenko, Research Chair in Potato Science and students from University of Lethbridge's Potato Research Lab Past Present Future

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WOOD BUFFALO Major Projects Energize Economic Development

WOOD BUFFALO BY THE NUMBERS • Incorporated as a City: April 1, 1995 • Current Mayor: Don Scott • Population (2016): 71,589 • Population Change 2011-2016: 9.2% • Regional Population* (2015): 125,032 • Land Area: 61,778 sq. km • Investment from Rebuilding After 2016 Wildfire: $5.4 billion • Median Household Income: $196,285

THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WOOD Buffalo is a major economic engine for Alberta – and for Canada. Physically located in the world’s third largest oil reserve, the northeast region of the province remains poised to respond to the estimated 31 percent increase in global energy demands over the next 20 years.

“Wood Buffalo, including Fort McMurray, is an epicentre for future economic growth,” says Amanda Haitas, manager with Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation. “Investors have significant impacts in our region because there is truly an environment that encourages innovation and growth.”

No one knows this better than the region’s natural resource developers. Teck Resources, for example, is currently seeking approval for a $20-billion project that

would be one of the largest investments in the history of the oil sands. The major international mining company has already secured 14 participation agreements with the region’s Cree, Dene, and Métis communities to move forward in commercializing the 292 square kilometre project.

Located 110 kilometres north of Fort McMurray, the proposed operation will draw more residents to the region through the creation of about 2,500 permanent jobs, as well as employment for about 7,000 workers during construction.

Teck Resources estimates the project will pay out $66 billion in taxes and royalties over the projected 41-year life of the mine, ultimately adding to the already robust business sector and community infrastructure in Wood Buffalo.

*Includes rural service area and temporary residents working in the region for more than 30 days per year Sources: Alberta Government, Statistics Canada, Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corp.

“Investors have significant impacts in our region because there is truly an environment that encourages innovation and growth.”

– Amanda Haitas, manager with Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corp.

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PHOTO: PAUL JEN

BRIGHT FUTURE: Major energy developments on the horizon create growth opportunities for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

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MEDICINE HAT A Fertile Environment for Burgeoning Industries THE CITY OF MEDICINE HAT HAS BEEN IN THE energy business since natural gas was first discovered in the southeast corner of the province. For over 100 years, the city has owned and operated its power utility, as well as an oil and gas company.

This proven support of a nascent industry over a century ago, as well as low electricity costs and an average of 330 days of sunshine a year, has drawn the attention of this century’s burgeoning industry – cannabis production.

Aurora Cannabis – a public producer with an $8.8 billion market cap – is building a 1.5 million square foot greenhouse in Medicine Hat. The company’s Aurora Sun facility, which will begin operations in 2019 and be fully operational in 2020, is expected to employ approximately

450 locals and improve the city’s GDP by $17 million.

“It’s exciting to see the positive economic impact that new industry has on the community,” says Jon Sookocheff, director of business development with Invest Medicine Hat. “Many of us have come from across the country and around the world to make this city our home – and we embrace others who want to do the same.”

Working toward a future that benefits all its citizens, Medicine Hat is well-positioned to move forward as a leader in cannabis and hemp production, as well as renewable energy, clean tech, and food processing – other industries gaining traction in southeast Alberta, where more than $3.5 billion in related projects have been planned.

MEDICINE HAT BY THE NUMBERS • Incorporated as a City: May 9, 1906 • Current Mayor: Ted Clugston • Population (2016): 63,260 • Population Change 2011-2016: 5.4% • Land Area: 112 sq. km • Average Annual Days of Sunshine: 330 • Median Household Income: $72,806

Sources: Statistics Canada, Invest Medicine Hat

“It’s exciting to see the positive economic impact that new industry has on the community.”

PHOTO COURTESY: AURORA CANNABIS

– Jon Sookocheff, director of business development with Invest Medicine Hat

CASH CROP: The Aurora Sun facility, when fully operational, is expected to employ about 450 people and add $17 million to Medicine Hat's GDP. Past Present Future

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GRANDE PRAIRIE Capitalizing on Industrial Diversification NAUTICOL ENERGY’S PLANS TO BUILD A $2-billion methanol manufacturing facility just 10 kilometres south of Grande Prairie is a testament to the northwestern Alberta city’s efforts to further diversify its economic base.

The plant will utilize approximately 300 million cubic feet of natural gas per day – rather than exporting the natural resource out of the region – and will create 1,000 construction jobs, as well as 200 permanent jobs.

“They’ve co-located near the existing International Paper Canada Pulp Mill (a methanol consumer), which presents utility synergies, such as water and electricity use, rail logistics, and natural gas supply,” says Rebecca Leigh, senior economic development officer with the City of Grande Prairie. “It also helps reduce the environmental impact of the plant by repurposing a brownfield and by not requiring an additional water withdrawal application.”

Nauticol’s development could also be a sign of things to

GRANDE PRAIRIE

BY THE NUMBERS • Incorporated as a City: January 1, 1958 • Current Mayor: Bill Given • Population (2016): 63,166 • Population Change 2011-2016: 13.5% • Land Area: 133 sq. km • Median Age: 31.9 • Median Household Income: $118,026 • New Development and Construction: $2.4 billion

Sources: Statistics Canada, City of Grande Prairie

come for the Tri-Municipal Industrial Partnership (TMIP). The partnership is a collaboration between the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, and the Municipal District of Greenview. The partnership has identified a 335 square kilometre region south of Grande Prairie that is set aside for heavy industrial and petrochemical development.

Served by rail, road, and pipeline infrastructure, the TMIP hopes to capitalize on the region’s untapped potential and attract environmentally conscious companies to produce value-added petroleum products – including those associated with processing and producing methane gas, urea fertilizer, and amine gas – that supports longterm employment growth for residents living in the region.

“The region’s strong diversified economy allows the city to continue to grow even during a downturn; people are drawn to the region for the endless opportunities,” says Leigh.

“The region’s strong diversified economy allows the city to continue to grow even during a downturn; people are drawn to the region for the endless opportunities.”

PHOTO COURTESY: CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE

– Rebecca Leigh, senior economic development officer with the City of Grande Prairie

FRIENDLY NEIGHBOURS: Nauticol Energy is co-locating its new plant with an existing commercial facility to take advantage of infrastructure synergies.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

CITY OF RED DEER

A WEALTH OF OPPORTUNITIES Become a part of a community that shares your vision and fits your lifestyle INTRODUCING CAPSTONE AT Riverlands. A visionary new urban community designed for easier, more balanced living. Nestled along the banks of the Red Deer River, this city within a city will be home to condos, townhomes, hotels, offices, retail, shopping, dining, arts and culture. Capstone residents will enjoy beautiful natural amenities and downtown conveniences all within an upscale urban environment.

With approximately 20 acres of developable land, Capstone at Riverlands provides a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for riverfront development in a city’s downtown core. The Capstone community will include a mix of medium to high-density housing with commercial development that offers office space, shopping, dining, lush green parks, urban gardens, plazas and courtyards. It will showcase unique green spaces, water features, pedestrian-friendly and

well-connected streetscapes, enhanced trail connections to the river valley, the extensive Waskasoo Park trail system and a beautifully designed Riverwalk.

As a growing city of more than 100,000 citizens and centrally located along Alberta’s busiest transportation corridor between Edmonton and Calgary, Red Deer has a wealth of opportunities for new businesses. The Capstone district offers the perfect location for entrepreneurs who want to tap into the buy-local movement and connect to their customers on a first-name basis. Become a part of a community that shares your vision and fits your lifestyle. Live where you work and exchange commute time for more downtime. Re-write your to-do list with things you actually want to do. Fill the days with more wonder and the nights with more wonderful. See yourself here. See yourself in Capstone at Riverlands.

The Capstone team is now selling serviced land parcels and is looking for innovative developers wishing to seize this incredible opportunity. More information can be found at www.liveincapstone.ca.

Cory Edinga, Project Manager The City of Red Deer 403-342-8106 capstone@reddeer.ca www.liveincapstone.ca

A visionary new riverside community comes to Red Deer.

Introducing Capstone at Riverlands: a revolutionary masterplanned urban community designed for easier, more balanced living. Nestled along the banks of the Red Deer River, this city within a city will be home to condos, townhomes, hotels, offices, retail, shopping, dining, arts and culture. Step out your door and onto a nature trail. This is community re-imagined.

Subscribe now at www.liveincapstone.ca

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TOWN OF TABER

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

THE TABER REGION The Region Feeding the World

CLOSE PROXIMITY TO MAJOR MARKETS,

No other region in Canada has more potential food business partners, research capabilities and investment opportunities.

If you’re in the business of food, look no further than the Taber region!

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business-friendly municipal governments, seamless transportation corridors, a skilled workforce, and an ideal agricultural climate has allowed the Taber region to thrive. The proximity to Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Calgary and the United States border provide businesses and residents with access to the opportunities associated with those markets. Given the region’s size and rural base, businesses here are able to capitalize on immediacy to large markets while still enjoying the affordable land and development prices in our region.

The past year has seen a strong period of economic growth for the region fuelled by expansion of agricultural production and processing as well as investments in renewable energy projects. An established and superior irrigation system combined with high heat units and a lengthy frost-free period makes the Taber region ideal for many agri-food businesses. Potatoes, sugar beets, peas, lentils, carrots, wheat, beans, oats, and corn are just some of the crops that excel in the region, which in turn provides ample opportunity for a variety of value-added and complimentary businesses.

Close proximity to growers, low costs for ingredients, utility rates, land prices and low taxes are just some of the reasons global companies such as Pepsi-Co, Lantic Inc., McCain Foods, Gouw Quality Onions, and Lamb Weston have chosen to set up shop in the region and thrive here.

The variety and abundance of agricultural activities also supports innovative entrepreneurs who can think outside of the box.

There is tremendous potential for entrepreneurs to utilize bi-products and find alternative agricultural products to bring to market.

The emerging plant-based protein market is poised to take off in Southern Alberta. Currently 100% of all Albertan-produced chickpeas originate from the Taber region. Over 20,000 acres of hemp is

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produced annually, and roughly 135,000 additional acres are already committed to the production of other plant proteins.

Alongside our growth in agri-food, our area is also experiencing a boom in investments in renewable energy projects. Southern Alberta’s high heat units not only create ideal growing conditions, they also drive investments in solar power generation projects. To date, five large-scale solar project are currently approved and more are close behind them.

To help streamline processes for business in the region, the Town of Taber and the Municipal District of Taber are collaboratively engaged in a regional economic development strategy. As one team, we are actively pursuing investments in the value-added agri-processing sector in order to support local producers, construction of a multi-unit residential complexes to support the growing workforce, and expanded retail and commercial services to better serve the people of the region. To that end, our Council and Administrative Teams offer competitive land prices and utility rates to encourage development in these capacities and more.

No matter what you’re looking for, the Taber region is picture-perfect for families, new businesses, or those wishing to retire in a small community with the services of a larger centre. The natural beauty of the prairies combined with convenient access to unique geography provides an abundance of tourism and recreational opportunities. Whether you enjoy Taber’s famous Cornfest, taking a walk through our many miles of walking trails, playing a round of golf or out fishing and hunting, our region offers something for everyone to enjoy year-round.

Look no further for a community that welcomes new families, entrepreneurs ready to start their new ventures, or existing businesses looking for a thriving market to expand into. The Taber region is just waiting for you to come and grow with us. Contact us today to find out how you can be part of this growth.

For more information contact: Ben Young, Economic Development Officer Town of Taber | 403-223-5500 ext.5514 Ben.young@taber.ca www.Taber.ca

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

LETHBRIDGE COUNTY

WHO ARE WE, AND WHERE ARE WE GOING? A young, educated and diverse regional workforce LETHBRIDGE COUNTY HAS A long and productive history in agriculture (over $1 billion in annual gross farm receipts), and has diversified its economic portfolio over time to include agri-food processing, commercial and industrial parks, road/rail/air transportation services, alternative energy and an emerging bio-industrial sector. We’re excited to leverage our strengths to new initiatives such as a regional agri-food corridor and work with the Plant Protein Alliance of Alberta (PPIA) supercluster project!

WE KNOW HOW TO GROW Many businesses have found Lethbridge County to be an ideal location to establish themselves, expand their operations and prosper. A business retention and expansion (BRE) survey of County businesses conducted by MDB Insight in July 2018

found that more than 91% of businesses surveyed were either ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ being in Lethbridge County, and more than half plan to expand their operations within the next two years.

Readily available land, a young, educated and diverse regional workforce, and strong partnerships with local post-secondary and research institutions combine to provide county businesses with the elements they need for continued, sustainable success. A high quality of life, reasonable cost of living and strong local communities help provide stability and a true sense of place for both employers and employees.

WE’D LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN US! Maybe it’s time to look at a new place for growing your business, one that is focussed on sustainability, stability and continued growth and prosperity.

Contact us and see how Lethbridge County could be your company’s next home, and perhaps one of the best decisions you make!

For more information contact: Martin Ebel Economic Development Officer Lethbridge County 1-855-728-5525 mebel@lethcounty.ca www.lethcounty.ca

They’re happy to be here.

Why don’t you join us?

Over 90% satisfaction among businesses in Lethbridge County*

*based on results of the 2018 Business Retention and Expansion Survey conducted by MDB Insight. View it here: www.lethcounty.ca/business/economic-development

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Contact Martin Ebel Economic Development Officer Toll-Free North America (855) 728-5525 mebel@lethcounty.ca www.lethcounty.ca

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Calgary, Palliser, Southwest | p.28

South Central,

30%

The Alberta government has set a firm target for 30 percent of electricity used in Alberta to come from renewable sources – such as wind, hydro and solar – by 2030.

This map highlights a few areas of economic innovation in this particular sector of Alberta’s economy, and is not meant to be a representation of the entirety of activity in this sector throughout the province.

6,300MW

Alberta’s 6,300 MW of coal-fired electricity generation will be phased out by 2030.

Sources: Alberta Economic Development and Trade, Alberta Energy Regulator

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Strong prairie winds and vast amounts of land are drawing investment from around the world to build a thriving renewable energy sector in Alberta

BY MICHAEL GANLEY ILLUSTRATION HEFF O'REILLY

HE UNIQUE LANDSCAPE OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA HAS CAUGHT THE

world’s attention – in particular, wind energy developers. The wind blowing down the slopes of the Rocky Mountains remains constant and there are endless acres of land, presenting one of the best renewable energy opportunities in the world.

“Alberta is one of the greatest places in the world for wind,” says Jorge Aviles, a senior advisor with Calgary-based TransAlta Corp., which has 10 wind farms in the region and 21 in total. “Imagine being a European company coming from a place where there’s hardly any land, and you come to southern Alberta and the land never ends and on top of that you have this amazing wind all the time.”

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It’s so compelling, that everyone’s getting into it.

Small local developers and big global multinational corporations see the potential and are investing.

When the Alberta government held an auction for renewable energy projects in December 2017 under the province’s Renewable Electricity Program (REP), which is intended to encourage the development of large-scale renewable electricity generation, 12 proponents from around the world submitted bids for 26 projects. In the end, four wind projects totalling 600 MW of electricity generation were selected and all are expected to be in production by the end of 2019. The average bid price of $37/MWh set a new record-low for the price of renewable energy in Canada.

That’s good news for consumers and interest in the region from wind producers is not slowing down. The provincial government is in the midst of two more renewable energy project auctions andboth are heavily subscribed.

While that growing interest and competition among wind farm builders has driven down the price that producers receive for their product, it shows the market is far from saturated and it’s an opportunity that’s been 25 years in the making.

Canada’s commercial wind energy industry was born in southern Alberta. In 1993, at a farm called Cowley Ridge just outside the town of Pincher Creek – a town of more than 3,500 people that sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains about 215 kilometres south of Calgary – 57 turbines were built in three stages. They were small and quaint by modern standards, standing 24.5 metres and built on lattice-metal legs, like mini Eiffel Towers. Cowley

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Ridge generated 16 MW of energy at its peak, not much more than the most powerful turbine currently in development, the 12 MW Haliade-X, will do all by itself.

Cowley Ridge’s turbines lived out their useful life and were decommissioned. The turbines were removed by their final owner, TransAlta, in 2016 after 23 years of service, but the industry has kept

the amount of electricity the province gets from renewable sources from 9 percent to 30 percent.

Finally, Alberta is one of the only deregulated markets in North America, and that means it’s not controlled by large utilities. If a company can find an economical site and line up the required leases, financing and permits, it can build a project and sell the power into the wholesale market.

“Imagine being a European company, coming from a place where there’s hardly any land, and you come to southern Alberta and the land never ends and on top of that you have this amazing wind all the time.”

– Jorge Aviles, senior advisor with TransAlta Corp.

growing in the province. Alberta is now the third-largest wind energy market in Canada, with 901 turbines generating 1,483 MW, according to the Canadian Wind Energy Association.

Those numbers are set to climb considerably in the coming decade. First of all, turbines are getting less expensive and more efficient every year, making wind farms ever more economical to build and operate. The Alberta market also received a big boost from the provincial government’s Climate Leadership Plan, which, among other things, introduced a price on carbon dioxide emissions of $30 per tonne and promised to phase out Alberta’s 6,300 MW of coal-fired electricity generation by 2030. The goal is to replace two-thirds of that capacity with renewable energy, a move that would triple

The strengths of the Alberta market can be seen in the response to the fully subscribed second and third rounds of the REP, which are expected to add another 700 MW of renewable energy to the provincial grid.

Alberta Wind Energy Corp. (AWE), a Calgary-based developer of wind projects, has participated in all three REP rounds. AWE identifies potential wind farm sites, obtains leases, permissions and permits, and generally gets projects to the point of construction. Then the company brings in a larger partner to build and operate the sites.

Over the past decade, AWE has developed two projects that are now in production and is working on three more. One of those, the 250 MW Sharp Hills wind farm in southeastern Alberta, secured a

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20-year contract in the first round of the REP and is expected to be in operation by the end of 2019. It is now majority-owned by the Spanish multinational EDP Renewables. AWE also sold one development directly to an end user – IKEA – which was looking to green its energy footprint.

“When we put the company together we were seeing power prices in the $80/MWh range,” says Marc Stachiw, president of AWE, which launched a decade ago, “and they dropped down below $20 between 2014 and 2016. Now they’ve rebounded to around $45/MWh.” He says momentum is building because of low borrowing costs, 20-year power-purchase contracts that guarantee a revenue stream and low operating costs.

“Forecasts show power prices set to increase with the shutdown of the coal plants,” Stachiw says. “The economic argument that renewables are expensive doesn’t exist anymore.”

Stachiw notes that, with current power prices, the REP projects from round one are a windfall for the government. The agreements include a “renewable energy credit” which means that if the bid price is higher than the pool price of electricity, the government will pay the generators to meet the bid price. But it works the other way, too. If the bid price is lower than the pool price, the generators pay the difference to the government. The average price of $37/MWh is lower than the pool price of electricity has been in recent months.

“If you can make the case that you’re buying power lower than the wholesale price over the next 20 years to lock in a low price for ratepayers, that’s a

compelling argument no matter what political side you’re on,” he says.

The development of wind energy has brought a host of benefits to southern Alberta, including jobs, tax revenue and an income stream for many farmers who have been paid handsomely over the years for land leases. Then there have been spinoff benefits like the wind turbine technician program at Lethbridge College, which will help investors build the workforces they need to operate the farms.

That support and cooperation from local organizations is an important part of renewable energy development. Bev Thornton, executive director of the Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance – a collaboration of 16 rural communities that covers 16,705 square kilometres — says southern Alberta’s economy depends on the mountain vistas that draw tourists.

The wind turbines and transmission lines that are essential to power the renewable energy alter the scenic landscape, she adds, “so there’s always a conversation about where to put those things.”

The cost of building transmission lines is also a onsideration for many proposed projects. Southern Alberta already has a fairly good grid, but as Stachiw says, “there are only so many spots you can connect a large wind farm.”

Then there are other potential investors who could be waiting for the price of renewable electricity to start rising. TransAlta still owns the land lease at Cowley Ridge, and may yet repower the site, but Aviles says that for the time being the company is focusing on other investments.

But those obstacles seem minor when comPast Present Future

pared to the steady winds of energy transformation in Alberta. The future is bright for the energy market in the province’s south, and it will be powered by an ever-increasing percentage of renewable energy.

HERE COMES THE SUN In January 2018, the first utility scale solar project in Western Canada began feeding renewable energy into Alberta’s electricity grid. The Brooks Solar project – in the prairie landscape of Newell County, about 200 kilometres east of Calgary – is a 17 MW solar farm with nearly 50,000 solar panels that can power up to 3,000 homes.

The provincial government hopes the $30-million project will be the first of many and in October 2018 put out a request for proposals (RFP) to procure about 55 per cent of the government’s annual electricity needs through solar power equivalents.

Through this RFP, the government plans to purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs) equivalent to 135,000 MWh of solar-generated electricity each year for the next 20 years – enough electricity to power 18,750 homes annually – and anticipates having the solar project contracts in place in early 2019.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LETHBRIDGE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

LETHBRIDGE:

a bright choice for business and investment next five years, including significant developments in the private, institutional and city infrastructure categories.

PEOPLE

A GROWING CITY WITH A POPULATION

... the more people get to know Lethbridge, the more they love it!

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of nearly 100,000, Lethbridge is southern Alberta’s hub for both traditional industries and emerging technologies. Lethbridge thinkers, makers and doers are leading change in agriculture, food sciences, technology and manufacturing within a community that is propelled by innovative research and a spirit of entrepreneurship.

Our diverse business community includes small businesses and global corporations, 100-year-old companies to the everevolving roster of tech startups based out of the Tecconnect centre for entrepreneurship and innovation.

We also benefit from balanced growth and economic stability that is evident in economic indicators like Gross Domestic Product (GDP) along with annual rankings and reports.

Lethbridge has a gross domestic product of approximately $5.5 billion and an urban population of nearly 100,000 in a trading area of over 341,000. With real GDP growth of 2.3 per cent anticipated for 2018, Lethbridge will keep pace with the wider provincial economy thanks to strength in the agricultural industry and modest exposure to the volatile resource sector.

INDUSTRIES Agriculture and agri-food are core wealth-generating industries for southern Alberta with more than 1,200 related businesses in the Lethbridge area ranging from production to value-added processing. Lethbridge also boasts a thriving technology sector, driven by a growing knowledge workforce and fueled by the bright minds at our post-secondary institutions and research centres.

A competitive tax structure, proximity to markets and a highly educated workforce have allowed a diversified manufacturing base to grow in Lethbridge. From specialized trailers to aircraft engines, oil and gas equipment to prefab homes, Lethbridge is home to a range of small to medium sized manufacturers.

Lethbridge is also seeing strong performances in the construction sector with more than $1 billion in major developments either underway or planned for the region over the

2019

One of Lethbridge’s greatest assets is its young, educated and diverse population. Over the past five years, our population has grown by an average of almost two per cent per year, giving Lethbridge the fifth fastest population growth rate among census metropolitan areas (CMA) in Canada. That’s nearly 150 new arrivals each month! Between 2012 and 2017, the population of people aged 30-39 increased by 20 per cent and today more than a quarter of the adult population is under the age of 34. Overall, Lethbridge has a well-balanced demographic profile and a healthy mix of youth, workforce and seniors in the community.

What makes our community attractive as a place to make a life is the combination of city amenities and small-town charm, the easy lifestyle it enables and the sense of community it fosters. We pride ourselves on our community’s natural beauty, diverse population, two modern post-secondary institutions, a thriving arts and culture scene and top-notch recreational facilities. We are also a community that delivers on its promises over time. In fact, we have found that the more people get to know Lethbridge, the more they love it!

With its low cost of living, mild climate, short commute times and wide range of recreation and cultural opportunities, Lethbridge has something for everyone to achieve a perfect balance of work and life.

CHOOSE LETHBRIDGE There are many concrete reasons Lethbridge is a great location to start, grow or expand your business. At Economic Development Lethbridge, we are proud to foster collaboration among industry, business, governments and institutions while helping businesses access the information and support needed to relocate, start or grow.

Contact us at 403-331-0022 or visit chooselethbridge.ca for more information on how we can help you make the bright choice for your business.

Contact us at 403-331-0022 or visit chooselethbridge.ca for more information on how we can help you make the bright choice for your business.

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for business

A bright spot in the province, Lethbridge is the southern Alberta hub for both traditional industries and emerging technologies. Lethbridge thinkers, makers and doers are leading change in Agriculture, Food Sciences and Manufacturing within a community that is propelled by innovative research and a spirit of entrepreneurship.

If you are looking for a great place to make a living and make a life – consider Lethbridge.

Anticipated GDP growth expected to outperform the wider Alberta economy.

Conference Board of Canada

Fourth Best Place for Business in Canada.

Canadian Business and PROFIT

Fifth fastest rate of population growth among Census Metropolitan Areas in Canada.

Statistics Canada

THE CHOICE IS YOURS visit chooselethbridge.ca to learn more.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

CITY OF LLOYMINSTER

LAND IN LLOYDMINSTER

Considering a move? Consider Canada’s economically energetic border city.

Business’s Top 10 entrepreneurial communities.

A BUSTLING URBAN CENTRE In positioning for sustained growth, the City of situated on the Alberta/Saskatchewan border, Lloydminster has developed fully-serviced Lloydminster has long been known as a social and commercial, industrial and residential lots, which are geographical curiosity. More recently, Lloydminster available through the City’s Land is also being recognized for its Division Office. economic resiliency and the In 2018, the Lloydminster high quality of life enjoyed by A view of two provinces— municipal airport welcomed its 32,000 residents.

Lloydminster is Canada’s WestJet. In 2018, a MoneySense ‘Best only border city, offering “The addition of WestJet has Places to Live’ report ranks an attractive geographical been a gamechanger for our Lloydminster No. 1 in the location for organizations community and serves as another Wealth and Economy category looking for economic indicator of the renewed economic of all 415 centres included in pathways into both optimism we are enjoying in this the report. Lloydminster has also provincial marketplaces. region,” said Lloydminster Mayor been one of the fastest growing Gerald Aalbers. “Our core communities in Canada and for industries are strong and our business leaders are the better part of a decade, consistently ranking realizing new and diverse employment and among the Canadian Federation of Independent

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entrepreneurial opportunities. It’s a good time to be in—or get yourself to—Lloydminster.”

Lloydminster’s business-friendly environment includes no business tax, low municipal taxes and special PST-exempt status on the Saskatchewan side of the border.

Visit www.lloydminster.ca/landdivision to learn more about all Lloydminster has to offer.

For more information contact: Katlin Ducherer, Economic Development Officer 780 871 8330 Economy@lloydminster.ca Lloydminster.ca/landdivision

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SPECIAL FEATURE CANNABIS Calgary, Capital, South Central | p.36

Palliser

$22.6 billion The estimated market for services associated with the recreational cannabis market in Canada.

Source: Deloitte

This map highlights a few areas of economic innovation in this particular sector of Alberta’s economy, and is not meant to be a representation of the entirety of activity in this sector throughout the province.

Past Present Future

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IN A HAZE OF GLORY Entrepreneurs across Alberta have laid significant roots – and investment – to turn the province’s burgeoning cannabis industry into a global powerhouse

BY ERIC BLAIR

T’S NOT OFTEN THAT YOU SEE PEOPLE queued up around the block on a Thursday afternoon in October near Edmonton’s trendy Whyte Avenue. But, of course, October 17, 2018 was no ordinary Thursday, given that it marked the official legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada.

And while people in other provinces had to contend with balky government websites and pitiful retail displays, Albertans were free – and apparently quite willing – to line up at any number of stores to get their fill. Indeed, in the first five days post-legalization, Alberta’s Alcanna did sales of approximately $1.3 million at its five NOVA Cannabis brand stores in the province’s capital city.

While October 17 represented the finish line for the government officials and industry leaders who made legalization a reality, it was merely the end of the beginning for Alberta’s cannabis industry and the communities that will be impacted by it. The question, both for Alberta businesses and the communities in which they operate, is how can they get their piece of the action and how big will those pieces be?

It could be more significant than some might expect. A Deloitte study estimated annual sales of recreational cannabis in Canada between $5 and $8.7 billion, and the market for the various services needed to produce it at $22.6 billion. BMO was even more bullish with its blue-sky scenario – one in which the United States and all 28 countries in the European Union legalize cannabis for both recreational and medical use – valuing the market at $194 billion by 2025.

Alberta is already playing an outsized part in the development of Canada’s cannabis industry.

“I know that, for a fact, Edmonton wants to be a cannabis capital of the world,” says Jeffrey Gossain, vice-president of operations at Edmonton-based Atlas Growers. “I even hear the same thing coming out of Calgary. I know that Alberta recognizes the strength that it has and the way it can attract the industry and build a cluster of companies that can compete globally.”

Atlas has already received cultivation and production licenses for its 38,000 square foot facility

Edmonton International Airport. The company expects the 800,000 square foot space, which will be able to crank out 8,000 kilograms of cannabis a month, to begin operations in 2019. It’s also building an even bigger facility called Aurora Sun – 1.5 million square feet, with 850,000 square feet of flowering space – in Medicine Hat, a city of approximately 60,000 people in the southeastern corner of the province.

And in June 2018, Calgary-based Natural Health Alliance announced that it would build its flagship facility about 180 kilometres southeast of

“Alberta has cheap electricity rates, which is really nice – the cheapest in the country. That helps reduce our cost of production and make us more competitive on a global level.”

– Jeffrey Gossain, vice-president of operations with Atlas Growers

near Edmonton, which will be able to produce approximately 5,000 kilograms of dried cannabis a year and refine cannabis concentrates. The 160acre site that it sits on has room for plenty of growth and a development permit for up to 1 million square feet of additional space. The company also has expansions planned for Vancouver Island, Edmonton and Europe. At full build out, Atlas expects to employ upwards of 600 people in the Edmonton region alone.

Aurora Cannabis, meanwhile, is putting the finishing touches on its Aurora Sky facility near the Past Present Future

the city in the City of Brooks, a 30,000 square foot space that will support 70 new jobs.

The retail market is equally robust. Thanks to Alberta’s privatized liquor model, the province avoided some of the pitfalls that other provinces stumbled into as they moved forward with legalization. Seventeen stores were able to sell marijuana on the first day of legalization, compared to just one in British Columbia and zero in Ontario.

The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) expects that figure to rise to around 250 by October 2019.

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GLOBAL AMBITIONS: Atlas Growers is building a world-class facility near Edmonton that could grow from 38,000 square feet to more than 1 million square feet.

When it comes to cannabis, Alberta’s advantages are numerous. First and foremost among them is the cheap cost of electricity compared to other jurisdictions in Canada. For indoor grow operations like Atlas and Aurora, electricity can be as much as onethird of their overall costs.

“Alberta has cheap electricity rates, which is really nice – the cheapest in the country,” Gossain says.

“That helps reduce our cost of production and make us more competitive on a global level.”

Alberta’s climate is also a boon to growers, both because it’s one of the sunniest in Canada and one of the coldest in the winter. “Contrary to popular belief, in the winter the climate here is actually good for our HVAC system,” Gossain says. “The plants themselves produce a lot of heat, so one of our biggest expenses in the summer is cooling. But in the winter, we actually become more efficient.”

And then, of course, there are taxes – long a competitive edge for Alberta. With no provincial sales tax, a general corporate rate of 12 percent, and a small business tax of 2 percent, Alberta matches up favourably with its provincial counterparts. There’s also a new Capital Investment Tax Credit that offers a non-refundable credit of 10 percent of eligible capital expenditures up to $5 million.

Legalization, meanwhile, allows Alberta cannabis companies to access capital markets that their international peers can’t touch. Many of those compa-

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nies have gone public – Gossain says Atlas plans to do it in 2019 – because it gives them the ability to both raise new money and create liquidity for their existing shareholders. It also opens doors to new markets that might otherwise remain shut.

“That access to capital allows you to move quickly,” Gossain says. “You’re not just there starting from

ly 50,000 square kilometres of prairie and has a population of approximately 118,000 people spread throughout 21 communities.

One of the big opportunities for agricultural communities across the province is growing more hemp. That’s because the legalization of recreational cannabis also opens the door for the harvesting of

“From an economic development perspective, what we’re interested in, and what seems to be of value, is that there’s another crop for agricultural producers to look at.”

– Walter Valentini, executive director of the Palliser Economic Partnership

scratch, trying to raise money to build something.

You already have the cash and you can go in and move quickly.”

Finally, there’s Alberta’s well-deserved reputation as a place that celebrates entrepreneurship. And that intersection between entrepreneurship and agriculture finds a new outlet in the cannabis business. All told, it’s a potent combination of legal, financial, and cultural factors.

Walter Valentini, executive director of the Palliser Economic Partnership, is excited about what legalization could mean for businesses in his southeastern region of the province – an area that spans near-

cannabidiol, or CBD, from the plant’s chaff. Previously, that chaff and the valuable CBD it contained had to be left in the field to decompose. Now, Alberta’s hemp producers – who are responsible for over 40 percent of Canada’s total hemp crop – can add another revenue stream to the hemp grain they have already been selling.

“From an economic development perspective,” Valentini says, “what we’re interested in, and what seems to be of value, is that there’s another crop for agricultural producers to look at.”

Jan Slaski, team lead for crop development and management at InnoTech Alberta, says that’s going

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PHOTO COURTESY: ATLAS GROWERS

to be a game changer for communities in the Lethbridge to Medicine Hat corridor – a 170-kilometre stretch of prairie that has been Alberta’s traditional hemp sweet spot – as well as new hemp growing areas in Central Alberta and the Peace River region in northwest Alberta.

“October 17th was a great day for our industry,” Slaski says. “Why? Because now we can factor in revenues from CBD.” Those revenues, he says, could drive Alberta’s total hemp sales from $180 million in 2016 to upwards of $1 billion by 2023.

Better still, from the perspective of rural Alberta, those increased volumes of hemp will need to be processed somewhere. Slaski says he’s aware of three “serious undertakings” in Alberta that may lead to the construction of commercial-scale processing facilities, with one having already purchased land in the Vegreville region, a town of approximately 5,700 people just 100 kilometres east of Edmonton. All told, he thinks that the hemp industry could create 6,000 new jobs in Canada – a substantial increase from the 1,200 that it supported in 2016.

And while most of the attention of late has been focused on the recreational cannabis market, Atlas’ Gossain thinks the real upside is tied to potential therapeutic applications.

“We know, and have forecasted, that the majority of our production is going to be moving away from just dried flowers. We’re going to have oils,

we’re going to have pills, we’re going to have creams, and we’re going to have edibles because a lot of people don’t want to actually smoke it,” he says. “Ten years from now, the industry is going to look very different.”

Barbara Mainville, an Ottawa-area ER doctor who’s been working in the field of medical cannabis at the clinical level for more than three years,

medical research. “With our licensed producers, we really know what the patient is getting. We know how much THC, how much CBD, and we know what the terpene profile is. That’s a huge advantage,” Mainville says.

It’s an advantage that has people like Jim Hole, director of cultivation for Atlas Growers and a veritable legend in Alberta’s horticultural communi-

“On the medicinal side, we have such a jump start on the Europeans. Will they come around and start to have their own production in a number of countries? Yeah, I think it’ll come bit by bit. But Alberta, and Canada, will be so firmly established.”

– Jim Hole, director of cultivation for Atlas Growers

thinks it might even put a scare into the pharmaceutical industry one day.

“As far as I’m concerned, this is the future of medicine,” she says, adding that it’s because cannabis interacts with our endocannabinoid system far better than opiates and other widely prescribed drugs.

By establishing a standardized industry, Canadian doctors can be at the leading edge of this Past Present Future

ty, excited about Alberta’s cannabis industry and its ability to turn a first-mover advantage into a permanent competitive edge.

“On the medicinal side, we have such a jump start on the Europeans,” he says. “Will they come around and start to have their own production in a number of countries? Yeah, I think it’ll come bit by bit. But Alberta, and Canada, will be so firmly established.”

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TOWN OF WHITECOURT

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

INDUSTRY RICH. COMMUNITY FOCUSED.

HOME OF THE DUVERNAY - WHITECOURT

Whitecourt values relationships, works cooperatively with industry and regional partners, and is not afraid of hard work!

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is READY! With 270 hectares of serviced industrial land available and an additional 450 hectares of raw land identified for industrial use, this area is an industrial heartland. Whitecourt is strategically located and serves as the largest commercial hub in Alberta’s Duvernay Shale Play with a trading area of over 60,000 people and direct access to rail, major highways, and air transportation.

Industrial development has been an integral part of planning for Whitecourt. Existing available and raw land can provide for growth of 300% and the potential to triple the current population.

Whitecourt values relationships, works cooperatively with industry and regional partners, and is not afraid of hard work!

Defined by its broad vision for a sustainable future, it has gained the reputation as THE PLACE TO DO BUSINESS in northern Alberta. Whitecourt is investment ready.

Whitecourt has sustained a steady growth rate over the last decade. While most municipalities in Canada are contending with issues associated with an aging population, Whitecourt continues to see a trend of incoming young families and increasing births. A high quality of life for residents is made possible through numerous recreation and cultural opportunities that enhance business and family lifestyles. “The lifestyle opportunities that Whitecourt offers far exceeds that of other Alberta towns and cities,” said Brian Ames, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Whitecourt and 36-year resident. “Facilities like the Allan & Jean Millar Centre (multi-use facility), Rotary Park, and Eastlink Park (winter park) are real assets that appeal to both families and investors looking to move here. On

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top of that our community offers public transit - a service typically only provided in urban centres much larger than Whitecourt.”

Whitecourt offers a solid foundation for established, developing, and expanding businesses with a young well-trained workforce. With low tax rates, modern infrastructure, available land, and an extensive transportation system with air, road, and rail links across North America, the region is perfect for entrepreneurs looking to begin a new venture as well as established businesses looking to relocate or expand their economic reach.

New business development, partnerships, and expansion opportunities continue to grow with strong support from Whitecourt.

There are a number of neighbourhood commercial properties with frontage on arterial roads that are vacant, fully serviced, and ready for development; as well as highway commercial locations for new business development. Both Millar Western Forest Products and Alberta Newsprint Company (ANC) have launched initiatives designed for green power generation. ANC is currently offering excess process utilities and established infrastructure for new business development opportunities that will benefit from low tax rates and access to export markets by rail, road, and pipeline. In addition, the emerging bio-industry has sparked investigation into further diversification options through biomass research including a Biomass Market Study and Mapping Project to identify new business opportunities.

With project ready land, available infrastructure, and cost saving resources, Whitecourt is HOME of the DUVERNAY and READY to do business!

For more information, contact: Rhonda Hough, Economic Development Officer Town of Whitecourt | 780-778-2273 rhondahough@whitecourt.ca www.whitecourt.ca

edaalberta.ca investalbertamag.ca

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

CITY OF LACOMBE

STRONG ROOTS, FRESH PERSPECTIVE. NESTLED IN CENTRAL ALBERTA’S beautiful parkland district, the City of Lacombe is favourably situated along the QE II Highway corridor between Calgary and Edmonton, and in close proximity to Red Deer. The over 13,000 residents of our picturesque city enjoy an excellent standard of living, high discretionary income levels and well-managed, sustainable growth.

We are open for business! With a regional trade area exceeding 200,000 people, Lacombe is an ideal location for commercial and industrial development with a ready supply of serviced, suitably zoned land available.

Lacombe is an important research and service hub for the agricultural industry in Alberta. We host both federal and provincial agriculture research facilities, the head office for the Agricultural Financial Services Corporation, and are proud to serve area farmers and producers.

Lacombe’s historic downtown and award-winning Main Street, home to unique retail stores and a growing complement of restaurants, sidewalk patios, exciting artisanal bakeries and a microbrewery, is fast becoming a ‘foodie’ destination.

We are also known for our vibrant arts and cultural scene, with many festivals, events and local markets taking place throughout the year.

Residents have access to ample recreational opportunities. The newly renovated Gary Moe Sportsplex features two ice surfaces, swimming pools, a curling rink, and an outdoor spray park. We are proud of our natural trails system, skateboard park and the MEGlobal Athletic Park, a world-class multiuse artificial turf facility.

Lacombe also boasts an excellent K-12 education system, Burman University, a municipal police service, an acute-care hospital, long-term care facilities and a wide range of medical service providers.

We are blessed with a perfect blend of small-town living, first-class amenities and the creativity and fresh perspective of our citizens. We invite you to set your roots down in Lacombe.

For more information contact: Guy Lapointe - Community Economic Development Manager, City of Lacombe 403-782-1263 | glapointe@lacombe.ca www.lacombe.ca

Discover the Lacombe is a vibrant and inviting city full of opportunity. Come see what everyone is talking about.

Lacombe. Strong Roots. Fresh Perspective. www.facebook.com/cityoflacombe 5432 56th Ave, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1E9

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@cityoflacombe 403-782-6666

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Visit lacombe.ecdev.org

ENERGY & PETROCHEMICALS Capital, Central | p.44 Peace Country | p.48

Energy Revenues 2016 $56.8 billion Natural Gas & Gas Liquids – 21.8% Coal & Sulphur – 1.4% Conventional Crude Oil – 13.3% Oil Sands – 63.5%

This map highlights where a few exciting stories of economic innovation in this particular sector of Alberta’s economy are taking place and is not meant to be a representation of the entirety of activity in this sector throughout the province.

$68.4 billion

Alberta’s energy exports totaled $68.4 billion in 2017. Crude petroleum topped the list of major exports that year with total merchandise exports of $58.7 billion. This accounted for 58.6 percent of the province’s exports, which were sent to 188 different countries.

$8.2 billion

Petrochemicals recorded the third highest value among Alberta’s major exports in 2017 with a total merchandise value of $8.2 billion.

Sources: Alberta Economic Development and Trade, Alberta Energy Regulator, Statistics Canada

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ADDING

MORE VALUE

PHOTO COURTESY: LACOMBE COUNTY

A new wave of petrochemical production facilities are nearing completion and Alberta already has plans for more BY ROBIN BRUNET HEN CONSTRUCTION began on Inter Pipeline’s Heartland Petrochemical Complex, it was a welcome sight for advocates of capturing additional value from Alberta’s natural resources.

The complex is designed to capitalize on the province’s vast natural gas supply as the $3.5 billion facility will turn 525,000 tonnes of propane per year into polypropylene pellets for automobile plastics, medical supplies, home appliances, transparent containers, and numerous other applications.

Inter Pipeline’s plant, as well as other petrochemical plant projects, is a good story for Alberta; and a renewed incentive program from the provincial government is designed to make it a continuing story.

“The first wave of projects began decades ago, then another investment wave came near the new millennium,” says Dale Freitag, manager of planning services for Lacombe County, a rural municipality with a population of more than 10,000 people that’s spread across 2,964 square kilometres of central Alberta. “Like the others, this third wave means tremendous work opportunities both in the short- and long-term.”

In fact, more than half of Canada’s petrochemical capacity is located in Alberta, making the province a major supplier of petrochemical feedstock – the raw materials used for industrial processing.

“The ethylene, polyethelene, styrene, and many other products had a total export value in 2017 of $8.2 billion, plus the sector is responsible for 7,600 direct jobs, 1,500 of which are in central Alberta,” says Kimberley Worthington, executive director of the Central Alberta Economic Partnership, an alliance of 35 communities in central Alberta.

The petrochemical industry expanded further when Nova Chemicals finished the expansion of its Joffre plant, which is located in Lacombe County just east of the City of Red Deer. It’s estimated between 40 to 60 percent of the capital costs of the $1 billion project remained within the province.

Additionally, when the plant becomes fully operational and produces its target of 1 billion pounds of polyethylene annually, it will create about 60 full-time jobs.

“All of this will increase our tax base, which in turn will allow us to upgrade our infrastructure,” says Freitag.

Alberta’s provincial government helped continue this industry expansion when it introduced the Petrochemicals Diversification Program in 2016.

The program included $500 million in incentives available for the construction of plants and two

project, and, once operational, there will be approximately 180 permanent jobs at the complex, and approximately 1,000 more indirect local jobs that support the operation of the plant.

“As a contributor to a more diversified provincial economy, the petrochemical sector helps us achieve a more balanced tax base,” says Worthington.

The success of the Petrochemicals Diversification Program encouraged the province to launch a second round under the program with another $500 million of incentives.

With the current petrochemical plant projects underway and new facilities or upgrades to current facilities on the horizon, educational institutions have stepped up to support the industry. For example, NAIT – a post-secondary institution in Edmonton focusing on technical training and

“Like the others, this third wave means tremendous work opportunities both in the short- and long-term.”

Dale Freitag, manager of planning services for Lacombe County projects were born out of the program: the Inter Pipeline Heartland Petrochemical Complex and a joint partnership between Pembina Pipeline Corporation and Petrochemical Industries Co. of Kuwait.

The Pembina Pipeline and Petrochemical Industries Co. of Kuwait project is proceeding with engineering design of an integrated propylene and polypropylene facility with an output of about 1.2 billion pounds per year. The project is estimated to cost between $3.8 and $4.2 billion.

Inter Pipeline’s complex is currently under construction and is expected to be operational in late 2021. The company estimates 13,000 direct and indirect construction jobs will be generated by the Past Present Future

applied education – is working in partnership with industry on new chemical products, technologies, processes, and engineering methods, while improving operational efficiencies and reducing waste and carbon emissions.

“Companies are adept at finding solutions,” says Freitag. “Both Dow [Chemicals] and Nova have worked with our colleges to create better access to talent, and retention bonuses have helped keep development plans on schedule.”

Alberta’s petrochemical industry has benefitted from this collaboration between industry, post-secondary institutions and the provincial government, and Freitag says it must continue for the sector to continue to be successful.

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MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF GREENVIEW

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

EXPAND YOUR VISION ger, cargo and medical flights fly in and out of the Grande Prairie Airport – Alberta’s fourth largest airport – connecting to destinations within Alberta’s borders and beyond. Rail connects business and industry in Greenview to ports in British Columbia, in both Prince Rupert and Vancouver.

PHOTO: GARY JOACHIM

DIVERSE COMMUNITIES ARE OUR FOUNDATION

LOCATED IN ALBERTA’S NORTHWEST,

Greenview is poised to become Alberta’s centre of energy diversification for the future.

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Greenview is a vast and diverse area rich in oil and gas, fertile farmland, winding rivers, mixed wood forests, and spectacular peaks of the Rockies.

As the third-largest rural municipality of the province, the M.D. of Greenview boasts a spectacular diversity in economic activities and an extraordinary range of landscape, making it very unique. Oil and gas, agriculture, forestry, and tourism form the economic foundation of a geographic area that spans more than 32,000 square kilometres. Greenview’s economy is strengthened by its diversity and our vast endowment of natural resources, which have transformed into world-class industries. The opportunities for supporting businesses in transportation, information technology, communications, engineering, business, and manufacturing are tremendous.

HOME OF THE TRI MUNICIPAL INDUSTRIAL PARTNERSHIP Greenview’s Gold Creek region, 45 km south of Grande Prairie, has potential for world class development. Through regional cooperation, Greenview has partnered with the City of Grande Prairie and the County of Grande Prairie to create an area for well-planned, value-added industrial facilities. This exciting project will advance Alberta’s economic success and increase the diversity of opportunities within the three partner municipalities.

Situated in the heart of the Deep Basin, Greenview is poised to become Alberta’s centre of energy diversification for the future. The Montney Shale Formation is a major natural gas and liquids hydrocarbon resource, and the Duvernay field has incredible reserves of light shale oil and condensate. In addition, thousands of miles of pipeline already transport refined oil and gas, as well as raw product to larger distribution points in Alberta and the United States.

The area is serviced by the CANAMEX Trade Corridor, a provincial highway network that runs through Greenview and links local businesses to markets in the United States and Mexico. Passen-

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The M.D. of Greenview encompasses the Towns of Fox Creek, Grande Cache, and Valleyview, and has four hamlets, including Little Smoky, Ridgevalley, DeBolt, and Grovedale. The Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, Aseniwuche Winewak Nation, and Mountain Metis are also within the M.D. All our communities are important to Greenview’s growth and development.

Fox Creek offers a pro-business climate that supports innovation and development. Serving some of the biggest global players in the resource industry, the area is home to a thriving oil and gas industry, forestry and lumber industry, tourism industry, as well as a strong service sector.

The Town of Valleyview is the access point to two major highways leading to Alberta’s Peace Region, to Northern Canada and to the State of Alaska in the U.S. Agriculture and processing are an important aspect of the economic profile in the Valleyview area.

Surrounded by the beauty and nature of the Rocky Mountains, Grande Cache is nestled on a mountain plateau and surrounded by panoramic views of 21 mountain peaks and 2 river valleys. Located along Highway 40, the shortest and most scenic route to Alaska from the United States, and bordering the Willmore Wilderness Park, tourism is a significant contributor to the local economy.

There are opportunities for growth in tourism, recreation, forestry, oil and gas, and the service sector.

Greenview has the space to grow and a business-friendly environment. Not only do we offer incredible investment opportunities, we also take pride in our communities as a great place to live and play. With one of the lowest commercial and industrial tax rates in Alberta, Greenview has a definite competitive edge. Now is the time to capitalize on our opportunities and expand your vision.

For more information contact: Kevin Keller, Manager, Economic Development 780-524-7623 invest@mdgreenview.ab.ca www.Expandyourvision.ca | www.mdgreenview.ab.ca

Embracing Change Creating Opportunity edaalberta.ca investalbertamag.ca

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Grande Prairie

MD of

GREENVIEW Edmonton

Part of the CANAMEX / North-SouthTrade Corridor, Greenview sits above Alberta’s liquid-rich Deep Basin play.

Situated on the eastern slopes of the Rockies, our diverse landscape makes us very unique, providing endless opportunities in oil & gas, agriculture, forestry, and tourism.

ExpandYourVision.ca

Calgary

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THINK LOCALLY

ACT LOCALLY

With an operational headquarters in Grande Prairie, a major oil and gas company produces results for the region’s economic development

PHOTO COURTESY: SEVEN GENERATIONS

BY R.P. STASTNY ROSPECTS LOOKED BLEAK FOR TLR Enterprises in the summer of 2014. The trucking company specializes in hauling fluid, and the bulk of its work came from the oil and gas fields surrounding Grande Prairie in northwestern Alberta.

“By the middle of 2016, we had just two trucks on the road and were seriously considering whether to sell them off and call it a day,” says Lionel Robins, president of TLR Enterprises.

Instead, the company got its foot in the door with Seven Generations Energy – and it changed everything.

Seven Generations was actively looking to work with local companies, and it had a capital budget to grow its production and hire more service providers through the downturn. TLR’s contract with the oil and gas producer allowed it to grow its revenue and reinvest, rather than sell off the business.

Today, the company has 19 fluid trucks in its fleet.

“Seven Generations was the company that saved our little company,” Robins says.

Seven Generations was formed in 2008 and acquired land in the Montney formation. The Montney formation is a 700-kilometre northsouth stretch of hydrocarbon bearing rock that straddles the Alberta-British Columbia border.

It contains an estimated 449 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, 14.5 billion barrels of natural gas liquids and 1.1 billion barrels of oil, which combined is equivalent to 90 billion barrels of oil – more than half the size of the Canadian oil sands reserves.

The company’s early exploration wells in the Montney formation – the Kakwa River Project – returned impressive results. Seven Generations sold off its other land holdings to focus all its effort, and capital, into the Montney.

The investment paid off. The company went public in 2014, raising nearly $1 billion ($931.5 million, to be exact) in its initial public offering.

With a 2018 capital budget of $1.725 billion – estimated to create 1,400 field jobs – and producing 200,000 barrels per day equivalent, Seven Generations ranks as a top-three producer in the Montney formation.

To support that growth, Seven Generations located its operational headquarters in Grande Prairie, a city of nearly 70,000 people that’s approximately 700 kilometres northwest of Calgary – the epicentre of oil and gas headquarters in Alberta. Rather than a small field office, Seven Generations went big with its operational headquarters. The company employs 115 people

the Municipal District of Greenview (the rural district adjacent to Grande Prairie), suggests that Seven Generations’ influence in the local economy goes well beyond local business support and philanthropy. The company’s employees who live and work in the community give it a voice in wider economic initiatives. “[Seven Generations is] engaged in important issues such as the twinning of Highway 40 to ease congestion towards their Kakwa operations. That project will improve safety and benefit further economic development along the highway, such as our proposed Tri-Municipal Industrial Project

“Many businesses operate and thrive in Grande Prairie.

We rely on that well-developed service sector to compete as one of the lowest cost operators.”

– Alan Boras, director of communications and stakeholder relations with Seven Generations at the Grande Prairie office, which is about half of its total employees.

“Many businesses operate and thrive in Grande Prairie. We rely on that well-developed service sector to compete as one of the lowest cost operators,” says Alan Boras, director of communications and stakeholder relations with Seven Generations.

He adds that an operational headquarters proximate to the company’s Kakwa River Project, south of Grande Prairie, makes logistical sense because those are the company’s only assets.

This local presence fulfills the company’s mandate of local hiring, local sourcing of services and expanding Grande Prairie’s capabilities as the business, infrastructure and commercial hub for oil and gas in northwest Alberta and northeastern British Columbia.

Kevin Keller, economic development officer for Past Present Future

to turn the region’s raw resources into secondary and tertiary products,” Keller says.

Highway 40 is the main thoroughfare leading south from Grande Prairie and is bustling with industrial activity from both the energy and forestry sectors. The Alberta government is spending $200 million to improve 180 kilometres of the highway, including grade widening, new climbing lanes, multiple repaving projects, bridge replacements and culvert repairs.

As a company that operates 40 fluid hauling trucks, the Highway 40 project is important for Status Energy. As a Grande Prairie-based company, having Seven Generations support local businesses has also been important.

“About 50 percent of our business is with Seven Generations right now, but it was a lot more than that at one time when we were smaller,” notes Shane Smith, president of Status Energy.

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to Alas Yukon ka,

P and

Mt Ed Provin ziza cial Pa rk and Recreati on Area

Spatsizi Pla Wilderne teau ss Provin cial Pa rk

$91,233 $ 127,846

36.8 36.1

County of Grande Prairie’s 2015 Average Median AnnualAfter Income - Tax income after Taxof households

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INTERESTED IN KNOWING MORE? INTERESTED IN C o n KNOWING tact the C o uMORE? nty of Gran d e P rairie

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E c o nCoom ic D ev elopm e nt of Offi c e d e P rairie n tact the C ou nty Gran E c o n o m ic D eve l opm e nt Offi c ee. nt Offic e r Chris King, E c onom ic D e v e lopm T: 7 8 0 - 5 1 3 - 3 9 5 6 - E : c kin g @c ounty g p .ab.c a

Chris King Hetti Ec onom D eOffi v e lop E c oHuls, n o m ic D eve l opmi ec nt c e rm e nt

C oord ina to r T: 7 8T:0 -758302--591732-23 9- 5E6: -h h @cgounty g p .ab.c a a MMI D I DDDLLEEOOFFEEVVEERRYYWWHHEERREE. C . CAA Eu : ls ckin @c ounty g p .ab.c

COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE

WHERE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY CONVERGE

Photo by Wendy Kempert

AS AN UNDISPUTED LEADER IN

... the County’s approach to managing growth is an innovative blueprint for balancing quality of life with economic and population growth in a way that’s both smart and sustainable...

economic opportunities, it’s no surprise that local and global businesses are making the County of Grande Prairie their business address. Progressive and fiercely entrepreneurial, the County has a pro-business attitude that balances innovation and the environment with solid community values.

Located 460 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, the County of Grande Prairie is home to a diverse economic base that includes forestry, energy, agriculture, construction and manufacturing, as well as tourism, hospitality and retail. A major draw for business is a trade area of over 280,000 people within a 200-kilometre drive, a median total household income of $123,481, and first-class educational institutions and healthcare.

The County’s young, experienced and educated labor force is ideal for meeting the demands of a diverse and thriving economic environment. Local post-secondary institutions offer a range of education and training options that strengthen a large pool of talent. A competitive tax structure, plenty of land for development, and a quality of life that continually earns top marks in the municipality’s residential satisfaction survey all make the County an ideal location to set up shop.

Major rail, air and highway links provide a gateway to local and international markets. And if statistics tell a story, recent passenger traffic at the Grande Prairie Airport show the economy is taking off: passengers counts over the last year alone rose nearly nine percent.

by chance, but has been forged by the commitment of many stakeholders working together. The County works closely with local citizens and businesses, and neighbouring municipal governments, to carefully consider the supports that businesses need to thrive.

King credits a smart and responsible growth strategy developed by the County that is grounded in collaboration as one of the drivers turning the areas’ vast natural resources into world-class industry opportunities. He cites two major local projects – already attracting global attention – as fitting examples of collaboration combined with innovation.

The Tri-Municipal Partnership (TMIP), a proposed heavy ecoindustrial district located right next door to the County of Grande Prairie in the Municipal District of Greenview, is a partnership between the County, Greenview, and the City of Grande Prairie.

The development turns the tables on traditional approaches to building industrial parks: not only will it be shovel-ready for global investors at a scale that is larger than any other project of its kind, but it responsibly and sustainably blends industrial development with the natural environment. With its proximity to the prolific world-class Montney-Duvernay shale gas plays, the industrial project will attract value-added processing in the petrochemical industry.

The County is also working with Alberta-based Nauticol, who last fall announced plans to build a $2 billion methanol manufacturing facility in the County of Grande Prairie. Once fully operational, the facility will convert 300 million cubic feet of natural gas per day into 3 million metric tons of methanol per year.

The project will be a boost locally and provincially: it is expected to create 1,000 Alberta construction jobs and over 200 permanent high-skilled jobs, generate more than $3.8 billion in tax revenue for Alberta, and expand Alberta’s petrochemical value chain by converting methane to methanol, a higher-valued product with growing global demand.

Also shaping the local economy are the forestry and agricultural sectors. While major drivers in the provincial economy, both sectors have long been the cornerstone of economic activity in the region.

The County is located in the province’s Peace Region, an area The County is attracting world-class developments, including Nauticol’s proposed $2 billion methanol facility.

DRIVING THE ECONOMY RESPONSIBLY, INNOVATIVELY AND COLLABORATIVELY Chris King, the County’s Economic Development Manager says that this kind of economic environment doesn’t happen

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Transportation has recognized the strategic and economic importance of the Grande Prairie area, funding a two-year public transit pilot project connecting County communities with the City of Grande Prairie. Providing alternative transportation options increases rural-urban connectivity, linking residents to jobs; healthcare and educational facilities; and shopping and activities.

Take a quick glance around the Grande Prairie area at the number of facilities that are new or under construction, and it’s clear that this transit project is timely. Brand new infrastructure in all four corners of the County is a sign of robust growth. Some of the most recent projects include a new school, two new culture and recreation centres, and another new firehall with state-of-the-art equipment.

Set to open this year in the City of Grande Prairie is the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital. The facility will provide healthcare services that include surgery, a state-of-the-art cancer care centre, emergency services and a partnership with the Grande Prairie Regional College for the training of nurses and other healthcare workers.

Photo by Lloyd Dykstra

ACTIVE LIFESTYLES ARE PART OF THE LOCAL DNA

that’s earned a global reputation for its forest and agricultural products. The Peace is one of the top two Alberta regions for the production of forest products, first for employment in the forestry sector, and is the leading producer of pulp, paper and panelboard. It is also renowned for its high-quality agricultural products. Recently, census numbers showed that County land dedicated to growing crops is on the rise, currently sitting at 590,117 acres, an almost 6 percent increase over five years. Over 40 percent of the County’s land mass is prime farmland.

ingenuity and responsibility to create a vibrant and sustainable community. The County is currently exploring the potential of geothermal as an alternative energy source for the development.

“I think the County’s approach to managing growth is an innovative blueprint for balancing quality of life with economic and population growth in a way that’s both smart and sustainable,” says King.

The Province of Alberta’s Ministry of

Local residents love being active. A diverse arts and culture scene offers a breadth of options ranging from museums, to international entertainers, to a rich and diverse community of local artists. An abundance of recreation facilities provide activity year-round – from soccer and hockey to running and racquet sports. A stunning outdoor landscape right out the back door is especially appealing for those who bike, hike, ski, boat or camp, as well as for those who prefer outdoor adventure on a snow machine or ATV. With vibrant and hospitable communities, plenty of modern amenities, immense opportunities, and a business mindset that’s prepared to think and work in new ways, the County of Grande Prairie is seen locally and globally as the location of choice where businesses grow and thrive.

For more information contact:

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE VISION With recent economic development in the region putting development pressures on Clairmont, a small but rapidly growing County community, the County of Grande Prairie saw a unique opportunity to develop a greenfield community that incorporates mixed land uses and natural amenities. The design for the Clairmont Heights lakeshore community weaves

Christopher King Economic Development Manager 780-513-3956 cking@countygp.ab.ca middleofeverywhere.ca

Past Present Future

or

Hetti Huis Economic Development Coordinator 780-532-9722 ext. 1201 hhuis@countygp.ab.ca www.countygp.ecdev.org/

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

LAC LA BICHE COUNTY

DISCOVER LAC LA BICHE REGION THE LAC LA BICHE REGION IS your gateway to the incredible woods and waters of the Lakeland. The region has welcomed waves of people from all walks of life — and it keeps on calling to those in search of adventure, culture and opportunity.

Oil and gas, agriculture and forestry drive our local economy, but a growing tourism industry is the one to watch. The Lac La Biche Region is a land of intriguing history and raw natural beauty, containing more than 150 lakes and Alberta’s second-oldest permanent settlement. The community is a cultural quilt, including three First Nations and two Métis Settlements, and bearing strong French, Lebanese, Ukrainian, Russian and other influences from all around the world. There are a thousand stories to tell, and a vast backyard in which to share them.

Outdoor-inclined visitors can explore the region’s towering old-growth forests, paddle the province’s only backcountry canoe circuit, or watch wildlife, lounge on the beach or glimpse the Northern Lights anywhere in between. The community takes pride in offering something for everyone in all four seasons.

Campgrounds and resorts abound, but the opportunity to venture off the beaten path and blaze new trails remains, both for visitors and tourism entrepreneurs. The tourism industry is poised for growth, and investors will find much to appreciate in the region’s recreational offerings and unmatched potential.

Midway between Edmonton and Fort McMurray, and once hailed as “Edmonton’s newest summer resort,” the Lac La Biche Region invites you to discover and invest in one of Alberta’s hidden gems.

Stunning natural assets, cultural connections, unique and thrilling community events, outdoor experiences you won’t find anywhere else – all of this and more is waiting for you.

For more information contact: Jana Rowe Tourism & Economic Development Coordinator Lac La Biche County | 780-623-6737 ecdev@laclabichecounty.com www.laclabichecounty.com

INVEST IN ONE OF

ALBERTA’S HIDDEN GEMS.

Discover the Lac La Biche Region, a diverse, historic and natural playground of opportunity for visitors and tourism entrepreneurs.

Come see why outdoor enthusiasts come back to our community again and again, hear the call of the wild, and claim your piece of the Lakeland woods and waters. For more information, contact our Tourism & Economic Development Coordinator at 780-623-6737 or ecdev@laclabichecounty.com.

www.laclabichecounty.com

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AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Northeast, Battle River | p.56 Palliser | p.60

$1.3 billion

Annual revenues from Alberta’s Aerospace and Defence industry are over $1.3 billion, with 40 percent of production destined to export markets.

This map highlights where a few exciting stories of economic innovation in this particular sector of Alberta’s economy are taking place and is not meant to be a representation of the entirety of activity in this sector throughout the province.

6,000

Alberta is home to 170 aerospace and aviation companies, and employs more than 6,000 highly skilled workers. The province is globally recognized for its expertise in niche areas, such as robotics and unmanned vehicle systems, defence electronics, and space science and geomatics.

Source: Government of Alberta

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ON GUARD IN

COLD LAKE

PHOTO: AERO ARCHIVE / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

A northeastern Alberta city plans to harness the unique economic

BY ROBIN BRUNET opportunities of being home to a military base

ANY COMMUNITIES ACROSS Alberta were built by the oil and gas industry. Cold Lake is not one of them.

It’s true, the oil and gas industry is the largest employer for the northeastern Alberta city, which is home to more than 15,000 people and sits nearly 300 kilometres northeast of Edmonton and less than 20 kilometres from the Saskatchewan border. But it’s also true Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Cold Lake has been a huge driver of the local economy for decades.

“It literally built this city back in the 1950s,” says long-time Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland.

“The base workers buying homes have kept our residential sector stable, and the federal government is putting a lot of money into infrastructure improvement at the base, which in turn helps local businesses.”

Copeland is referring to a $32.2-million project that will see new sanitary and storm sewers installed, water mains upgraded and road reconstruction at CFB Cold Lake. He’s optimistic this project, which began in 2016, will become just one example in a long list of projects that brings increased economic activity to Cold Lake.

As far as Copeland is concerned, the opportunities are enormous, putting this military city on the radar for those who want to invest in a thriving community.

CFB Cold Lake is operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and is home to 4 Wing Cold Lake, which is the busiest fighter base in Canada. The federal government has been planning to add to its fighter jet fleet, and recent reports indicate more than 75 will be procured in the coming years.

“This will require billions in further infrastructure upgrades, which we hope will come to pass by 2023-24,” Copeland says.

As well as fighter pilot training and deployable support for domestic and international situations, 4 Wing Cold Lake also hosts the annual Maple Flag Exercise, which sees more than 1,500 people and Top Gun crews from all over the world descend on the city for two weeks in the summer.

Canada’s federal government spends approximately $25 billion a year on national defence and has promised to increase that to more than $30 billion a year during the next decade.

“When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau came out with his strategy to develop a greener and cleaner economy as well as earmarked a lot of

ing from $6 billion to $10 billion per year, and the Future Fighter Program (valued at $14 billion) will see significant construction activity at CFB Cold Lake.

Bezpalko notes that these national budgets do filter down to local opportunities. “Approximately $10 million per year is spent on local procurement by the four Alberta military bases inclusive of Cold Lake,” he says.

One of those other bases is CFB Wainwright.

The army base is one of the busiest bases in Canada and is home to the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre. A little more than 225 kilome-

“The base workers buying homes have kept our residential sector stable, and the federal government is putting a lot of money into infrastructure improvement at the base, which in turn helps local businesses.”

– Craig Copeland, Mayor of Cold Lake

money to defence, Alberta HUB undertook a study to determine the current state of our region, identify assets, and outline opportunities,” says Bob Bezpalko, executive director with the Northeast Alberta Information HUB (Alberta HUB), a regional economic alliance made up of 38 communities, including Cold Lake.

The Alberta HUB Aerospace Technology Defence Project evaluated the assets and capabilities within the Alberta HUB region to determine the potential of generating new economic activity related to the Aerospace Technology, Defence, and Unmanned Systems industries.

Bezpalko summarized the key findings and it’s good news. First, opportunities related to Canada’s defence policy and procurement strategy are abundant: yearly equipment procurement is risPast Present Future

tres south of CFB Cold Lake, CFB Wainwright sits in the area of the Battle River Alliance for Economic Development, a region that covers 25 communities and has a population of approximately 60,000 people.

As well as defence-related opportunities, the bases also offer opportunities related to energy efficiency and environment. The Department of National Defence is renovating many buildings to achieve LEED certification, and there are significant opportunities related to reclamation and remediation efforts at CFB Cold Lake.

“A key game changer would be for CFB Cold Lake to accommodate a daily commercial air carrier,” says Copeland. “We’re working hard to secure a carrier, and we’re cautiously optimistic that we’ll get one.”

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TOWN OF VERMILION

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

NEW IDEAS FOR BUSINESS

THE TOWN OF VERMILION PLACES A

With new developments in industrial, highway commercial and residential areas, the Town of Vermilion is experiencing an increase in business investment.

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high priority on economic development. The town boasts the best of both worlds – big city amenities with small-town friendliness and security.

Strategically located along the picturesque Vermilion River at the main intersection of Yellowhead Highway 16 and Buffalo Trail Highway 41, Vermilion is a hub within the Alberta Eastern Trade Corridor. Two hours east of Edmonton and the Edmonton International Airport, and only 30 minutes from Lloydminster, Vermilion is recognized as a strong and effective service centre.

The town’s local economy is based primarily on two key sectors – agriculture and the oil and gas industry. Agriculture is the foundation on which the Vermilion region was built. The industry includes grain, oil seeds, beef, hogs, specialized livestock and dairy products, and the region plays host to numerous trade shows, seminars and sales related to the agriculture industry. On the crossroads of Highway 16 and 41, Vermilion is strategically located between the oil fields in Wainwright, Lloydminster, Elk Point and Cold Lake. Located within the Alberta HUB region, Vermilion benefits and has access to the Cold Lake oil sands area, as well as a major part of the Athabasca oil sands – Vermilion is experiencing economic growth.

Vermilion offers quality parks including the Vermilion Provincial Park, recreational and cultural facilities and programs complimented by well-designed neighborhoods and crescents, along with a mix of commercial and industrial businesses.

The town also offers outstanding medical services. Residents say that the quality of life in Vermilion is second to none, thanks to great amenities and services, growth and development,

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established businesses, a good variety of new businesses, lots of parks and green spaces, various activities, a good economy, good health care and a very family-oriented community.

Vermilion is a great place to purchase or build a home – the town has everything from mature neighbourhoods with majestic tree-lined boulevards to brand new subdivisions bustling with family activity. There are also single family dwellings, condominiums and seniors-focused housing complexes. Our newest residential subdivision will feature housing for various markets, great builders and wonderful communities. Whether you move to raise a family or to retire in a beautiful, safe and friendly community, Vermilion is a great place to find your dream home. Its residents are outstanding citizens donating their time, talents and finances to local boards, cultural groups, committees and sports teams. Vermilion is so active it is hard not to get involved.

There are plenty of opportunities to shop locally in Vermilion, where familiar faces greet customers within an array of businesses including pharmacies, clothing, furniture, hardware and lumber, agricultural dealerships, oilfield companies, boutiques and restaurants.

With new developments in industrial, highway commercial and residential areas, the Town of Vermilion is ready for business.

For more information contact: Mary Lee Prior, Economic Development 5021 – 49 Avenue, Vermilion, AB T9X 1X1 Phone: 780-581-2419 Fax: 780-853-4910 Email: economic@vermilion.ca Twitter: @NewIdeas4Living Facebook: /TownofVermilion Instagram: ExploreVermilion

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OUT OF

SIGHT

PHOTO COURTESY: AERIUM ANALYTICS

A remote village in southeastern Alberta is a proving ground for drone advancements in Canada BY JUSTIN BELL

IN THE FUTURE, A DRONE COULD drop a pizza delivery order on your doorstep or a small package ordered online could be delivered by a drone minutes later. Major global corporations, such as Amazon and Domino’s Pizza, are investing research and development dollars to turn this future into a reality.

Drones could very well be the future of home delivery for a variety of items, but there’s a bit of work left to do to advance the industry – and much of that work is being done near a small Alberta village at the Foremost UAS Test Range.

Currently in Canada, the federal government requires all drone – or unmanned aircraft system (UAS) – operators to be able to see their aircraft.

This is known as line of sight. The Foremost UAS Test Range is one of only two locations in the country (the other is in Alma, Quebec) being used by Transport Canada to test UAS flying beyond visual line of sight.

“Beyond line of sight is the holy grail,” says Jordan Cicoria, vice-president of operations for Aerium Analytics. “UAS is a technology that is being integrated in every field. Amazons of the world want to deliver with UAS; in an urban environment, that’s beyond line of sight.”

Without being able to operate beyond line of sight, UAS applications for many industries are limited. Transport Canada has only issued four permits to companies to operate beyond visual line of sight outside of the two test ranges, so the search for the holy grail of beyond line of sight operations has put a village of approximately 500 people in southeastern Alberta and the Foremost UAS Test Range at the leading edge of UAS technology.

Located more than 300 kilometres southeast of Calgary, the Village of Foremost looked at its underutilized airport and small population spread thinly throughout the region as an opportunity.

“This test range is a business development initiative of the Village of Foremost,” says Doug Hanna,

general manager of the Foremost UAS Test Range.

“There was a recognition that there was a lot of drone activity in the province. We needed a place to do testing and research.”

The Foremost UAS Test Range is a long-time project that has come to fruition. In 2012, the village submitted a proposal with Nav Canada and Transport Canada to host the site. The proposal was approved in 2014 and by 2016 it received full authorization to operate.

“Drones are an enabling technology that will touch almost every sector of the economy,” says

vices for companies in a range of industries. Currently, the Calgary-based company’s main focuses are applications in the oil and gas sector and working with airports. Both are complex environments that pose unique hazards. At airports, it’s operating alongside incoming and outgoing aircrafts, and behind trees and buildings. For oil and gas, it’s operating at long distances, and around large equipment and plant facilities.

Aerium’s quest for beyond visual line of sight certification has led it to the Foremost UAS Test Range. In addition to proving beyond line of sight

“Drones are an enabling technology that will touch almost every sector of the economy. They will make their way into oil and gas inspections, plant inspections, monitoring forest fire activity, hotspot identification, calculating lumber volumetrics; the uses in agriculture are limitless.”

– Doug Hanna, general manager of the Foremost UAS Test Range Hanna. “They will make their way into oil and gas inspections, plant inspections, monitoring forest fire activity, hotspot identification, calculating lumber volumetrics; the uses in agriculture are limitless.”

There is a two-fold advantage for using a UAS, according to Aerium’s Cicoria. First, they save lives.

Surveying work currently done by piloted helicopters and aircrafts can happen in dangerous areas, such as around electrical transmission lines. These operations could be replaced by a UAS and, in the case of a collision, the human operator would be well clear of the site and safe. Second, a UAS allows people to capture more data, more quickly and more economically. Especially in industries such as energy, which has thousands of kilometres of pipelines and transmission lines, often in remote areas.

Aerium uses drones to provide a variety of serPast Present Future

capabilities to Transport Canada, there’s another reason a company would use the Foremost UAS Test Range. It’s also a proving ground for equipment manufacturers to test their equipment and validate the performance they expect. This could be drone manufacturers or companies that make the subsystems, such as communication, controls or imaging.

While Aerium hasn’t been approved yet, the company is working to obtain beyond visual line of sight certification, ensuring they have pilots trained and safety procedures in place to operate in complex environments and at long distances.

“There are a lot of procedures to apply for trials,” says Cicoria. “(The federal government) wants to know you have tried this before, put procedures in place and put technologies in place for safety.

They want to identify how you will be keeping track of a UAS.” 2019

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

EDMONTON GLOBAL

EDMONTON GLOBAL: a catalyst for economic investment and growth EDMONTON GLOBAL IS THE leading investment attraction organization for the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Founded on a vision to bring municipal and economic development partners together for shared prosperity, its role is to attract investment and trade to the region by working with partners at all levels.

Edmonton is the second fastest growing region in Canada and the fifth most prosperous. It is home to nearly 1.3 million people and 725,000 jobs, generating 30 per cent of Alberta’s GDP of over $105 billion. Projections estimate that total population will increase to more than 2.2 million in the next 30 years with approximately 1.2 million jobs. A region rich with talent, knowledge and resources, Edmonton possesses undeniable potential both in

terms of forecast population growth and business investment activity.

Edmonton Global is launching investment programs to capitalize on this potential and to align regional economic development efforts to serve as a catalyst for growth. Focused on growing the Energy; Food/Agri-Business; Manufacturing/ Advanced Manufacturing; and Health industries, Edmonton Global will attract investment and employment opportunities for a growing population.

Through a strong regional brand, working collaboratively and leveraging established networks in investment and trade, Edmonton Global will market the investment opportunities that exist within the Edmonton Metropolitan Region.

Edmonton Global will focus on aligning economic development partners, industry, business

and institutions to collectively pursue opportunities that will lead to greater regional prosperity.

For more information and to learn about our team, visit: edmontonglobal.ca

For more information contact: info@edmontonglobal.ca Toll-free: 1-800-264-4952

Edmonton Global is here to facilitate your investment, location and growth. We’re ready when you are. www.edmontonglobal.ca

@EdmontonGlobal

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Edmonton Global

FINANCIAL SERVICES Wood Buffalo | p.64 Capital | p.65 Capital, Calgary | p.66

43%

Between 2006 and 2016, Alberta’s financial services sector GDP rose 43 percent, outpacing financial services sector GDP growth in all other provinces. By comparison, GDP in Canada’s financial services sector rose 28 percent over the same period.

This map highlights where a few exciting stories of economic innovation in this particular sector of Alberta’s economy are taking place and is not meant to be a representation of the entirety of activity in this sector throughout the province.

Financial Services Employment Growth 2007 - 2017 Percentage Increase Ontario 17.7% British Columbia 17.2% Alberta 15.3% Quebec 2.7% Canada 13.7% 05

10

15

20

Sources: Alberta Economic Development and Trade, Statistics Canada

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A BITUMEN BOND Two Alberta First Nations tap into the bond market for a first-of-its kind financing deal

BY TRICIA RADISON ILLUSTRATIONS RAYMOND REID RADITIONAL PARTNERSHIP approaches between energy companies and Indigenous groups include benefits such as revenue sharing agreements, service contracts and employment opportunities. A recent partnership formed by two enterprising First Nations and Alberta’s largest oil producer offers so much more – an equity stake.

“Equity participation breeds inclusivity and accountability, and respects First Nations as true business partners,” says Mark Saar, managing director and head of North American Project Advisory and Finance in RBC Capital Markets’ Energy group.

In November 2017, Fort McKay First Nation and Mikisew Cree First Nation used a bond issue to secure $545 million in funding and acquire 49 percent ownership of Suncor’s East Tank Farm project. The project consists of a bitumen and diluent storage, blending and cooling facility located approximately 30 kilometres north of Fort McMurray in northeastern Alberta.

Debt financing is a common way for businesses to fund an acquisition and using a bond issue is a common way to secure debt financing. “However, a project bond of this scale, utilized by a consortium of First Nations, used to finance a full 49 percent equity stake in a project of over $1 billion dollars in size, is completely unique,” says Saar.

RBC Capital Markets structured and marketed the offering. A rated bond issuance was chosen as the most cost-effective source of long-term capital that would allow the First Nations to acquire an ownership interest without needing an upfront cash investment.

The equity ownership will provide a steady, predictable flow of distributions to the First Nations over 25 years, allowing them to invest in social services, infrastructure and other business ventures.

While traditional agreements have been, and will continue to be, useful in developing

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projects with First Nations, offering equity ownership opportunities is a new level of partnership that could lay the foundation for

“The general template can be applicable in other energy sectors where long-term contracts are the norm, such as power and

“Equity participation breeds inclusivity and accountability, and respects First Nations as true business partners.”

– Mark Saar, managing director and head of North American Project Advisory and Finance in RBC Capital Markets’ Energy group.

other mutually beneficial arrangements in the future.

Since the transaction closed, RBC Capital Markets has received inquiries from corporations, First Nations and governments interested in achieving similar outcomes.

renewables, transmission, pipelines, LNG and midstream industries,” says Saar. “As an example, the recent Alberta Renewable Energy Procurement program encourages First Nation participation in the equity ownership of new wind farms.”

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CAPITAL DISTRIBUTION An indirect investment from Alberta’s government has boosted the province’s tech sector

BY LEWIS KELLY N 2008, THE ALBERTA GOVERNMENT planted a seed of diversification as it looked to grow the province’s knowledge economy. Rather than take a conventional approach and invest directly in a handful of companies or offer industry-wide financial incentives, the provincial government decided on a “fund of funds” initiative, setting up an investment corporation which would invest in venture capital firms looking to put money into Alberta’s tech sector.

Thus, the Alberta Enterprise Corporation (AEC) was born, with a small amount of funding and big dreams.

The amount of money at the disposal of AEC is $175 million. Yet, the AEC has been able to punch above its weight — for every dollar it has invested, four dollars have entered the Alberta

economy. According to Kristina Williams, president and CEO of AEC, it has managed this through strategically-sized investments in strategically-sized venture capital firms.

“Normally we go into funds that are between $100 million and $150 million in size,” she says.

AEC investments have catalyzed almost half a billion dollars of investment in 40 of the province’s tech companies – not to mention the creation of 1,300 direct high-tech jobs and an estimated 1,700 indirect jobs. The AEC has invested in more than 15 different venture capital funds and has

“Our success stories are starting to trickle out in a new way, but we are by no means done.”

– Kristina Williams, president and CEO of Alberta Enterprise Corporation

“You get the best ROI for about $10 million.

You can attract the fund here and get some say in it.”

Ten years later, the results speak for themselves.

Past Present Future

already had 13 profitable exits, earning more than $25 million in distributions.

The AEC’s success has resulted in success for Alberta’s tech sector and for venture capital firms backing Alberta tech companies. Williams, who was the AEC’s second hire and has served as its chief executive since 2014, credits much of its success to the choice of a “fund of funds” model.

“It’s been seen as a best practice model, irrespective of political colour,” says Williams, pointing out that the AEC has received government funding from Progressive Conservative and NDP governments in Alberta, and that federal governments of different stripes have constructed similar programs.

The AEC’s capital is almost totally allocated at this point. While it waits for the rest of its investments to generate returns so the capital can be reinvested, its focus will shift from analyzing opportunities and making investments to monitoring investment performance and providing advice. Williams says the next 10 years will likely look very different than its first 10.

“The Canadian market is starting to mature,” says Williams. “Our success stories are starting to trickle out in a new way, but we are by no means done.”

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BANKING FUTURE Alberta’s largest home-grown financial institution puts cutting-edge technology to work

BY TRICIA RADISON EW TECHNOLOGY HAS A HABIT of disrupting entire industries.

Some traditional businesses, such as travel agencies, video rental stores and newspapers, have been greatly diminished with the introduction of technology-based alternatives.

ATB Financial is determined to be a disruptor and make sure financial services in Alberta keep up with technological changes.

“We’re in an industry that is under an assault of change,” says Wellington Holbrook, chief transformation officer with ATB Financial. “I think we’re going to see more change in the next five to 10 years in this industry than we have in the last 100 years.”

ATB is the largest Alberta-based financial institution with more than 300 locations across the province, providing services to more than 750,000 individuals and businesses. Two years ago, the organization created the role of chief transformation officer who oversees a team of nearly 1,000 people.

ATB, and more specifically its transformation team, has been experimenting with a number of what Holbrook calls “big topics.”

From “blockchain” to “machine learning,” these experiments aim to improve how business gets done in the province.

ATB believes that making banking processes faster is critical for the province’s small businesses. Currently, it can take weeks for a small business to get approval for a loan – a major challenge when you have an opportunity that you need to act on.

“We’ve been re-platforming the process using artificial intelligence and automation.

What we’re building toward is being able to approve financing in minutes or hours. That’s a big leap,” says Holbrook.

Machine learning is another area where ATB is building expertise and capabilities. By applying massive amounts of computing power to analyze large data sets, this service would be able to predict the advice and solutions people

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need at the most relevant times of their financial journey.

One of ATB’s early efforts was in 2016 when it recorded one of the first international payments

see how else the technology can be leveraged to deliver value for Albertans.

For example, says Holbrook, blockchain might be used to move money faster on oil

“I think we’re going to see more change in the next five to 10 years in this industry than we have in the last 100 years.”

– Wellington Holbrook, chief transformation officer with ATB Financial between financial institutions using blockchain.

The transaction, a $1,000 transfer to a bank in Germany, took only 20 seconds to complete.

Typically, that kind of transaction takes two to six business days.

Blockchain is a digital record of transactions that is publicly available. While it has risen to prominence as the platform that supports cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, ATB has continued experimenting with blockchain to

settlement day — the day each month when energy companies settle payments between one another. The financial institution is also exploring how blockchain might be applied in the area of digital identity.

“Financial institutions are good at authenticating users,” says Holbrook. “We’re looking at ways that we can authenticate people that other industries, such as healthcare for example, might be able to rely on.”

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1.3

MILLION

66,082

RESIDENTS

MARKET AREA POPULATION

ST. ALBERT

cultivate $130,600 67.1 AVERAGE business success FAMILY INCOME

pERCENTAGE OF RESIDENTS (AGE 25+) WITh POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

Billion

$90 2700

Number of businesses that call st. Albert home (2018)

market area ANNUAL GDP

Learn more about St. Albert and how we can grow your business from the ground up at cultivatebusiness.ca. cultivatebusiness.ca

TOWN OF FORT MACLEOD

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

FORT MACLEOD

Small Town – Big Heart – Big Opportunity

SINCE 2014, FORT MACLEOD HAS BEEN

At the crossroads of Alberta Highways 2 and 3, you will find Fort Macleod, poised and ready for business with new infrastructure, new industrial lots and a streamlined development process.

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seriously focused on attracting business.

It did start years before, with the announcement of the Police College coming to town – which did not ever come to fruition – but left a renewed vision of the future.

In the years since, a forward-looking attitude has enveloped the town. This quaint community continues to improve and maintain the unique look and feel of the town, so residents, visitors and business people will feel welcomed and be comfortable here.

The Town of Fort Macleod is positioned at the crossroads of highways 2 and 3, making transportation easy for products or supplies. Those in the transportation business would benefit from locating here.

New infrastructure for the Police College site was developed for the 320 acres just south of town. These are available for further development. At this point 160 acres is serviced and 160 acres is open.

On the west side of town, a 44-acre parcel is also available and primed for industry. This sits right on highways 2 and 3.

New industrial land has recently been serviced (2016), with infrastructure including fibre optic to much of the town. Many companies are expanding or building new structures, knowing the infrastructure servicing them is sound. The water plant, that sits on the Old Man River, has received updates.

The historic Territorial Courthouse (1903), is available for purchase. It spreads its grand presence across a large lot, flanked by trees on the east and west. This two and a half story building (~2500 sq. ft.) has been used by the Town of Fort Macleod as their town offices, but has been outgrown. This architectural beauty is

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set back from the eastbound highway going through town, and takes you back to the stateliness of the turn of the century.

The Town of Fort Macleod has a commitment to improve investment readiness. Red tape and delays can hinder forward movement. Streamlining the development process and updating Land Use Bylaws will help those that bring their business to town.

The people that live here are hard-working folks.

The area is primarily driven by ranching, agriculture and wind farms. Recreational sites are nearby for those that love the outdoors.

Kayaking, canoeing and tubing can happen on the Old Man River, or with a short drive you can get to the numerous lakes in the area or go up to the mountains. Ski resorts are within an hour or two – depending on your preferences. Waterton National Park is within a couple hours drive and those with a hankering for horses can graze their animals in the town’s community pastures or you can buy your own acreage or farmland.

This small town has two newly renovated schools, a health care centre, organizations of many interests, senior housing, large residential lots and a small-town feel. You will know your neighbours and likely serve with them on one committee or another.

So, if you are interested in developing a business, you need to consider the Town of Fort Macleod – the small town with the big heart; you’ll find your big opportunity here.

For more information and to discuss special incentives contact either: Keli Sandford - Dev. Officer - Town of Fort Macleod k.sandford@fortmacleod.com or Sue Keenan - CAO - Town of Fort Macleod s.keenan@fortmacleod.com Ph: 403-553-4425 | Fax: 403-553-2426 www.fortmacleod.com

edaalberta.ca investalbertamag.ca

Set up your business at the crossroads of Highways 2 and 3.

Traffic converges at the crossroads of Highways 2 and 3 – two of Alberta’s major thoroughfares – in Fort Macleod. In addition to the advantage of easy transportation, there are other benefits.

New and updated infrastructure includes upgrades to our electrical distribution system, water treatment plant as well as fibre optic networks being available. That makes Fort Macleod a business-ready community for both industrial and commercial developments. We are ready for your business and have an open mind for land sales and future developments. A multitude of varying sized lots are available. This includes residential lots as well as agricultural, industrial and commercial areas of town. With a continued eye on the future we are already in the planning phase of additional expansions targeting light industry and commercial growth.

If you prefer not to build, there are beautiful structures already in place that can be purchased for your business to move into.

So whatever your needs, we would love to have you set up shop where the crossroads meet. Call today for more information, and to enquire about current incentives.

For more information visit our website fortmacleod.com/do-business-and-invest-here/development/ or contact Keli Sandford, Town of Fort Macleod at 403-553-4425 or k.sandford@fortmacleod.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

SPECIAL AREA NO. 4 REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

SA4 IS BUILDING CREATIVE COMMUNITIES ON THE NORTHERN END OF the Palliser Economic Partnership (PEP) you can find Special Areas #4 (SA4). Extending from the Neutral Hills in the North to the Sharp Hills in the South SA4 is made of diverse landscapes, people, and businesses. Regional strength in the agriculture, energy and the oil and gas industries makes Special Areas No.4 the place to grow, live and invest. SA4 is dedicated to building creative communities throughout the region and one example of that would be the Village of Consort. Consort can be found at the intersection of Highway 41 and Highway 12 with a direct route to Saskatchewan.

Consort and its surrounding area is rich with energy resources. New exciting projects happening in the community include a new windmill farm and solar panel projects along with multiple new

businesses in the area. The “Village of Opportunity” also has a supportive municipal government that encourages innovative ideas to enhance and maintain a quality of life for all residents in the area. Their recent tax incentive for new industrial lots sold, worked very well and the Village is already creating more industrial lots to meet the demand for retail space. With their “Return to Rural” Initiative Consort is attracting great growth with new businesses cropping up and proving that rural business can thrive. With a new fiber optic network, existing and new business can benefit and all be players in the bigger market at large, putting their businesses out to the world. The Village of Consort and the surrounding Special Area #4 has the resources you need to not only create, but invest in local business in a welcoming, positive, and vibrant environment.

For more information contact: Wanda Diakow Economic Development Officer (403) 577-3523 www.specialarea4red.ca

V ILL AGE O F CO N S O RT The Village of Opportunity

www.consort.ca

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AGRICULTURE

& AGRI-FOODS South Central | p.72 Central | p.76

$14.6 billion

2016 sales for Alberta’s processed food and beverage industry reached $14.6 billion, making it Alberta’s top manufacturing industry on a revenue basis.

Alberta’s Major Agricultural Products This map highlights where a few exciting stories of economic innovation in this particular sector of Alberta’s economy are taking place and is not meant to be a representation of the entirety of activity in this sector throughout the province.

Farm Cash Receipts for 2016 (in $ billions) $13.5 billion Cattle & Calves – 4.58 Canola – 2.85 Wheat (incl. Durum) – 1.90 Peas, Beans & Lentils – 0.90 Dairy – 0.56 Hogs – 0.40 Poultry & Eggs – 0.37 Oats, Rye & Barley – 0.30 Other – 1.63 Sources: Alberta Economic Development and Trade, Statistics Canada

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FEEDING THE

WORLD

A supercluster of agri-food operations in southern Alberta are planting the seed for global growth

BY LEWIS KELLY

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PHOTO COURTESY: SOUTHGROW REGIONAL INITIATIVE

IG THINGS ARE GROWING IN southern Alberta — specifically, mind-blowing quantities of lettuce.

“When our expansion finishes in early 2019, we’ll have 11-plus acres of growing space under glass,” says Rindi Bristol of Inspired Greens. “Eleven acres is really nothing to marvel at when you talk about the scope of commercial pepper, tomato and cucumber greenhouses, but what is impressive is the production capacity that these 11 acres will be able to produce.”

The greenhouse uses an ultra-efficient, completely automated system to grow lettuce yearround and is located in Coaldale – a town of more than 8,000 people that sits in the southern Alberta prairies just 20 kilometres east of Lethbridge.

Once the expansion is complete, production will increase from 9 million heads of lettuce a year to 20 million.

Inspired Greens is just one of a growing number of agri-food businesses that are finding success in southern Alberta.

“Our goal is total world domination,” says Dennis McKnight, CEO of the Plant Protein Alliance of Alberta, an agri-food industry alliance formed in 2018 with a current focus of encouraging investment in processing plants. “Many of us have been waiting for our whole lifetime for this opportunity. It’s happening right now.”

Such sunny expectations are rooted in hard facts. The planet has a current population of approximately 7.5 billion people. By the end of this century, the global population is projected to top 11 billion. This roughly 50 percent growth in population presents a huge opportunity for food producers.

In addition to the growing global population that is creating optimism in the agri-food industry of southern Alberta, there are also currently less wealthy nations like India, China, and Ethiopia that are becoming more developed and consumer demand is shifting towards higher-quality food.

“World demand for high-quality food is going to increase by 70 percent by 2050,” says Peter Casurella, executive director of SouthGrow Regional Initiative, an economic development agency that comprises 24 communities in south

central Alberta across 18,605 square kilometres.

“About 3 billion people are going to join the global middle class by 2100.”

So global demand for food, particularly high-quality food, is set to explode. Why does this excite the Casurellas and McKnights of southern Alberta? They believe the region is uniquely positioned to meet a significant portion of that demand and see significant opportunities for southern Alberta’s agri-food industry on the horizon.

“As we look at feeding the world, Canada truly could lead this space,” says Trevor Lewington, CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge. “We have the tech, the capacity, the land, the reputation.”

development funding to five different initiatives across Canada, including the “protein industries supercluster” on the prairies.

Casurella, Lewington and McKnight all report that the federal government’s plans for the region are broadly shared by provincial and local governments, and that everyone is pulling in the same direction. McKnight also says that the “supercluster” funding has helped the plant protein industry in the prairies raise $400 million from industry sources to further develop the region.

And the sky isn’t even the limit – it’s another opportunity. In early 2018, Lethbridge County agreed to transfer ownership of the Lethbridge Regional Airport to the City of Lethbridge. The

“As we look at feeding the world, Canada truly could lead this space. We have the tech, the capacity, the land, the reputation.”

– Trevor Lewington, CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge Another factor is southern Alberta’s tremendous agricultural capacity. The region is home to the biggest irrigation system in the world, comprising 70 percent of Canada’s total irrigated land.

The climate is amenable to growing a huge range of crops, which according to Casurella, continues to expand. “We can grow crops here that our grandparents couldn’t,” he says.

The region has also been an agricultural hub for well over 100 years. Its communities have a deep understanding of and appreciation for agrifood. This translates into Canadian food products having a sterling reputation around the world – even better, in fact.

“We’re seen as the gold standard in many markets, which certainly helps,” says Lewington.

Perhaps most importantly, various levels of government are working together to attract agrifood investment in the area and bring Canadian products to markets around the world. The catalyst for this was the federal government’s decision, announced in February 2018, to select southern Alberta as part of its “supercluster” program. This program will distribute $950 million in economic Past Present Future

decision helped persuade a second major airline to begin servicing the airport and the city is working on a development plan to attract further investment to the airport.

Expected return on regional economic developments like these are speculation at this point, but the federal government has made public its expectation that each “supercluster” will create thousands of jobs, and McKnight points to the recent explosion in the alternative milk market (think almond milk) for comparison.

“That’s an $18 billion market this year,” he says. “That’s how huge this is.”

As Inspired Greens has already shown with its high-tech conveyor-belt greenhouse that’s expanding from 9 to 20 million heads of lettuce each year – agri-food businesses in southern Alberta are growing.

“You could put up hundreds of these things here in southern Alberta,” says Casurella, “with guaranteed water supply and year-round growing conditions.”

It’s all enough to make you dream – perhaps – of world domination.

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FLAGSTAFF COUNTY

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

RAISING THE BAR FOR BUSINESS Flagstaff County renews commitment to fostering entrepreneurial spirit.

QUICK FACTS (2016): 8,361 AGO, MORE THANPOPULATION A CENTURY

RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES (2014): 3,770

The Flagstaff Region remains rife with opportunity.

the Flagstaff Region—not unlike much of the vast unbroken Alberta HOUSING STARTS (2015): 32 CONSTRUCTION VALUE (2015): Million landscape at the time—flourished under the$54.8 sweat and toil of enterprising homesteaders.

AVERAGE RESALE SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSE PRICE (2016): $156,820 OF DEVELOPMENT PERMITS (2015): million These were our VALUE purpose-driven forefathers, who $54.8 plowed a path to NUMBER OF REGISTERED BUSINESSES (2016): 508 agricultural prosperity through sheer resilience and resourcefulness.

Source: Statistics Canada They were the doers, the innovators and the big thinkers of the Region is within easy driving distance from major centres day, innately driven The to buck the status quo and embrace change in a such as Camrose, Edmonton, and Red Deer. Whether it is rapidly evolving newconnecting world. to Alberta’s abundant natural resources to the or linking to major markets to the east, west, and At their core wasnorth a seemingly relentless entrepreneurial spirit. south, the Flagstaff Region is within reach.

That entrepreneurial spirit survives today. It’s in our collective • 75 kilometres east of Camrose DNA, long since established as a fundamental trait necessary for • 115 kilometres west of Wainwright • through 150 kilometres southeastof ofstruggles Edmonton and hardships human survival forged generations • 200 kilometres northeast of Red Deer in our economic mainstays: agriculture, and oil and gas. Its existence is • 325 kilometres northeast of Calgary kilometres from Saskatchewan border our comespecially evident in•the160 small businesses flourishing within • 440 kilometres north of United States border munities, even amid•a languishing economy that presents 550 kilometres south of Fort McMurray its own set of struggles and hardships.

MAJOR ROADWAYS: • Convenient access to the Alberta Trade The Flagstaff Region, much like it was atEastern the dawning of theCorridor 20th (EATC), linking northern Alberta to Mexico century, remains rife•with opportunity, especially for small business— Highway 36 (part of EATC and the high load corridor the economic backbonenorth of our And it will be up to our andcommunities. south) • Highway 53 (east/west trade corridor) modern-day doers, innovators and big thinkers to plow a new path to • Highway 13 (east/west trade corridor) prosperity into the 21st century and beyond through good ol’-fashAIRPORTS: ioned entrepreneurial • spirit.

Municipal Airports: Flagstaff Regional Airport and Airport Flagstaff County is Hardisty committed to helping foster and facilitate that • Edmonton International Airport, 150 kilometres away entrepreneurial spirit and creating a fertile environment for further RAIL: small-business growth, ensuring our region is not only sustainable but • Canadian Pacific Railway • thrive Battle River Railway Short-line (previously Canadian continues to grow and for generations to come.

BATTLE RIVER ALLIANCE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

FORT MCMURRAY

MAJOR HIGHWAYS HIGH LOAD CORRIDORS EASTERN ALBERTA TRADE CORRIDOR

EDMONTON

FLAGSTAFF REGION

CALGARY

National line)

COURIER: ‘CLASSIC ALBERTA’ •

Full courier services

We are “Classic Alberta.” Witness the raw beauty in our big, wideINTERNET: open spaces—from a• prairie thunderstorm’s electrified sky to the mesHigh-speed Internet commonly available merizing dance of sun-kissed canola on a windy July day. www.stopatnothing.ca Rooted in this big-as-life landscape are the salt-of-the-earth folks who call Flagstaff home—the friendly steering-wheel hand-wavers reflecting bedrock values and “human-ness,” seeking simplicity amidst the complexities of life.

2

FIND FLAGSTAFF The region is within easy driving distance from major centres such as Camrose, Edmonton and Red Deer. Whether it is connecting to Alberta’s abundant natural resources to the north or linking to major market in the east, west and south, the Flagstaff Region is within reach.

• 325 km northeast of Calgary • 140 km from the Saskatchewan boundary • 150 km southeast of Edmonton • 420 km north of the United States border • 550 km south of Fort McMurray

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For more information contact: Economic Development Flagstaff County | 780-384-4100 ecdev@flagstaff.ab.ca www.flagstaff.ab.ca

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STOP AT NOTHING.

Remember the simple, invincible days of your youth...when any imagined horizon was achievable... when obstacles were easy to leapfrog?

Stop at nothing in your quest for entrepreneurial greatness...dare we say immortality.

Past Present Future

Call 780-384-4100 to explore your next business idea and great life adventure.

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FLOWER

POWER

A Hutterite colony in central Alberta is on the verge of bringing global recognition to the province’s vast canola production

PHOTO COURTESY: PLEASANT VALLEY OIL MILLS

BY KELLEY STARK RODUCTS FROM HUTTERITE colonies may just be Alberta’s best kept secret – but that secret is about to get out.

Pleasant Valley Hutterite Colony has been actively involved in value added processing of canola by producing world-class cold pressed nonGMO canola oil and meal. It recently came up with a unique processing method and has hired a marketing company to take their products global.

“We’re currently in the situation where we’re signing agreements or partnering with some global companies that have been in the protein business for many years,” says Kyle Makila, president of global sales for Pleasant Valley Oil Mills, who recently returned from a protein summit in England and France where he says the response has been very positive.

Hutterite colonies have a reputation for selling products of very high quality. There are over 500 colonies in Canada and 140 of them reside in Alberta with almost a third of these colonies in central Alberta. These Christian communal colonies with European roots live on farms that average about 7,000 to 8,000 acres of a variety of crops and almost all of the colonies have dairy, cattle, hogs, chickens, as well as several other ventures like leather works (shoes, saddles) or real estate investments.

Embracing economics and technology while still honouring 400 years of tradition, Hutterite colonies from across Alberta will be sharing their products with not just their communities, but with the world. Kimberley Worthington, executive director for the Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP) – one of the province’s regional economic development alliances that encompasses 35 communities across central Alberta, is very excited about the prospect.

“CAEP recognizes that the community and economic impact Hutterite colonies have in central Alberta is considerable and would like to work more closely together to build a diverse and prosperous region,” she says.

The colony members recognize their strengths.

They farm the land and were solely responsible for building the cold press facility to process the cano-

development, the market development and our business model – everything is looking really good right now.”

Canola is one of Alberta’s top crops with 5.5 million tonnes produced in 2015 and an annual average of 4.6 million tonnes for the 10-year period between 2005 and 2015. By developing unique processing capabilities, this has the potential to be

“It presents the opportunity for every canola farmer in Alberta to start receiving higher income for their canola production.”

– Pentti Makila, president of market research and development with Pleasant Valley Oil Mills

la, including plumbing and electrical. Kyle and Pentti Makila, who are also co-owners of Heartland Ag Marketing Inc., got involved with the colony to help them access premium markets and expand the business.

“The colony has always had a desire for producing the best products in a safe, sustainable, and healthy way,” says Kyle. “Products that are good for the environment and good for the people.”

To make this prospect a reality, Pleasant Valley Oil Mills has partnered with the University of Alberta on scientific research and development to separate the canola proteins, fibres, and the balance of the oil that remains in the meal. The oil mill has intellectual property on an extraction technique for isolation and extraction of the proteins. The progress so far has been phenomenal.

“We are achieving the levels that we hoped, which will allow this protein to compete on a global level,” says Kyle. “In all the areas – the technical Past Present Future

a billion-dollar industry for the prairies. And not just for the colony itself, but the surrounding community of canola farmers.

“We’re going to be processing our non-GMO canola meal to produce protein for the food, cosmetics, and a variety of industries,” says Pentti, president of market research and development with Pleasant Valley Oil Mills. “The colony is interested in purchasing non-GMO and traditional canola directly from farmers. It presents the opportunity for every canola farmer in Alberta to start receiving higher income for their canola production.”

The potential for global business is massive.

Worldwide, the agri-food industry is looking for alternatives to meat protein “for reasons of sustainability, global environmental stability, health, vegetarianism,” adds Kyle. “The global protein market is a $90-billion industry and it’s not slowing down.”

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

TOWN OF SYLVAN LAKE

AN APPEALING QUALITY OF LIFE Small business and independent entrepreneurs are the backbone of this sector PROFESSIONAL SERVICES INDUSTRY CLUSTER Primarily composed of management, environmental, and architectural consulting services, the sector is also represented by a concentrated presence in engineering services, testing laboratories, and health and safety, which principally support other industries. There are approximately 209 businesses in Sylvan Lake within the Professional Scientific Technical services (PSTS) sector, accounting for 17% of all of the town’s businesses. The management, scientific, and technical consulting services subsector accounts for over half (57%) of total businesses in the sector.

Compared to the rest of Alberta, Sylvan Lake’s business community shows high concentrations in other management consulting services, such as customs, freight, materials and inventory management, and environmental consulting.

Small business and independent entrepreneurs are the backbone of this sector, with people choosing to locate in the waterfront community of Sylvan Lake because of its appealing quality of life.

Opportunities within the sector itself include: • Legal services • Finance and Insurance • Specialized design • Computer systems design and related services • Scientific research and development services • Advertising, public relations, and related services Opportunities for unique commercial and industrial pursuits, a collegial business attitude, and its prime location in Central Alberta makes Sylvan Lake’s business community vibrant and highly attractive.

Add to that the ample recreational amenities, entertaining festivals and four-season events and health and

fitness activities, and the resulting opportunity is an active, high quality of life with the perfect work-life balance, which can be easily obtained in Sylvan Lake.

For more information, contact: Vicki Kurz Economic Development Officer 403-887-1185 Ext. 226 vkurz@sylvanlake.ca www.sylvanlake.ca/invest

Do you want a better life – now?

Consider living by the lake with year-round outdoor recreation at your doorstep. Supported by an established and growing community of skilled trades workers and a local government that helps businesses succeed.

Sylvan Lake strikes the perfect lake-work balance for you, your business and your family.

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FORESTRY West Yellowhead | p.80 Peace Country | p.82

$6.4 billion

In 2017, shipments of Alberta’s forest products reached a record $6.4 billion, and exports were $3.4 billion. Forest products include pulp, paper and wood products such as lumber and oriented strand board.

This map highlights where a few exciting stories of economic innovation in this particular sector of Alberta’s economy are taking place and is not meant to be a representation of the entirety of activity in this sector throughout the province.

2.2billion m

3

Alberta’s commercially productive timber land base of 26.1 million hectares covers 40 percent of Alberta’s total area, and includes in excess of 2.2 billion cubic metres of growing stock.

Sources: Alberta Economic Development and Trade

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MATERIAL

WORLD

PHOTOS COURTESY: BIOCOMPOSITES GROUP

BioComposites Group is out to prove that one industry’s waste is another industry’s billion-dollar treasure BY CHRISTOPHER SCHIEMAN FTER SEVEN YEARS, DAN Madlung is on the verge of an overnight success. The president and CEO of BioComposites Group (BCG) is working with major automotive companies, such as Toyota and General Motors, to replace plastic and fibreglass components in their vehicles with his company’s flagship product Terrafibre – a composite material made from wood and agricultural fibres.

“This is ground zero for an entirely new industry for the province,” says Madlung. “There’s a lot of potential in these new products and a lot of benefit to Alberta.”

Madlung has a long history of finding innovations in agriculture and forestry. Prior to BCG, he worked for a handful of major companies in the forestry sector across Western Canada, dating back to 1985. In 2006, he struck out on his own as an entrepreneur and to this day continues to be a partner with Silvago Partnership, a forest seedling company.

Being deeply involved with the forestry industry, Madlung knew about European and Asian companies using plant-fibre products. The more he learned, the more he saw an opportunity that was seemingly built for Alberta. In the province, 44,000 acres of hemp is grown annually and the plant’s stock can grow upwards of 12 feet in length.

“In Canada, hemp is only grown for the seeds to be used in things like breakfast cereal and stock is seen as a waste product,” says Madlung, pointing out that in Europe and in Asia the stock is seen as significantly more valuable than the seeds because of how it can be processed into a fibre material that has countless industrial uses.

That planted the seed for Madlung and he launched BCG in Drayton Valley, a town of more than 7,000 people that’s situated approximately 130 kilometres southwest of Edmonton.

Incorporated in 2010, BCG began filling its first orders in 2017. In those seven intervening years, the company began its research and development into using plants like hemp and wood waste to create a material that could be used as erosion and weed control matting or as a replacement for fibreglass and plastics in automotive parts.

Plant fibres for interior paneling are commonly used in higher-end European cars, such as Audi

ment alliance of 10 municipalities in north central Alberta. “There is a big demand out there and new investment will help eliminate any barriers there are to satisfying that need.”

Grainger adds that one area of potential investment is to add to the province’s number of decorticators. These are the machines that can process bales of hemp and flax stock into plant fibres and currently there is only one in the province.

“This is ground zero for an entirely new industry for the province. There’s a lot of potential in these new products and a lot of benefit to Alberta.”

– Dan Madlung, president and CEO of BioComposites Group and BMW, because they are lightweight, which then improves fuel economy and alters the vehicle’s centre of gravity making them easier to handle. But there’s a catch, as these materials typically come with a higher price point.

BCG’s plant-based fibres are at a price point that competes with traditional materials, which has enabled the company to enter into discussions with non-luxury automakers. In addition to the car manufacturers, BCG is also working with Canadian-based farm vehicle companies and international bus manufacturers to replace much of their interior paneling with plant fibres.

These companies already had an interest in exploring plant-fibre options and were looking for the right manufacturer.

“Aerospace and automotive are extremely interested in this because it’s a green and sustainable product with countless benefits back to the environment,” says Troy Grainger, executive director of Grizzly Regional Economic Alliance Society (GROWTH Alberta), a regional economic developPast Present Future

The province has already looked to advance this burgeoning plant and wood fibre industry by investing $4.5 million in the construction of BCG’s manufacturing facility. The 32,000 square foot facility employs close to 30 people and can produce 10,000 tons of material annually. The factory would need 10,000 acres of stock and wood waste for it to be at full capacity for production.

BCG’s projections for the next two years see the company generating approximately $70 million in revenue and creating 150 new Alberta rural jobs.

Grainger understands that for this new industry to flourish and meet market demand, industry can’t go it alone. Collaboration between producers, industry, governments at all levels, and new investors need to be in line to ensure Alberta continues leading in this new market.

“Virtually anything made out of fibreglass can be replaced by plant-based fibres,” says Grainger.

“Companies like [BCG] are already demonstrating how they can be responsive to industry needs.”

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BRIDGING THE

DIGITAL DIVIDE Alberta’s pulp and paper mills find innovative ways to remain relevant in an increasingly digital world

BY MICHELLE LINDSTROM

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“It’s a natural part of our process that makes the biosolid,” Armstrong says. “Then we put it on our trucks and transport it – for free – to farmers’ fields before spreading it on their land and tilling it under.”

This biosolid conversion helps farmers and lowers costs for DMI by trucking the biosolid to nearby end-users rather than landfills. This initiative is a key reason PRPD was acknowledged as one of the Alberta government’s EnviroVista Program inaugural members in 2005.

EnviroVista is a voluntary program that recognizes Alberta industrial and manufacturing facilities for their environmental excellence. To qualify as an EnviroVista Leader, a facility must demonstrate a minimum of five years of approved emissions performance, have an audited environmental management system in place

Armstrong says. “You can’t have success with one over the other.”

In 2011, PRPD added a condensing steam turbine generator to its mill that produces over 400,000 megawatts of power annually. The generator helps the mill be self-sufficient for its energy needs. In addition, the company exports enough power each year to light up over 7,000 homes.

“It’s about looking at opportunities with curiosity,” Armstrong says. “You can be very resistant to change and focus on the impossibilities as opposed to understanding that advancement comes with being curious.”

That curiosity to find diversification is common among mills in Alberta.

Troy Grainger, executive director of Grizzly Regional Economic Alliance Society (GROWTH

“It can’t be about economics at the price of the environment or social development and change. You can’t have success with one over the other.”

– Amber Armstrong, Indigenous and community engagement facilitator with the Peace River Pulp Division (PRPD) of Daishowa-Marubeni International (DMI) Ltd. and no Alberta Environment prosecutions in the past five years. PRPD went on to be recognized under this program several more times since its first award.

While PRPD looks for ways to make positive environmental and social impacts, its business strategy is to find a cost advantage before anything is implemented.

“It can’t be about economics at the price of the environment or social development and change,”

PHOTOS COURTESY: PEACE RIVER PULP DIVISION

VEN AS MORE PEOPLE REACH for laptops, tablets and smartphones to read news or send email, a long paper trail still stretches across the globe.

“When we look at printing paper, we’re seeing a decline, but where we don’t see a decline is in those paper products that are more tissue-like – sanitary napkins, paper towels, toilet paper, and facial tissue,” says Amber Armstrong, Indigenous and community engagement facilitator with the Peace River Pulp Division (PRPD) of Daishowa-Marubeni International (DMI) Ltd. PRPD is part of a trend among the province’s seven pulp and paper mills to establish some of the industry’s most environmentally friendly and diverse operations. These mills are increasingly using responsible harvesting practices, implementing power generation initiatives and identifying new uses for by-products.

PRPD opened its doors in 1990 and is located just north of Peace River, a town of more than 6,500 people in the treed landscape of northwest Alberta and approximately 500 kilometres from Edmonton. The mill ships its premium hardwood and softwood pulp to the United States, China, Korea, Europe, and Japan.

“We look at innovation, which is critical to stay relevant and competitive, and how to streamline and be efficient,” Armstrong says.

One aspect of that efficiency is logging. DMI uses the whole tree – branches, tops, sawdust – instead of leaving parts that do not make pulp behind on the forest floor. DMI transports these scrap tree parts and burns them in a power boiler to create energy, decreasing the company’s need for natural gas and reducing its carbon footprint.

DMI also reuses a biosolid created during the pulp-making process, something it began investigating in the mid-1990s.

Past Present Future

Alberta), a regional economic development alliance of 10 municipalities in north central Alberta, says the pulp industry is full of entrepreneurs who always look for opportunities, much like Alberta Newsprint Company (ANC) in Woodlands County, a forested area in western Alberta about 300 kilometres south of Peace River.

ANC produces a significant amount of North America’s newsprint but adjusted as the demand for newsprint dwindled.

“They are diversifying into other sectors while being a mentor to other industry partners,” Grainger says, noting that ANC oversees an industrial incubator it developed to facilitate cross-industry synergies and innovation.

Armstrong says the goal for PRPD is to be a low-cost, high-quality producer of world-class pulp but to do it in a way that supports the challenges and opportunities coming its way – including being a lead and ambassador for the industry.

“We’ve had some really good research in the past and we want to be that giant for people to stand on our shoulders and advance it further,” Armstrong says.

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CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

NO SIGNS OF GROWTH SLOWING

Photo by William Vavrek

Grande Prairie is anticipated to be a hotbed of activity for years to come

WITH A STRONG, DIVERSIFIED

“The collaborative efforts of the Tri-Municipal Industrial Partnership draw on our region’s reputation as an entrepreneurial, resilient, and investment ready area of Alberta” — Mayor Bill Given

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economic base serving as a retail and a service hub for Northern Alberta and North eastern British Columbia, Grande Prairie is poised for growth.

From 2000-2018, the City saw an annual growth rate of 3.74%, and now with multiple projects on the horizon, such as a $2 billion methane manufacturing facility, regional hospital, and Tri-municipal Industrial Partnership, there are no signs of slowing.

Nauticol’s October 2018 announcement of its plan to build a $2 billion methanol manufacturing facility 10km south of Grande Prairie demonstrates the city’s enviable position in the of heart of the province’s most active natural gas play. Once completed, methanol will be shipped by rail to Prince Rupert, British Columbia where it can easily access Asian markets which is currently driving global demand.

The proposed facility creates value-add opportunities for the nation’s abundant natural gas resource and brings the untapped potential of Grande Prairie to light. “Nauticol is committed to building value-add industry in the Grande Prairie region. This leading-edge facility will create 75,000 people years of employment and adds value to Alberta’s natural gas supply,” said Mark Tonner, President and CEO of Nauticol Energy Ltd. “This is a made-in-Alberta/made for-Albertans project that will add tremendous economic, environmental and societal benefits both here and around the world.”

To capitalize on and further spur growth, the Tri-Municipal Industrial Partnership (TMIP) has been developed, a unique and collaborative approach to large-scale industrial attraction and investment in the region. A coordinated effort between the City of Grande Prairie, Municipal District of Greenview and County

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of Grande Prairie, the TMIP is strategically located 40km south of city which will allow companies to leverage highly skilled workforce and close proximity to abundant, low-cost natural gas feedstock.

Additionally, the strategy of cluster development and synergizing utilities and resources will create efficiencies and help reduce the environmental footprint of future development.

By providing investment ready land, this partnership will present opportunities to diversity from oil & gas extraction and attract national and international investment to the region. This will not only benefit the region socio-economically, but will provide the opportunity to strengthen Alberta’s position as a major player in the petrochemical industry.

“The collaborative efforts of the Tri-Municipal Industrial Partnership draw on our region’s reputation as an entrepreneurial, resilient, and investment ready area of Alberta,” said City of Grande Prairie Mayor, Bill Given. “We are eager to see the results of this innovative partnership and realize opportunities to further diversify our regional economy.”

In addition to activity from industry, the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital currently being built is also expected to herald a new stage of economic and population growth in the city. By 2025, it’s anticipated that an additional 756 workers & doctors will be required in the region to meet the needs of the new hospital. The $763 million facility will feature a state-of-the-art cancer centre, making Grande Prairie the fifth city in the province the offer radiation therapy services.

Once built, the hospital will generate an estimated $444 million in economic output and $277 million in GDP annually. Retail, accommodation, and food and service industries are expected to be the largest beneficiaries with further demand and increases to existing businesses anticipated. This will add to the existing demand of 4.6 million square feet of retail floorspace.

With these projects, coupled with continuous growth and support from oil & gas, agriculture, retail and forestry, Grande Prairie is anticipated to be a hotbed of activity for years to come.

For more information, contact: Rebecca Leigh Senior Economic Development Officer City of Grande Prairie ecdevinfo@cityofgp.com | 780.357.4969 cityofgp.com/ecdev

edaalberta.ca investalbertamag.ca

69,088 Population (2018)

Named Canada’s Best Place

281,425 Total Trade Area Population

3.74%

199,200

Population Growth (2000-2018)

Workforce in the Economic Region (October 2018)

$293,935

$1,122

Average Home Price (2017)

Average Rent (2 bed apartment October 2018)

Rental Market Vacancy (October 2018)

3.6%

64.9%

$3.7 Billion

86.2

$163.3 Million

Hotel Occupancy (September 2018 YTD)

Total Trade Area Retail Spending

KPMG Competitive Alternatives Cost Index

Construction Value (November 2018 YTD)

Contact the Economic Development Department for more information or to sign up to our newsletter for monthly updates.

for Business by Canadian Business and PROFIT in 2016

Rebecca Leigh, Senior Economic Development Officer ecdevinfo@cityofgp.com | 780-357-4969 | investgrandeprairie.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

TOWN OF OKOTOKS

WHY OKOTOKS STRATEGICALLY LOCATED ALONG the Canadian-Mexican transportation route, Highway 2, and only minutes away from a major urban centre of more than one million people, Okotoks offers an environment where people are able to pursue their entrepreneurial vision with a lifestyle to match.

Featuring thoughtful planning and design, a strong local economy and a vibrant civic culture, Okotoks combines urban amenities with the charm and safety of small town life. Our vision is clearly focused on creating a future where environmental practices and sustainability form an integral part of life and work for the community.

A complete review and update of the Municipal Development Plan is underway, which will be completed in 2019. This will be accompanied with Land Use Bylaw amendments that will foster and encourage growth in an environmentally sustainable way.

High speed connectivity, local amenities and strong business support, combined with access to a highly skilled local labour force, provides the ideal combination for a strong entrepreneurial eco-system.

We invite you to become part of our innovative, youthful community.

QUICK FACTS: • Fibre Optics broadband is available throughout Okotoks

TRANSPORTATION: Highways: 2 (Canada-Mexico route); 7 & 22 (to the west coast and Asian markets) Air: Okotoks Air Ranch Airport (private local, fully certified airport), offers 3,100 foot runway.

Bus: On-it Commuter Bus Service weekdays between Okotoks and Calgary’s Anderson LRT station.

International Airport: under 40 minutes (56KM)

• No business tax • Mid-sized urban centre: average age is 34, highly educated workforce • Population: 30,000 INDUSTRIAL LAND: • For industrial or commercial use, Okotoks has approximately 200 acres of development land available for sale, lease or build-to-suit.

build. invent. code. grow. thrive.

Business is simply better in Okotoks

To learn how to build your business in Okotoks contact: 403.938.8052 ecdevokotoks@okotoks.ca okotoksventure.ca

With state-of-the-art connectivity, business-friendly zoning, by-laws, support, and a lifestyle that employees find irresistible, there is every reason for your business dream to happen in Okotoks.

Learn more at okotoksventure.ca okotoksventure.ca

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ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH Calgary | p.88 Capital | p.89, 90

$16 billion

Alberta’s information and communications technology (ICT) industry includes about 4,600 companies and 40,000 employees generating about $16 billion in annual revenues in 2016, making ICT one of Alberta’s key sectors.

Broadband Speed This map highlights where a few exciting stories of economic innovation in this particular sector of Alberta’s economy are taking place and is not meant to be a representation of the entirety of activity in this sector throughout the province.

Download speeds for high-speed/premium internet services (MB/sec) Ontario Alberta British Columbia Quebec Saskatchewan Manitoba 0

20

40

60

80

100

Sources: Alberta Economic Development and Trade, speedtest.net

Past Present Future

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SILICON PRAIRIE Calgary’s efforts to grow its tech sector and draw established ventures to the city are starting to pay off OBSQUAD HAD A unique plan to support tech companies in San Francisco’s famed Silicon Valley – and then chose Calgary as the location for its head office.

MobSquad, which has 14 people working in its head office, offers a virtual Canadian office to U.S.-based clients by pairing its staff of engineers with tech firms on an exclusive, longterm basis. The now Calgary-based company expects to have 150 full-time engineers within 18 to 24 months as demand for its services grow – a need evidenced by increased job numbers south of the border.

“A year ago, there were 19,000 software engineering jobs in the Bay Area alone. Last week, that number was 28,000,” says Irfhan Rawji, founder and CEO of MobSquad. “This is a big problem that is getting worse. If you don’t have talent in your startup or a scaleup, you’re really in trouble.”

What made Calgary attractive to MobSquad was the support of local investors and government funding, says Rawji. “These are the right conditions for success,” he adds.

The government funding refers to the $100-million Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund. The fund was established in the spring of 2018 by the city with the goal of funding private companies, non-profits and public institutions that will be catalysts for economic growth, diversification, increased employment, and expansion of the property tax assessment base.

“It’s a long-term play,” says Steve Allan, executive chair of Calgary Economic Development (CED). “We want to be the city of choice in Canada for the world’s best entrepreneurs.”

Over 150 applications had been submitted for funding in late-2018 and MobSquad was the first company to qualify for a grant through the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund.

The firm was awarded $1.5 million and opened its head office in October 2018.

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PHOTO COURTESY: MOBSQUAD

BY R.P. STASTNY

Robyn Bews, vice-president of business development for CED, says its global recruitment efforts to attract technology companies is ongoing. The Opportunity Calgary Invest-

compete for talent and find space,” says Bews.

Calgary’s selling features are its position as one of North America’s most livable cities, its relatively low cost of doing business and cost of living, its status as a head office leader

“It’s a long-term play. We want to be the city of choice in Canada for the world’s best entrepreneurs.”

– Steve Allan, executive chair of Calgary Economic Development

ment Fund allows the city to aggressively compete for companies that could significantly impact the city’s innovation ecosystems.

“Calgary connects with fast growing tech companies in our target markets looking to scale up but who are finding it difficult to

and its proximity to well-established technology centres like San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver.

“Almost one-third of our active company-attraction files are in the technology space and we look forward to showing the country that Calgary is an emerging Canadian tech centre,” Bews says.

edaalberta.ca investalbertamag.ca

LEVEL UP Alberta’s video game developers tap into a new tax credit to accelerate growth HEN BIOWARE launched in 1995, Alberta’s interactive digital media industry was in its infancy and there were just a handful of studios in the province. The Edmonton-based video game developer rose to prominence with the global success of a few blockbuster games and was purchased in 2007 by Electronic Arts Inc. – a giant in the video game industry that is headquartered in California and earned more than $5 billion in 2018 with operations and sales around the world.

Now, thanks to a new provincial tax credit, more software developers in Alberta are hoping to take their game to the next level.

In March 2018, the Alberta government revealed plans for an Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit, giving developers in the province a 25 percent refundable tax credit on labour costs.

“We’re looking at Alberta and saying, ‘it’s worth investing here,’” says Trent Oster, CEO of Beamdog, a game development studio based in Edmonton. “We’re going to go for it. We’re going to go big and we’re going to succeed in Alberta, because they’re behind us.”

Beamdog has published Enhanced Editions of popular roleplaying games, such as Neverwinter Nights, Baldur’s Gate, Planescape: Torment, and Icewind Dale, that add new content to the original versions of the games. Some of these games were first released by BioWare, where both Oster and his partner Cameron Tofer previously worked.

Beamdog’s story started with two employees in 2009. By June 2018, it had grown to around 24. Then, the ranks began to expand rapidly and, in five months, the company almost doubled its staff. Oster chalks up the latest wave of hiring directly to the new tax credit, not-

PHOTO COURTESY: BEAMDOG

BY GLENN COOK

GAME ON: Beamdog CEO Trent Oster (right) and COO Cameron Tofer have capitalized on a new tax credit to nearly double their staff.

ing that 90 percent of Beamdog’s operating costs are salaries.

“It demonstrates at least an awareness of the potential we can bring to the local

mers graduating from the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary.

Oster believes the next two to three years will be a “wild and crazy time” for Beamdog as they continue

“I think we’ll see a good selection of studios of pretty decent size around here. I think we’ll have a pretty decent game development scene inside the next two years.”

– Trent Oster, CEO of Beamdog

economy,” says Oster, who was part of the group that consulted with the government to develop the tax credit.

Alberta is also a great place to run a video game company, Oster says, because of passionate, talented programPast Present Future

to grow and push out new products. But that growth likely won’t be limited to just his company.

“I think we’ll see a good selection of studios of pretty decent size around here. I think we’ll have a pretty decent game development scene inside the next two years,” he says.

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TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK TEC Edmonton formed two international partnerships that could play a key role in helping tech start-ups access global markets

EC EDMONTON KNOWS A thing or two about partnerships.

The organization was formed as a joint venture between the University of Alberta and the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, and was created to help accelerate the growth of early-stage technology companies in the province’s capital city.

So it should be no surprise that TEC Edmonton has turned to partnerships to help make that happen. In 2018, the organization announced two new partnerships: one with multinational pharmaceutical company Merck, and the other with TusStar, a technology incubator owned by Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, that has emerged as one of that country’s most successful incubators.

By securing these partnerships, TEC Edmonton CEO Chris Lumb thinks it could have ripple effects that will be felt across the province.

“If it works out well, other companies could look at it and say, ‘We should be moving into Alberta too,’” he says. “And then we can continue to build the brand of the Edmonton region being one of Canada’s best health innovation environments.”

Tsinghua University also has a partnership with the University of Alberta, which is how TEC Edmonton was introduced to the people running TusStar. “They were looking for opportunities to develop more incubator partnerships in Canada,” Lumb says.

The partnership with TusStar allows entrepreneurs from both Canada and China to spend six months in the other country, learning to break down barriers like language, intellectual property policy, regulations and business etiquette.

“You have to go into China through part-

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PHOTO COURTESY: TEC EDMONTON

BY GLENN COOK

nerships,” Lumb says. “And because our clients at TEC Edmonton are technologyfocused – younger, growing companies – partnering with an incubator like TusStar, through Tsinghua, makes a lot of sense.”

Meanwhile, the TEC Edmonton Merck Accelerator is the first major project to come out of the $3.7-million Alberta Merck Innovation in Health Fund.

in revenue in 2017 – in order to innovate in the health technology field.

Factors that brought the partnership about included the large amount of medical research that is already happening at the University of Alberta each year, a good investment climate for life sciences companies, the existence of Alberta Health Services as a potential customer and data source, and TEC Edmonton’s substantial experience in commercializing technology.

“If it works out well, other companies could look at it and say, ‘We should be moving into Alberta too.’”

– Chris Lumb, CEO of TEC Edmonton

This partnership allows early-stage health technology companies to access advice from the pharmaceutical company – headquartered in the U.S. with 69,000 employees around the world and more than $40 billion

“[Merck] has lots of outreach functions around the world. But they don’t do things like they’re doing with us,” Lumb says. “This is the first time they’re trying it anywhere. It’s an experiment for them, and so they’re really committed to making it work.”

edaalberta.ca investalbertamag.ca

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

CITY OF SPRUCE GROVE

SPRUCE GROVE

Our city is experiencing unprecedented growth - and no wonder!

WITH A POPULATION OF 35,000 Spruce Grove is one of Western Canada’s fastest growing mid-size urban centres. Located 11 kilometers west of Edmonton and situated between the Yellowhead Highway and Highway 16A, Spruce Grove is a commercial destination for a trade area of 138,000 people.

With $1.9 billion spent in Spruce Grove’s retail and commercial nodes – a population growth rate of 5.2% every year and nonresidential property tax rate that’s 2.2 times lower than Edmonton – lucrative investment opportunities in these sectors continue.

Westwind Centre and City Centre redevelopment offer high visibility investment opportunities in retail, dining & entertainment, accommodation, and personal and professional services.

Over the last 5 years, Spruce Grove generated just under $900 million in building permit activity – a testament to our city’s strength and resiliency.

Spruce Grove’s industrial district is home to a diverse mix of international, national, and local companies. Efficient road, rail, and airport access – along with startup costs significantly lower than just minutes away in Edmonton and serviced industrial land competitively priced at $360 thousand per acre – Spruce Grove continues to draw new investment. To help accommodate this demand, two new, privately owned industrial parks offer shovel ready land and Class A buildings.

Commuter connections, expanding public transit, and close proximity to world-class universities - as well as the Spruce Grove NAIT

campus – is attracting skilled workers who have the luxury of working close to where they live – a powerful factor for employers looking to attract and retain the talent needed to succeed.

The business. The family. Grow them. Raise them well in our lifestyle community.

For more information contact: Dave Walker, Manager Economic & Business Development Phone: 780-962-7608 investsprucegrove.ca

SAVE TIME... drive the

bottom line with efficient road, rail and airport access to markets.

The City of Spruce Grove is on the grow within the Edmonton metro’s population of 1.3 million.

The business. The family.

Grow them. Raise them well in our lifestyle community.

OPPORTUNITIES: + Construction + Transportation Supply & Logistics + Manufacturing + Wholesale Trade + Agri-Food Processing + Energy Sector Services + Environmental Products & Services + Medical & Professional Services + Destination Retail + Accommodation + Full-Service Dining CONTACT:

DAVE WALKER

Manager Economic & Business Development

@SpruceGrove_EcD

780-962-7608

Past Present Future

@InvestSpruceGrove

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

TOWN OF INNISFAIL

A HUB OF OPPORTUNITY The perfect location well worth exploring CONVENIENTLY SITUATED ON the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor, Innisfail is a thriving mid-sized community in what some may call the perfect location. It’s just 15 minutes south of Red Deer and an hour north of Calgary, meaning whatever few amenities it doesn’t have are available just a short drive in either direction.

What it does have, however, is impressive.

And in this town of about 8,000, it’s all well worth exploring.

BUSINESS: Innisfail businesses in recent years have been recognized as being among the fastest growing in the entire province. From their Innisfail base, entrepreneurs and business operators have played an important role in markets locally, regionally, nationally and globally.

LIFESTYLE: Famed attractions such as the Discovery Wildlife Park and the 27-hole Innisfail Golf Club provide an immense draw for tourists and

community members alike. And with a number of impressive recreational and cultural facilities, lifestyle opportunities truly abound.

LOCATION: With frontage along the CalgaryEdmonton Corridor, the town boasts exceptional highway visibility with easy access to markets.

Regional and international airports are within an hour’s drive, while a recently announced transportation pilot will further enhance regional connectivity.

STRATEGY: Innisfail Town Council in its 20182021 Strategic Plan identified the retention, expansion and attraction of business as one of its key priorities over the next several years. Plans in economic development are bolstered by aggressive targets in social, cultural and environmental realms.

WORK: The Central Alberta region fosters a strong rural work ethic that produces no shortage of skilled and dedicated workers. The presence of nearby post-

secondary institutions also contributes to the immensely diverse talent pool from which the town draws its labour.

For more information, contact: Stuart Fullarton Economic Development & Communications Officer Town of Innisfail | 403-227-3376 stuart.fullarton@innisfail.ca www.innisfail.ca/economicdevelopment

where opportunity is always on the horizon.

• Aggressive growth strategies in a pro-business environment • Highway 2 frontage with easy access to markets • Big-city amenities in a small-town setting • World-class opportunities in leisure, recreation and tourism Innisfail Golf Club photo (www.innisfailgolf.ca)

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ARTS & TOURISM Central | p.94 Central Mackenzie, Slave Lake, Southwest Wood Buffalo | p.98

127,000

Tourism in Alberta supports more than 127,000 jobs across the province, which boasts vibrant cities, diverse and scenic landscapes, and renowned attractions, including five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than 480 provincial parks, 18 provincial historic sites, and five national parks.

This map highlights where a few exciting stories of economic innovation in this particular sector of Alberta’s economy are taking place and is not meant to be a representation of the entirety of activity in this sector throughout the province.

Alberta Tourism Expenditures 2015 by Visitor Origin - $8.1 billion Alberta – 58% Rest of Canada – 19% United States – 10% Overseas – 13%

Sources: Alberta Culture and Tourism, Alberta Economic Development and Trade, Statistics Canada

Past Present Future

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GOING FOR

GOLD

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Central Alberta is looking to score a long-term economic boost from hosting the Canada Winter Games

BY THERESA TAYLER

edaalberta.ca investalbertamag.ca

PHOTOS COURTESY: CITY OF RED DEER

OR THE THIRD TIME, THE CANADA Winter Games are being held in Alberta.

Red Deer is hosting the 2019 edition of the games in mid-February over two weeks, featuring 19 sports and more than 150 events, as well as a major arts and cultural festival.

This is the 27th edition of the Canada Winter Games and provides a stage for Canada’s next generation of national and international athletes.

“For ringette, the Canada Winter Games is the pinnacle event; it’s the highest level,” says Torrie Shennan, a 19-year-old competing in ringette with Team Alberta. “Making the team in order to compete in the Canada Games is a major accomplishment for me. I watched the 2015 games and I was so inspired, I knew my goal was going to be here in 2019.”

While participating in these games is a stepping stone to future athletic success for many young competitors, hosting these games is a stepping stone for future economic activity in the region.

It’s an exciting time for the province, especially for those who make their living in and around Red Deer, explains Kimberley Worthington, executive director of the Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP) — one of the province’s regional economic development alliances that encompasses 35 communities, including Red Deer.

“People are going to see money from this directly and indirectly. The economic impact as a result of these games on our local and regional businesses will be substantial,” she says. “Whether people are spending money in restaurants and hotels or participating in other activities and events around town, these games are having a major short- and longterm regional impact.”

Eager sports fans, athletes and families of those competing, come from across Canada and the globe to experience not only the games, but everything central Alberta has to offer.

Scott Robinson, CEO of the Canada Winter Games, and his team of just under 60 full-time contract staff members, along with 400 planning and leadership volunteers, have been working to organize the event for the past 5 years. The games had a budget of $45 million with the municipal, provincial and federal government levels funding twothirds of the budget while sponsorships, ticket sales and private money covered the rest.

Robinson says the legacy of hosting the games doesn’t just mean an increase in tourism dollars for

the short-term when the games are taking place.

Other positive impacts include new facilities that have been built and upgraded, such as the “Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre/Centre des Jeux Canada Gary W. Harris” at Red Deer College, and improvements to outdoor recreational spaces, such as Great Chief Park, Canyon Ski Resort, the River Bend Golf Course and Recreation Area, and the Gary W. Harris Celebration Plaza. Improvements to major roadways by the province in central Alberta were also timed to be completed by February 2019.

“The economic benefits of hosting the 2019 Canada Winter Games have proven to be numerous for our community. We expect to see an economic impact of more than $100 million as a direct result of the games,” says Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer. “Through new and improved facilities we are also now attracting national and international events, and are able to maximize future opportu-

Alberta. Travellers share positive experiences on social media and through word of mouth, which could inspire people to visit the region and as a result, generate economic activity.

Over 90 percent of central Alberta’s visitors currently visit from within the province, and under 5 percent are from the rest of Canada and outside of the country. Organizers note that the games will showcase Red Deer as the centre city of the region and another vibrant opportunity for investment in this province.

According to CAEP, the Alberta Winter Games in 2014 (held in Banff and Canmore) positively impacted the province by generating $2.7 million and the 2017 Canada Summer Games (held in Manitoba) generated nearly $50 million into the Canadian economy, $43 million in Manitoba and $26 million for the City of Winnipeg.

“This is a dynamic and amazing thing for the community on a whole,” Robinson says. “Just think,

“We expect to see an economic impact of more than $100 million as a direct result of the games.”

– Tara Veer, Mayor of Red Deer

nities to host sporting competitions and other events which will bring new visitors and economic diversification to our city.”

Worthington agrees that another positive impact of the games will be to future tourism in central

River Bend Trail Biathlon range

Past Present Future

we have over 5,000 volunteers taking part. That’s an incredible investment of vision, time and enthusiasm from a community of individuals and businesses, committed to supporting, showcasing and growing their region culturally and economically.”

Setters Place skating oval

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CITY OF WETASKIWIN

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

STRATEGICALLY LOCATED

Wetaskiwin, a city full of innovators and forward-thinking residents. more than a hundred years. Come find out what draws them and experience what makes Wetaskiwin so special.

PERMIT APPROVAL TIMELINE

WETASKIWIN IS WORKING FOR YOUR BUSINESS The City of Wetaskiwin is a forward-thinking community of 13,000 on the cusp of seeing a growth in development. Wetaskiwin is one of the oldest cities in Alberta—having been established in 1906—but it’s a city full of innovators and forward-thinking residents. Wetaskiwin is the ideal choice for business with its strategic location, the low cost of doing business, its trading area, the short permit approval timeline, and the high density of entrepreneurs that are found in the city. Wetaskiwin is already working for your business, here’s a few reasons how:

STRATEGIC LOCATION

Wetaskiwin is an ideally located city that is the perfect place for you to set up shop.

Wetaskiwin is located half an hour away from Edmonton, Alberta’s capital city. We’re close to the Edmonton International Airport, and even closer to the CANAMEX Trade Corridor, the QEII Highway. Being a city in such a great location, your business will find success in Wetaskiwin without the struggles that are found in the larger urban centres.

LOW COST OF BUSINESS

Development permits from the City of Wetaskiwin take three weeks to process. Yes, you read that right. Three weeks. You don’t need to be told that a short permit turn around time means that you are able to get your business up and running much faster than in other municipalities. The city’s development department also works with you every step of the way to make sure there are no issues when you are making your application.

ENTREPRENEURS Wetaskiwin was founded by entrepreneurs over a century ago, and that same persistent entrepreneurial spirit is still strongly felt today. The City is dedicated to the local business owners and works closely with them by supporting their endeavours, encouraging growth through networking opportunities, and by fostering strong relationships.

Wetaskiwin is an ideally located city that is the perfect place for you to set up shop. The low cost of doing business is a strong reason on its own to choose this city, but it’s just one of the factors that makes Wetaskiwin a great place to live and work. The trading area numbers are another testament to how successful your business will be once you set up shop, and thanks to the short permit process, your company can hit the ground running in less than a month.

The high number of entrepreneurs who are found in the city are more evidence on how Wetaskiwin is working for their businesses.

Wetaskiwin is working for your business; come find out for yourself.

A lower cost of business means more money in your pocket.

Win-win situation, right? Wetaskiwin’s commercial lease pricing is about $10-$15 per sq. ft, and if that doesn’t convince you, Wetaskiwin also has land in the South East Industrial Park selling for $265,000 an acre with no offsite levies and it’s shovel ready.

Wetaskiwin is a positive economical choice for your business, plus there’s room to grow. Hard to complain about that!

TRADING AREA Wetaskiwin has strong primary trading numbers of 50,000, and the secondary numbers are nearly doubled at 94,000. It’s not uncommon to cross paths with someone who decided to do their shopping in Wetaskiwin either because of its small town, welcoming feel or because they know Wetaskiwin is the best place to spend their hard-earned dollars. Wetaskiwin has drawn people to the area for

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For more information contact: Jennifer Fossen Manager of Community Development City of Wetaskiwin 4705-50 Ave Wetaskiwin AB. 780.361.4417 www.investwetaskiwin.ca facebook.com/wetaskiwinisworking

edaalberta.ca investalbertamag.ca

Now selling land in Wetaskiwin’s WHY THE WETASKIWIN SOUTH EAST INDUSTRIAL PARK? A business testimonial “Parkland Fertilizers is excited to be part of the new South East Industrial Park. We have been looking for a few years to build our new facility. Our plant will be assisting the farming community around Wetaskiwin to farm with more efficiency.

The City of Wetaskiwin and Parkland Fertilizers agreed that the southeast part of Wetaskiwin would be a great place to have an industrial area. We are looking forward to our new build and are excited to help lead this new development.

The City has been very accomodating and helpful with our new venture and are very informative, knowledgable, and willing to work with us.

We truly recommend that you look to bring your business to the South East Industrial Park in Wetaskiwin.”

INDUSTRIAL LAND IN WETASKIWIN

Features

Pattie Ganske General Manager

Competitive pricing and flexible lot sizes

INTERESTED? PLEASE Fully serviced and shovel ready CONTACT: Easy access to road, rail, and air transportation

Pricing

Starting at $265,000/acre (two or more acres)

Contact

Lisa Novotny Jennifer Fossen (10 minutes from QEII Hwy, Local Airport, etc.)

Manager, Development Services Manager, Jennifer Fossen Ec.D Complete storm water management plan Community Development City of Wetaskiwin City of Wetaskiwin Manager of Community Development Water and sanitary connections 780.361.4405 780.361.4417 ext. 2 City of Wetaskiwin Retention pond for storm drainage lisa.novotny@wetaskiwin.ca jennifer.fossen@wetaskiwin.ca

P: 1.780.361.4417 E: acres) jennifer.fossen@wetaskiwin.ca Pricing: (two acres and over) (under two Don’t miss out.$265,000/acre Visit investwetaskiwin.ca for $280,000/acre details.

THE FINAL

FRONTIER Tourism ventures across Alberta are tapping into the province’s breathtaking landscape to offer unique experiences

BY THERESA TAYLER

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LEFT PHOTO © 2013 ALAN DYER RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY: THANKSGIVING RANCH

EITH ROBINSON IS USED TO seeing bear, deer, coyote and other Canadian creatures almost daily.

At night, away from urban light pollution, his view is a full-spectrum of crystal-clear stars.

“Stargazing is something that’s always been available in Waterton, along with boat tours, nature and hiking, but it’s new and unique as a guided option for tourists,” explains Robinson, whose grandparents came to the townsite in the 1950s and began offering tours of Waterton Lake via boat.

Robinson grew up on the banks of the lake in Waterton National Park. The park is about 250 kilometres south of Calgary and sits at the edge of the Rocky Mountains along Alberta’s southern border.

Robinson and his three brothers still make Waterton their home and continue to work in the tourism industry, guiding tours for the family cruise business and also running their new venture, Dark Sky Guides, offering small, personalized tours of Waterton that focus on the constellations. Hiking at night, as well as guided tours that allow visitors to experience the splendour of star-gazing through a telescope are their speciality.

This type of off-the-beaten-path tourism, aptly nicknamed Frontier Tourism, is a growing industry in Alberta. Frontier tourism is primarily about seeking out unique experiences that combine everything from remote outdoor practices to that which incorporate social, cultural and educational meaning. Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, lakes, rivers, and prairies, combine with historic monuments to provide a plethora of eco-tourism options – such as fishing, hunting, canoeing and the list goes on.

“We know that Drumheller is a largely untapped and important opportunity in terms of emerging destinations to invest in,” says Bruce Tannas, director of business development and investment attraction for tourism with Alberta Culture and Tourism.

“Sylvan Lake has just undergone a major overhaul that will lead to multiple new places for travellers to stay, shore side.”

The Slave Lake region – approximately 250 kilometres north of Edmonton – is another outdoor oasis. The region spans over 10,000 square kilometres and is home to Lesser Slave Lake, which is the province’s largest lake that’s accessible by vehicle. In the summer, popular activities include paddle boarding, boating, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, water skiing. In the winter, the region offers the ideal landscape for snowshoeing, cross

country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling.

Tannas says one of the newer tourism options in southern Alberta is ranching culture. Bradley and Christina Bustard turned their historic family ranch into a lodge that can accommodate up to 16 people to tap into this ranching culture tourism market. The lodge, Thanksgiving Ranch, is located near Pincher Creek, a town of approximately 3,500 people just 50 kilometres north of Waterton National Park.

“They may rarely get to experience the sounds of silence or an animal in nature. The lodge is a place

to portage right into the Northwest Territories up the Peace River – a 1,923-kilometre river that originates in British Columbia, runs through the Town of Peace River in northwestern Alberta and winds across northern Alberta before crossing into the Northwest Territories.

“Often these kind of thrill seekers are not the kind of tourists that stop in at the visitors’ bureau, so we don’t hear about their adventures till later, but it’s exciting to know that people are experiencing our region in many amazing ways,” says Wardley.

“Often these kind of thrill seekers are not the kind of tourists that stop in at the visitors’ bureau, so we don’t hear about their adventures till later, but it’s exciting to know that people are experiencing our region in many amazing ways.”

– Lisa Wardley, director on the Mackenzie Frontier Tourism Board

to try to recover some awareness and start a reconnection with nature,” says Bradley, adding that visitors are often struck by everything from learning about where our food comes from to experiencing a full night sky of stars without the interference of light pollution.

The Mackenzie Region in the northwest corner of Alberta is a largely remote and untouched area that also has large swaths of nature that are free of light pollution.

“We really are Alberta’s last frontier,” says Lisa Wardley, a director on the Mackenzie Frontier Tourism Board. “Most of our traditional tourists have been those in motorhomes passing through on their way up north. However, this area is full of smaller and remote campgrounds as well as places to fish and hike.”

There are also hunting options and it is possible

Past Present Future

SOUTHERN ALBERTA RECEIVES SUSTAINABLE TOURISM RECOGNITION Alberta’s Castle Region and Alberta SouthWest received a major international nod, and recognition as a top sustainable tourism destination.

The Castle Region is home to Castle Provincial Park and Castle Wildland Provincial Park. The two parks in southwestern Alberta were established in 2017 and make up more than 105,000 hectares of protected natural spaces.

Tourism was envisioned as a focal point of Castle Region and the area is living up to that vision.

The growing tourist destination was named among the first 60 locations, and one of only three in Canada, selected as finalists for the 2018 Sustainable Destinations Top 100.

Green Destinations is a global sustainability competition that was launched in 2016 and it’s a global recognition highlighting Alberta’s commitment to take sustainability seriously and demonstrate ongoing efforts to make it a top priority in our travel and tourism industry.

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CALGARY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION is driving Calgary’s economy forward

DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION ISN’T ONLY

Given the track record of citizens and the ambitions of companies, it’s hardly a surprise that in 2018 the CD Howe Institute named Calgary the “most innovative city in Canada.”

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changing basically everything about business, it’s also the energy driving Calgary’s economy forward.

Extraordinary advances in technology set off a wave of creative thinking that is spurring opportunities in established and emerging industrial sectors, well-known businesses and the latest start-ups, as well as the talented people who call Calgary home.

The new innovation ecosystem in the city is building on a proud history of entrepreneurs taking on big challenges, resolving them and prospering.

Innovation in Calgary is primarily focused on industrial sectors identified in the city’s economic strategy where game-changing technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, autonomous vehicles and 3-D printing are transforming how companies do business.

The list of companies that are doing ground-breaking work for some of the biggest and most influential organizations in the world keeps growing fast.

One of the latest names in the media spotlight is ATTAbotics; a fast-growing company in the robotics intralogistics sector that designs and manufactures automated storage and retrieval systems to store, access and move warehoused goods with robotics.

The opportunities to apply its technology in the new economy are immense.

“ATTAbotics is an economic engine for e-commerce operations and we are proud the systems and technology we are exporting worldwide are developed in Calgary,” says CEO Scott Gravelle, who co-founded the company in 2016.

ATTAbotics received funding through the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund to construct two new production lines in Calgary that will serve export markets. The City of Calgary initiative is intended to support transformative investments in the city to expand and diversify the economy.

What may be most striking about the influx of new companies

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growing the local innovation ecosystem is the sheer number, and the varied sectors they represent. At the inaugural Start Alberta Tech Awards in November 2018, all nine companies honoured were located in Calgary.

ATTAbotics was among the winners as the companies represented sectors such as health and life sciences, charitable giving, artificial intelligence and consumer products.

The oil and gas sector has long been the engine that drives the Calgary economy and the city continues to be a global leader in responsible development of all forms of energy. Organizations like the Canadian Oil Sands Innovation Alliance and Clean Resources Innovation Network are spearheading the sector’s application of technology in the drive for better safety, improved efficiency and a smaller environmental footprint.

As the energy sector transforms, it’s prompting some companies to find new areas to apply their technology to other business challenges.

Zedi Solutions is a well-established energy company that is repositioning its remote sensor technology for industries including agriculture and retail.

Aimsio is driving digitization in Calgary’s energy sector, but the five-year-old company has customers in construction using its software to manage field operations and CEO Ash Esmaeili sees growth in sectors like forestry, mining, and agriculture.

“Everybody is talking about the digital transformation,” Esmaeili said. “Our intention was to build the next tech giant in Canada and that’s where we are headed.”

The entrepreneurial energy and creativity in Calgary are critical to Aimsio’s success, says Esmaeili.

To add to a positive business environment, The City of Calgary has initiated the Living Lab program that allows city property and facilities to be used to test products such as unmanned vehicles. The intent is to make Calgary known as an innovation hub and an attractive option for tech-focused companies looking to grow.

Given the track record of the citizens and the ambitions of the companies, it’s hardly a surprise that in 2018 the CD Howe Institute named Calgary the “most innovative city in Canada.”

For more information contact: Calgary Economic Development 403-221-7831 info@calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com

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CALGARY IS

INTO BIG DATA CALGARY HAS OVER 2,300 AUTONOMOUS TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES. We’re all over AI, blockchain and autonomous technologies.

We’re even thinking of changing our name to Silicon Prairie.

We think it could really take off.

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CITY OF AIRDRIE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

STORY BY MARIO TONEGUZZI

PHOTO BY SERGEI BELSKI

Airdrie-based Carbon Credit Solutions is the largest in the globe in what they do

ED ALFKE CEO AND CHAIRMAN OF CARBON CREDIT SOLUTIONS

“It is exciting to know that the important work that we are doing is being recognized by the business community,” says Alastair Handley, the company’s president and founder.

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AN AIRDRIE-BASED COMPANY IS gaining international recognition for its work in helping slow global warming by removing greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere and sequestering carbon in farmland where they use no till farming.

Carbon Credit Solutions (CCSI) sinks carbon in over eight million acres of land and the result eliminates emissions equivalent to removing 862,000 cars from Alberta roads.

“This company is doing an immense amount of good,” says Ed Alfke, the company’s CEO and chairman of the board. “We’re committed to making the world better for our children and grandchildren and to create a company that’s both profitable and sustainable in order to achieve that.”

“We’re working hard. We’re doing exceptionally well. We’re going global to raise our total impact on reductions based on the Alberta climate model. We’re the largest in the globe at what we do. We sink and hold carbon in the ground, thereby offsetting emissions from the energy sector.”

Carbon Credit Solutions measures the success of green projects, develops carbon credit projects and consults on carbon reduction projects for both Fortune 100 companies and governments.

They use their proprietary software and processes to develop carbon credits and measure performance against environmental standards. It implements key performance indicators to monitor, measure, report and verify the outcome of sustainable projects. It identifies risks and implements preventative, detective and corrective controls to mitigate the risk of project failure. And it uses a data-centric, transparent, disciplined and controlled development process, leveraging experts in its global network.

Alfke says climate change is one of the single biggest challenges facing global development today and the company is

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committed to making a difference. Carbon credits are part of the solution and are financially and environmentally rewarding.

Last fall, Alfke captured the 2017 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Prairies in the Cleantech and Environmental category.

Carbon Credit Solutions is Alfke’s 23rd company and he has more than 30 years of business growth experience in industries as diverse as auto, finance and tech.

He has been pivotal in helping the company become the largest aggregator of carbon credits in North America.

The company began in 2008 and Alfke joined in 2014. It has 42 employees leveraged by the leading software platform in the space. Since its inception, it has expanded its operations to the United States and South America. The company has grown by 806 per cent in four years, as audited by PWC. As a result of this CCSI was just awarded two key awards. They just received Deloitte’s top “Fast 50” highest growth companies in Canada at the national Gala in Toronto. Two days after they were notified that they were awarded the top Deloitte “Fast 500” growth companies in all of North America.

“It is exciting to know that the important work that we are doing is being recognized by the business community,” says Alastair Handley, the company’s president and founder.

Alfke says Alberta was the first carbon market in the Americas that started the whole idea of reducing emissions. The company has helped the Ontario government set up its carbon markets and advised the government of Alberta as well.

“Our Climate Smart Group is the global brand that we’re expanding under, outside of the country,” he says. “We’re starting to take the carbon knowledge and our major software and processes into different global markets based on what we’ve learned here in Alberta.

“We simply can’t afford to continue business as usual in the world because climate change and global warming is a real thing.

It’s disastrous in Africa and the Middle East. Lots of places in the world are being impacted by this whole change in temperature and weather patterns. Things are changing. It’s happening and it’s real. We’re part of slowing that down.”

For more information contact: Kent Rupert, Team Leader Airdrie Economic Development 403-948-8844 | 1-888-AIRDRIE (247-3743) economic.development@airdrie.ca www.airdrienow.ca

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TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS Calgary | p.106 Calgary, Central, Capital, South Central | p.107 Southwest, North Central | p.111

$34.8 billion The Government of Alberta’s $34.8-billion infrastructure program in the Jobs Plan is helping stimulate the economy, keep people working and address the province’s infrastructure deficit.

This map highlights where a few exciting stories of economic innovation in this particular sector of Alberta’s economy are taking place and is not meant to be a representation of the entirety of activity in this sector throughout the province.

Manufacturing Sales 2017 Value (in $ billions) $71.3 billion Refined Petroleum 15.9 Food & Beverage 15.0 Chemical Products 14.0 Forest Products 6.4 Fabricated & Primary Metals 6.1 Machinery 6.0 Non-Metallic Construction Materials 2.0 Plastics & Rubber 1.9 Electronic & Electrical Products 1.3 Other Manufacturing 2.7 Sources: Alberta Economic Development and Trade, Statistics Canada

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ROCKY VIEW COUNTY

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

ROCKY VIEW’S RETAIL RENAISSANCE THE WORLD OF RETAIL IS CHANGING. Consumers are demanding more choice and a broader selection of retailers. The Balzac area, north of Calgary, in Rocky View County is filling that game-changing demand.

THE AMAZON EFFECT

Technology is changing and disrupting many traditional ways of doing business. Rocky View County is on the cutting edge of this change. Through our network of land owners, developers and world class retail destinations like CrossIron Mills and New Horizon Mall, retailers are finding new opportunities to grow and prosper. What side of this change is your company? Rocky View County has plenty of room for your business.

The way that consumers shop, research, and purchase items is changing. The opportunity for retailers to reach the world through WHY ROCKY VIEW? WHY NOW? online sales is rapidly growing. In 2018, Rocky View County Why is Rocky View County such a great place to invest? Why welcomed Amazon’s fulfillment center to the Balzac area. This is Rocky View flourishing when so many communities in Alberta 600,000 square foot, state-of-the-art warehouse and distribution are buckling under the weight of low oil prices and a profoundly facility delivers products to buyers across Western Canada. The impacted Provincial economy? Why do investors continue to flock capacity of Amazon is unprecedented and the opportunity for growth to Balzac and Rocky View County? is equally impressive. This is known as ‘the Amazon effect’ – “the Rocky View offers an impressive selection of fullyongoing consumer shift to shopping online and serviced land options, all with excellent proximity to e-commerce”. The flip- side of Amazon’s global Rocky View offers metropolitan Calgary. The Balzac area is a perfect reach is for Alberta-made products to enter the an impressive example. As well, Rocky View also has no business tax.

Amazon supply-chain for distribution around the selection of fullyThat means no business revitalization zone levies, no world. This is a nothing short of a retail serviced land business licenses, no onerous business tax – period.

Renaissance. Companies wanting to benefit from Investors like this (a lot). the Amazon effect should starting looking for land options, all with Rocky View has visionary land owners, confident or building space in Balzac now. If there were ever excellent proximity developers and highly-networked real estate brokers a physical reason to invest in Alberta, Balzac is that to metropolitan that facilitate major investments: month after month, location.

Calgary. deal after deal. These people are the foundation of BRICKS AND CLICKS Rocky View’s bright future. Investors demonstrate this What’s good for Amazon is great for other by investing in Rocky View. online businesses in Alberta. This is what Rocky Visionary leadership by Rocky View’s Council has View County calls the ‘Bricks and Clicks’ strategy. All the synergies made Balzac what it is a today – a hub of commercial and industrial and productivity that Amazon brings to Alberta should be part of a growth, a world-class destination for retail and entertainment, a new retail reality in the Calgary Region. Retailers are starting to place for investment that is unmatched in Alberta. Rocky View develop their warehouse space as fulfillment centers. So, a customized County is proud to welcome Amazon and ride the wave of product like a chair, or cookware, or a chandelier could be purchased progressive change. at a stylish retail showroom in the New Horizon Mall, for example, and picked up at the company’s warehouse bay in Balzac. Larger retailers, needing larger showrooms, could locate around CrossIron Mills, taking full advantage of their impressive success and ‘gravitational pull’ of 9.4 million consumers in 2017.

The efficiencies of the vast warehousing community in Balzac – that includes Walmart, Sobey’s, Gordon Food Service, Pratts Food Service, Smuckers, Pet Value and others – also bring productive capacity to online retail operations. As shoppers ‘click’ on their For more information contact: purchases, the same warehouse facility in Balzac could fulfill that order, David Kalinchuk, Economic Development Manager and deliver products to shoppers around the world: through Canada Rocky View County Post, couriers or global retail services like Amazon. Marrying online Telephone: (403) 520-8195 shopping activity with warehouse fulfillments centers is a critical E-mail: dkalinchuk@rockyview.ca element in today’s world of e-commerce.

Website: www.rockyview.ca The Calgary Region is changing. Consumers are changing.

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Ready to talk growth?

We’ve heard enough negative press about Alberta.

Now is the time to plan for the future and invest.

Cultivate your company’s success in Rocky View County.

Talk to our corporate real estate partners about bringing new developments to Balzac, Conrich or Indus.

When times are tough, the bold take action.

David Wallach (403) 290-0178 dwallach@barclaystreet.com Todd Throndson (403) 262-3082 todd.throndson@avisonyoung.com

Iain Ferguson (403) 750-0803 iain.ferguson@cbre.com

Joe Binfet (403) 298-0402 joe.binfet@colliers.com

Mike Warner (403) 261-1165 mike.warner@ca.cushwake.com

Marshall Toner (403) 456-2214 marshall.toner@am.jll.com

Garry Bobke (403) 984-9804 gbobke@naiadvent.com

Steve Grande (403) 650-6474 steve@commercial.plus

Ralph Gibson (403) 301-7727 ralph@target-realty.com

Past Present Future

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Two of the world’s largest companies have established distribution hubs in a tiny Alberta community

BY DAWN SMITH

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west, north and east perimeter of Calgary.

Balzac is situated to the north of Calgary, just outside the city limits and about 25 kilometres away from the city’s downtown.

Amazon Canada completed its 600,000 square foot distribution centre in 2018.

“Balzac is not just a retail and entertainment story, it is a case study for economic diversification in Alberta.”

– Dave Kalinchuk, economic development manager with Rocky View County

Walmart Canada’s 1.1 million square foot Fresh Food Distribution Centre first opened in 2010 and was expanded in 2014. Both facilities serve as a hub for distributing goods across Western Canada.

“Balzac is not just a retail and entertainment story, it is a case study for economic diversification in Alberta,” says Dave Kalinchuk, economic development manager with Rocky View County. “Retail has become a magnet for investment attraction.”

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PHOTO COURTESY: QUADREAL PROPERTIES

ALMART AND AMAZON have taken different paths to become two of the world’s biggest retailers.

Walmart, established in the 1960s in the United States, is characterized as a big box department store with discount products and its global sales reached $481 billion in 2017.

Amazon, meanwhile, was launched in the 1990s and is predominantly focused on selling retail goods over the internet. It has an increasingly growing list of products that helped the company reach sales of $177 billion in 2017.

One thing these two giants do have in common is a footprint firmly planted in Balzac, Alberta.

The tiny hamlet is part of Rocky View County, a rural municipality with a population of nearly 40,000 people that sits adjacent to the

“We’re responding to customer demand and want to ensure our [distribution centres] are close to customers so we can offer great Prime service and fast shipping speeds,” says Lauren Lynch, spokesperson with Amazon Canada. “We also look at the workforce, and we’ve found talent in abundance in Rocky View.”

Paul Derksen, the senior vice-president of industrial real estate for Quadreal Properties, which leases more than 1.2 million square feet of commercial space in Balzac including Amazon’s site, says the transportation infrastructure is key to the area’s success.

“There are massive intersections near all four corners of our development lands,” he said. “These give us the ability to attract tenants.”

Balzac is located along the Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Alberta’s main north-south artery that includes a nearly 300-kilometre route between Edmonton and Calgary), as well as other major infrastructure including Calgary’s ring road and the Calgary International Airport.

There are also no business taxes.

These factors have helped attract a number of large scale commercial and retail businesses to the area, including a number in the transportation, warehousing and logistics sector.

The economic benefit to Rocky View County is significant. The county’s 2017 Year-End Economic Development Report states the municipality’s non-residential tax base grew from $3.5 billion in 2012 to $5 billion in 2017, an over 42 percent increase.

ELECTRIC AVENUES An electric vehicle road trip is now a reality in Alberta thanks to a growing network of fast-charging stations

PHOTO COURTESY: ATCO ELECTRIC

BY DAWN SMITH ANGE ANXIETY CAN BE frightening. It’s that feeling when you suddenly become unsure if your electric vehicle has enough juice to make it to your destination or a place to recharge.

“Range anxiety is one of the barriers for EV [electric vehicle] drivers,” says Francois Blouin, ATCO’s director of innovation. “We are trying to eliminate that.”

Calgary-based ATCO’s cure for EV owners’ range anxiety is three fast-charging electric vehicle stations connecting Edmonton and Calgary – Alberta’s two biggest cities – and the last in the trio was energized in October 2018. This was the province’s first EV charging corridor and ATCO – a corporation with a diverse portfolio of businesses that includes electricity generation and distribution — partnered with FLO and Canadian Tire Corporation on the project. An ATCO subsidiary provides power for the charging stations that were delivered by FLO, Canada’s largest provider of EV charging solutions, and installed at Canadian Tire Gas+ locations in Calgary, Red Deer and Sherwood Park.

Each station is located near the Queen Elizabeth II Highway, which is the province’s main north-south artery and includes a nearly 300-kilometre route between Edmonton and Calgary. EVs can be charged to 80 percent in as little as 30 minutes using the universal fast-chargers and costs around $20, according to ATCO’s Blouin, and feedback so far has been positive for the corridor.

“Usage is higher than expected,” says Blouin, who notes that there are more than 1,000 EVs registered in Alberta, which means the province has the fourth most EVs in Canada.

This adoption of EVs has spurred on other infrastructure projects in the province as well.

Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance, an economic development region that includes 16 rural communities in the province’s southwest, is partnering with SouthGrow, a neigh-

bouring economic region that comprises 24 communities across south central Alberta, and the cities of Lethbridge, Calgary and Medicine Hat to create a “peaks to prairies” EV charging network.

This project calls for 20 installations across southern Alberta, creating a “backbone” of charging stations that will en-

make up the “peaks to prairies” project will be powered by renewable electricity.

“This corner of the province is rich in renewables,” says Bev Thornton, executive director of Alberta SouthWest.

“We are excited that this is becoming a more significant part of the Alberta energy story.”

In addition to increasing the adoption of EVs in Alberta and reducing range anxiety, ATCO’s Blouin sees future

“Range anxiety is one of the barriers for EV [electric vehicle] drivers. We are trying to eliminate that.”

– Francois Blouin, director of innovation with ATCO

hance tourism and economic development, providing a network of connectivity for EV travel along nine different highways across southern Alberta.

Representing a true clean energy network, the EV charging stations that will Past Present Future

opportunity in other aspects of the EV industry.

“We expect there will be new jobs in the long-term,” he says, noting opportunities range from installing infrastructure to converting existing vehicles to electric. “This technology is growing around the globe… I think we need to explore it to see what the benefits could be for Albertans.”

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REDAs

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

CONNECTING TO INVESTMENT SUCCESS REDA

Key Opportunity Sectors

Alberta HUB

• Energy •Agriculture/Agri-Food • Aerospace/Unmanned Vehicle• Tourism

AlbertaSW

• Tourism/Geo-Tourism • Agriculture • Renewable Energy

BRAED

• Agri-Food • Oil and Gas • Renewable Energy • Industrial Equipment

CAEP

• Petro chemical • Agriculture/Food Processing • Manufacturing • Tourism

GROWTH

• Oil and Gas • Agriculture • Tourism • Renewable Energy • Forestry • Manufacturing

PEP

• Agriculture/Agri-Food • Aerospace/Defence • Transportation/Logistics

PREDA

• Conventional/Unconventional Oil and Gas • Agriculture • Forestry

REDI

• Bio-Energy • Tourism • Agriculture • Forestry • Oil and Gas

SouthGrow

• Renewable Energy • Manufacturing • Agriculture and Food Processing

ALBERTA OFFERS A REALM OF

REDAs Connect Capital to Capacity by Researching investment opportunities Encouraging investment readiness Directing investors to community expertise Accessing networks to simplify investment REDAs Make it Easier to Invest in Alberta!

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robust advantages, from both global and local perspectives. The force of innovation and the spirit of entrepreneurship continue to energize the province as an exciting place to do business.

Alberta also has a unique professional network to help you, the investor, quickly and effectively connect with the people and information to move ventures forward: These are Alberta’s Regional Economic Development Alliances (REDAs), leading and supporting a collaborative, strategic approach to promoting and growing opportunities.

Aligned with the Ministry of Alberta Economic Development and Trade, the 9 REDAs focus upon community and regional economic development as well as business and investment attraction. Recognized as a winning model of province-wide collaboration, REDAs are partnerships of communities guided by the elected officials of the member municipalities, First Nations and Metis Settlements, and further supported by economic development agencies, community and business organizations. Effective results are achieved by leveraging resources of provincial and federal government departments, educational institutions, businesses and workforce partners. Each REDA operates from a regional office that is the “go to” resource for referrals to the people, the organizations, the services and the information relevant to business and industry.

REDAs actively work with each other to implement multi-regional projects, positioning Alberta at the forefront

of business development and creating the context for economic growth to occur. Alberta abounds with entrepreneurial opportunities, a strong and diverse labour force, and a “let’s do business” attitude. Complimenting this is a richness of natural resources, leading edge technologies and innovative approaches that support economic diversification.

Communications technology and high capacity broadband connectivity are an important focus for the regions and communities. Alberta communities understand that digital connectivity is essential to future growth.

Energy is an important part of the Alberta economy. Alberta is the site of the first commercial wind farm in Canada and also receives more sunshine than other provinces. Agriculture offers a richness of opportunity for the food industry and also for bioproducts. Oil and gas, though cyclical, remains an important economic engine for the whole country, and continues to offer opportunities for value-added products and diversifying the manufacturing base.

Tourism development and marketing open the front door to investment. Alberta is home to iconic attractions. Promoting visitation to the province serves to raise awareness of business opportunities. And Alberta is attractive to those who want to do business in spectacular settings!

Transportation and logistics, moving people, goods and services, creates a shared focus on promoting the value of international trade corridors. Working together, the regions gain a big picture perspective that can be helpful to a new investor exploring possibilities.

REDAs represent powerful “partnerships of partnerships”.

Combine an “open for business” entrepreneurial attitude with collaborative efforts to nurture economic prosperity at the local and regional level, and the result is strong support for building business success.

Please feel welcome to contact a REDA to learn more about the array of business and investment opportunities available in the region. They are an important connection to your investment success.

For an informative overview of each REDA search for “REDAs in Alberta” or visit https://communityeconomicdevelopment.alberta.ca/ regional-economic-development-alliances-redas/

edaalberta.ca investalbertamag.ca

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

TOWN OF MAYERTHORPE

NEW OPPORTUNITY TOWN OF MAYERTHORPE IS strategically located at the junction of Highway 43 and Highway 22, 130 kilometres (80 miles) northwest of Edmonton. It is an ideally located community serving a trading area in excess of 46,000 people with a large skilled labour force.

Mayerthorpe offers great long-term potential, including development and tax incentives, an affordable land base, direct access to CN Rail (with nearby secondary access to CP), and high-way commercial and light industrial land bases for your business. Residential land is affordable and families have access to schools offering kindergarten through Grade 12.

WHAT’S UNIQUE Mayerthorpe has a large land base with direct access to well-maintained roadways Highway 43 and Highway 22—CN Rail, and a sanitary sewer main line. The Town offers unique tax incentives for

business such as, the development tax incentives and infill tax rebate program and has an active business support network. At approximately 110 kilometers from the industrial centre of Acheson, Mayerthorpe has the power and gas capacity to meet your business’s needs.

LOTS FOR SALE • 22 Highway Commercial/Light Industrial lots fronting onto Highway 43 and Highway 22 currently under construction, with lots available for purchase • 8 Manufactured Housing lots available • 10+ Single Family Residential Infill lots currently available • 5+ Single Family Residential lots in the newest part of town

For more information on business investment and attraction, visit: www.mayerthorpe.ca/work/doingbusiness-in-mayerthorpe/business-attractioninformation/

Commercial and light industrial land base Access to Highway 43 and Highway 22 Fully operational municipal airport

“With great enthusiasm, we look forward to discussing these opportunities with prospective companies to visit and tour suitable locations.

- Mayor

For more information contact: Town of Mayerthorpe Box 420 Mayerthorpe, Alberta T0E 1N0 Email: cao@mayerthorpe.ca Phone: 780-786-2416

110 +/- kms from Acheson/West Edmonton Developer/Subdivision/Tax Incentives Utility Infrastructure Capacity

Direct access to CN Rail

www.mayerthorpe.ca mymayerthorpe

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mayerthorpe1

edaalberta.ca investalbertamag.ca

GOING GLOBAL Custom transport equipment manufacturer broadens its reach to offset economic cycles

BY DAWN SMITH ABASH MFG. INC. didn’t start out with global ambitions, but shipping its products overseas to places like Mongolia and Cuba has insulated the transportation equipment manufacturer against economic downturns.

“We have had steady growth, mostly due to a diverse product,” says Dave Mortensen, Wabash’s general manager.

“It doesn’t matter, boom or bust, we are always busy.”

Product diversity for Wabash is a result of shifting focus to custom manufacturing of transportation equipment. Based in Westlock, a town of approximately 5,000 people 90 kilometres north of Edmonton, the company was formed in 1981 as a merger between two small businesses. Wabash was an oilfield services company in its early days, but switched focus to manufacturing in 1989.

Now the privately owned company – with more than 100 employees – designs and manufactures custom trucks, support vehicles and equipment for the mining and energy sectors, as well as municipalities. Its jobs have ranged from firetrucks and sand spreaders to tank trucks and equipment for hauling dangerous goods. Many of the custom jobs are for transportation equipment to operate in harsh climates, and Wabash focuses on making equipment user-friendly, low maintenance and functional.

“Clients will throw a strange idea at us, and we will tackle it,” says Mortensen.

“We are prepared to bring on new ideas and train new talent. So much of this is uncharted territory, all you can do is keep an open mind.”

Because the company focuses on custom solutions, new customers often come through referrals by satisfied clients.

LONG HAUL: By focusing on custom transportation equipment that operates in harsh climates, Wabash has attracted a global clientele.

“It’s a small industry and the word gets out,” says Mortensen, noting the company made its first global shipments

director of Grizzly Regional Economic Alliance Society (GROWTH Alberta), a regional economic development alliance of 10 municipalities in north central Alberta

“We are prepared to bring on new ideas and train new talent. So much of this is uncharted territory, all you can do is keep an open mind.”

– Dave Mortensen, general manager of Wabash Mfg. Inc.

because of connections within Canadian mining companies who began working overseas.

Word is also getting out about the innovation and capabilities of the region north of Edmonton.

“Because (Wabash) deals globally, it not only puts them on the map, but it puts our region and Alberta on the map,” says Troy Grainger, executive Past Present Future

that includes Westlock. He says Wabash is one of several manufacturing companies that are located in the region, which is primarily dependent on forestry, tourism, oil and gas, and agriculture.

Mortensen says the region has attracted more industry due to the cost-effectiveness of operating outside of a major urban centre.

“There is a lot of potential here for growth,” he says.

“It is getting the word out and having a place where businesses can go and grow. Westlock is a great place.”

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TOWN OF WESTLOCK

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

A COMMUNITY WITH SPIRIT!

Located at the crossroads of Highway 18 and Highway 44, Westlock has a lot to offer.

THERE ARE EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES

Westlock has the space to grow and has a business-friendly environment.

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for business growth and expansion in our Community.

Located just 85 kilometres north of Edmonton, we offer quick and easy access to major markets and transportation routes.

Industrial, commercial and residential lots are available to suit your needs. Prime locations with ample parking are available downtown.

Westlock has exceptional services and amenities such as a fully serviced hospital with 7 amily General Practitioners, 8 General Practitioners with Specialities and 4 Specialists, long term care facility and a wide range of medical service providers.

Recreation opportunities are plentiful which includes the Westlock Rotary Spirit Centre housing a standard NHL size arena, walking/running track, fieldhouse and fitness centre.

Westlock Aquatic Centre offers a fitness centre and a full indoor six lane pool, a steam room and hot tub. New to the Aquatic Centre is a virtual rec room, featuring a high definition golf stimulator with multi-sport capabilities, and is compatible with game consoles for patrons who wish to have a theatre style gaming experience. Westlock Curling Centre has a 4 sheet ice surface as well as an upstairs lounge. With 9.1 km on the Westlock Rotary Trail, a 13,000 sq. ft. skateboard park and the Mountie Park campground, there is something for everyone.

Westlock has a diverse economy, excellent transportation connections and Telus Fibre technological infrastructure. Fibre optics has provided a unique opportunity for our entire community with faster internet speeds to be enjoyed by individuals and families. This allows our businesses to compete

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globally regardless of their size and location because the network enables faster uploads, file sharing and online collaboration. The Canadian National Railway runs a secondary line through our Community and has spur tracks available. The Westlock Municipal Airport is located 6 kilometres east and 1 kilometre south of Westlock with a runway of 1036.58m.

A community experiencing steady growth with a population of 5101, we offer an affordable cost of living, fantastic recreational opportunities, friendly people, a rural lifestyle and a Community with Spirit!

Westlock has the space to grow and has a business-friendly environment. We take pride in our community in delivering the highest level of service to both our residents and businesses. The opportunities for supporting business in transportation, information technology, communications, business and manufacturing are tremendous. Now is the time to capitalize on our opportunities and expand your vision.

For further information: Contact the Economic Development Department at 780-350-2109 or visit our website at www.westock.ca

edaalberta.ca investalbertamag.ca

LIFE IS GOOD HERE

780-349-4444 www.westlock.ca info@westlock.ca

A Community with Spirit!

MEMBERS JON ALLAN Economic Development Officer Town of Sundre 717 Main Ave West, Box 420 Sundre, AB T0M 1X0 p: 403-638-3551 ext. 111 f: 403-638-2100 e: jon.a@sundre.com DAWNA ALLARD Manager, Central Region Alberta Economic Development & Trade 201, 4920 51 St Red Deer, AB T4N 6K8 p: 403-340-5302 f: 403-340-5231 e: dawna.allard@gov.ab.ca DIANNE ALLEN Manager, Economic Development Town of Bon Accord Box 779 Bon Accord, AB T0A 0K0 p: 780-921-3550 e: dallen@bonaccord.ca VOTHAM ANASTASIADIS Economic Development Officer MD of Opportunity No. 17 2077 Mistassiniy Road North, Box 60 Wabasca, AB T0G 2K0 p: 780-891-3778 e: vothama@mdopportunity.ab.ca SACHA ANDERSON Marketing & C.E.D. Coordinator Community Futures Crowsnest Pass Box 818 Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0 p: 403-562-8858 e: sanderson@albertacf.com TREVOR ANDERSON Manager of Economic Development Métis Nation of Alberta 100, 11738 Kingsway Ave NW Edmonton, AB T5G 0X5 p: 780-619-7072 e: tjanderson@outlook.com www.albertametis.org MAGGIE ARMSTRONG Past President EDA 54 Thorndale Close Airdrie, AB T4A 2C1 p: 403-948-4471 e: maggiearmstrong@shaw.ca SANDRA BADRY Economic Development Officer Red Deer County 38106 Rge Rd 275 Red Deer County, AB T4S 2L9 p: 403-357-2395 f: 403-357-2395 e: sbadry@rdcounty.ca www.rdcounty.ca RICK BASTOW Regional Economic Development Specialist Alberta Economic Development & Trade 10155 102 St Edmonton, AB T5J 4L6 p: 780-644-9822 e: rick.bastow@gov.ab.ca CURTIS BAUER City of St. Albert 29 Sir Winston Churchill Ave St. Albert, AB T8N 0G3 p: 780-459-1631 e: cbauer@stalbert.ca

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MARK BAXTER President Outlook Market Research & Consulting Ltd. 1455 Toshack Road West St. Paul, MB R4A 8A6 p: 204-229-8190 e: mark@outlookmarketresearch.com www.outlookmarketresearch.com READE BEAUDOIN Economic Development Officer City of Fort Saskatchewan 10005 102 St Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 2C5 p: 780-912-2167 e: rbeaudoin@fortsask.ca www.fortsask.ca STACEY BENJAMIN Executive Director Stettler Regional Board of Trade & Community Development 6606 50 Ave Stettler, AB T0C 2L2 p: 403-742-3181 f: 403-742-3123 e: s.benjamin@stettlerboardoftrade.com www.stettlerboardoftrade.com ADAM BENTLEY Land Use Planner Alberta Culture and Tourism 10155 102 St, 6th Floor Edmonton, AB T5J 4L6 p: 780-644-4515 f: 780-644-4515 e: adam.bentley@gov.ab.ca BOB BEZPALKO Executive Director Regional Economic Development Northeast Alberta Information HUB 5015 49 Ave St. Paul, AB T0A 3A4 p: 780-645-1155 e: bobbezpalko@albertahub.com www.albertahub.com PAUL BLAIS Executive Vice-President MDB Insight 993 Princess St, Suite 201 Kingston, ON K7L 1H3 p: 855-367-3535 ext. 241 f: 416-367-2932 e: pblais@mdbinsight.com www.mdbinsight.com

SHERI BREEN Controller Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region 104, 9817 101 Ave Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0X6 p: 587-771-1356 e: sheri.breen@albertacf.com JENNY BRUNS Economic Development Officer County of Barrhead 5306 49 St Barrhead, AB T7N 1N5 p: 780-674-3331 e: jbruns@countybarrhead.ab.ca ELAN BUAN Senior Consultant Schollie Research & Consulting 4819C 48 Ave Red Deer, AB T4N 1Z9 p: 403-346-9849 e: elan@schollie.com www.schollie.com JACQUELINE BUCHANAN Economic Development Officer Town of Three Hills P.O. Box 610 Three Hills, AB T0M 2A0 p: 403-443-5822 f: 403-443-2616 e: jbuchanan@threehills.ca www.threehills.ca ROBERT BUCKLE Tourism/Economic Development Change Collaborative 501, 8728 Gateway Boulevard Edmonton, AB T6E 6K3 p: 780-893-6371 e: rbrtbuckle@gmail.com TAMMY BURKE Councillor Town of Rocky Mountain House Rocky Mountain House, AB e: councillorburke@gmail.com JOYCE BYRNE Group Publisher RedPoint Media & Marketing Solutions #100, 1900 11 St SE Calgary, AB T2G 3G2 p: 403-232-7702 f: 403-240-9059 e: jbyrne@redpointmedia.ca

SEAN BLEWETT Manager Community Futures Chinook 5324 48 Ave Taber, AB T1G 1S2 p: 403-388-2923 e: sblewett@albertacf.com www.chinook.albertacf.com

TAWNDRA CALHOUN Economic Development Officer City of Chestermere 105 Marina Rd Chestermere, AB T1X 1V7 p: 403-207-7065 e: tcalhoun@chestermere.ca www.chestermere.ca

HUGH BODMER Past President EDA 6102 46 St Olds, AB T4H 1M5 p: 403-556-3006 f: 403-556-3664 e: hugh@hughbodmer.com

VIVIAN CALIO-WILLIER Economic Development/HRD Director Sucker Creek First Nation Box 65 Enilda, AB T0G 0W0 p: 780-523-0442 e: economicdev@scfn.ca

MATTHEW BOSCARIOL GM Economic Development & Planning Brazeau County Box 77, 7401 Twp Rd 494 Drayton Valley, AB T7A 1R1 p: 780-542-2667 e: mboscariol@brazeau.ab.ca www.brazeau.ab.ca

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ROXANNE CARR Roxx Strategic Management Sherwood Park, AB T8A 5B3 p: 780-340-1604 e: rpcarr@shaw.ca

PETER CASURELLA Manager SouthGrow Regional Initiative P.O. Box 27068 Lethbridge, AB T1K 6Z8 p: 403-394-0615 e: peter.casurella@southgrow.com SARA CHAMBERLAIN Economic Development Officer Airdrie Economic Development 400 Main St Airdrie, AB T4B 3C3 p: 403-948-8800 ext. 8455 f: 403-948-6567 e: sara.chamberlain@airdrie.ca www.airdrienow.ca CANDACE CHARRON Tourism Business Development Officer Parkland County 53109A Hwy 779 Parkland County, AB T7Z 1R1 p: 780-968-8888 ext. 8284 e: ccharron@parklandcounty.com www.investinparkland.com CYRIL COOPER Principal Invest Cooper Consultants P.O. Box 27005 Gardiners Kingston, ON K7M 8W5 p: 613-888-0108 e: investcooper@outlook.com DENNIS COOPER CEO Sky Wings Aviation Sky Wings Box 190 Penhold, AB T0M 1R0 p: 403-318-2046 f: 403-886-4279 e: dcooper@skywings.com MATTHEW CORNALL Technology Development Advisor Alberta Innovates Room 2915-100, 100 College Blvd Red Deer, AB T4N 5H5 p: 403-342-3475 e: matthewd.cornall@albertainnovates.ca www.albertainnovates.ca KIM COSTA Municipal World 42860 Sparta Line Union, ON N0L 2L0 e: kim@municipalworld.com ERIN CRANE Director, Investment Attraction Economic Development Lethbridge 308 Stafford Drive South Lethbridge, AB T1J 2L1 p: 403-331-0022 f: 403-331-0202 e: erin@chooselethbridge.ca www.chooselethbridge.ca KAMIE CURRIE Manager, North West Region Alberta Economic Development & Trade 3rd floor, 10320 99 St Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6J4 p: 780-296-4986 f: 780-538-5332 e: kamie.currie@gov.ab.ca www.communityeconomicdevelopment. alberta.ca

edaalberta.ca investalbertamag.ca

LINDSAY DANILLER Director Community Initiatives and Development REACH Edmonton Edmonton, AB e: lindsay.daniller@reachedmonton.ca TREVOR DAVISON Managing Principal O2 Planning + Design 510, 255 17 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2S 2T8 p: 403-228-1336 f: 403-228-1320 e: trevor.davison@o2design.com www.o2design.com TARA DE MUNNIK Small Business & Tourism Specialist Strathcona County 2001 Sherwood Drive Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3W7 p: 780-416-6737 e: tara.demunnik@strathcona.ca www.Strathcona.ca WANDA DIAKOW Economic Development Officer Special Area No. 4 Box 220 Consort, AB T0C 1B0 p: 403-577-3523 f: 403-577-2446 e: wanda.diakow@specialareas.ab.ca www.specialareas.ab.ca DAN DIBBELT Executive Director Peace Region Economic Development Alliance 10128 95 Ave Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0L4 p: 780-527-6232 f: 780-628-0771 e: dandibbelt@hotmail.com EIBLIS DOHERTY Community Development Coordinator City of Wetaskiwin Box 6210 Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 2E9 p: 780-361-4417 e: eiblis.doherty@wetaskiwin.ca www.wetaskiwin.ca MICHAEL DOUGHERTY Community Development Airdrie Economic Development 400 Main St SE Airdrie, AB T4B 3C3 p: 403-948-8844 e: michael.dougherty@airdrie.ca RACHAEL DRAGUN Tourism and Economic Development Officer Athabasca County 3602 48 Ave Athabasca, AB T9S 1M8 p: 780-675-2273 f: 780-675-5512 e: ted@athabascacounty.com www.athabascacounty.com DAVID DUCASSES Research Manager Calgary Economic Development 731 1 St SE Calgary, AB T2G 2G9 p: 403-221-7891 e: dducasses@ calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com

MEMBERS GARY DUFFETT Economic Development Officer Town of Provost Box 449 Provost, AB T0B 3S0 p: 780-753-2261 f: 780-753-6889 e: edo@townofprovost.ca www.townofprovost.ca

COURT ELLINGSON Vice President Research and Strategy Calgary Economic Development 731 1 St SE Calgary, AB T2G 2G9 p: 403-221-7892 f: 403-221-7828 e: cellingson@ calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com

MAUREEN EASTON Business Development Officer Catapult Entrepreneurs 103, 4610 49 Ave Red Deer, AB T4N 6M5 p: 587-818-6050 ext. 7004 e: maureen.easton@ catapultentrepreneurs.ca www.catapultentrepreneurs.ca

LINDA ERICKSON Regional Manager Alberta Economic Development & Trade 105, 200 5 Ave S Lethbridge, AB T1J 4L1 p: 403-393-2614 f: 403-381-5741 e: linda.erickson@gov.ab.ca www.southgrow.com

MARTIN EBEL Economic Development Officer Lethbridge County 100, 905 4 Ave South Lethbridge, AB T1J 4E4 p: 403-317-6052 f: 403-328-5602 e: mebel@lethcounty.ca www.lethcounty.ca

MIKE ERICKSON Economic Development Officer City of Fort Saskatchewan 10005 102 St Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 2C5 p: 780-992-6278 e: merickson@fortsask.ca www.fortsask.ca

JODIE ECKERT CED Coordinator Community Futures Centre West 3209, 101 Sunset Drive Cochrane, AB T4C 0W7 p: 403-464-5734 e: jeckert@albertacf.com www.centrewest.albertacf.com LAURIE EDWARD Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Banff, AB e: laurie.e.edward@gmail.com MARK EDWARDS Director, Economic Diversification Parkland County 53109A Hwy 779 Parkland County, AB T7Z 1R1 p: 780-968-8406 f: 780-968-8413 e: medwards@parklandcounty.com

MICHELE EVANS Assistant Deputy Minister Alberta Economic Development & Trade 10155 102 St NW, 5th Floor Edmonton, AB T5J 4L6 p: 780-644-7175 e: michele.evans@gov.ab.ca MARIE EVERTS Events, Marketing & Economic Development Officer Town of Pincher Creek Box 159 Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0 p: 403-627-3156 f: 403-627-4784 e: economic@pinchercreek.ca www.pinchercreek.ca DAVID FAIRBANKS Plains Midstream Canada 1400, 607 8 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 0A7 p: 587-233-7624 e: david.fairbanks@ plainsmidstream.com

JUSTIN FALCONER Falconer Media 10411 105 Ave NW Edmonton, AB T5H 4R8 p: 780-603-1472 e: justin@falconermedia.co DAWN FEDORVICH Economic Development Officer City of St. Albert 29 Sir Winston Churchill Ave St. Albert, AB T8N 0G3 p: 780-459-1743 e: dfedorvich@stalbert.ca JULIA FIELDING Economic Development and Communications Officer Town of Drumheller 224 Centre St Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y4 p: 403-823-1320 e: jfielding@dinosaurvalley.com www.dinosaurvalley.com JEFF FINKLE President & CEO IEDC Suite 900, 735 15 St NW Washington, DC p: 202-223-7800 f: 292-223-4745 e: jfinkle@iedconline.org www.iedconline.org CARRIE FISCHER Okotoks 58 Cimarron Way Okotoks, AB T1S 1M8 p: 403-370-2726 e: carriefischer21@gmail.com BRE FITZPATRICK Economic Development Officer City of Red Deer 4914 48 Ave Red Deer, AB p: 403-406-8807 e: bre.fitzpatrick@reddeer.ca

JENNIFER FOSSEN Manager of Community Development City of Wetaskiwin 4705 50 Ave Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 2E9 p: 780-361-4417 ext. 2 e: jennifer.fossen@wetaskiwin.ca www.investwetaskiwin.ca

PENNY GARDINER CEO EDAC 1100 South Service Rd, Suite 205 Stoney Creek, ON L8E 0C5 p: 289-649-1771 e: gardiner@edac.ca www.edac.ca

KENDALL FRANKLIN Reputation & Relationships Lead Leduc-Nisku Economic Development Association 103, 6527 Sparrow Dr Leduc, AB T9E 7C7 p: 780-986-9538 e: kfranklin@leducniskueda.com

DAVIN GEGOLICK Planning & Development Officer County of Minburn No. 27 Box 550 Vegreville, AB T9C 1R6 p: 780-632-2082 f: 780-632-6096 e: dgegolick@minburncounty.ab.ca www.minburncounty.ab.ca

STUART FULLARTON Economic Development & Communications Officer Town of Innisfail 4943 53 St Innisfail, AB T4G 1A1 p: 403-227-3376 f: 403-227-4045 e: stuart.fullarton@innisfail.ca www.innisfail.ca

WENDY GERBRANDT Community Economic Development Coordinator Community Futures Wild Rose 101, 331 3 Ave Strathmore, AB T1P 1K2 p: 403-934-8888 e: wendy@cfwildrose.ca DAVID GHORIS Manager, Business Development Calgary Economic Development 731 1 St SE Calgary, AB T2G 2G9 e: dghoris@ calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com

GERRY GABINET Director Strathcona County 2001 Sherwood Drive Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3W7 p: 780-464-8257 f: 780-464-8444 e: gerald.gabinet@strathcona.ca MARK GALLANT Business Development Manager Leduc Nisku Economic Development Association 103, 6527 Sparrow Dr Leduc, AB T9E 7C7 p: 780-986-9538 e: mgallant@leducniskueda.com www.internationalregion.com/Home.aspx

www.rockymtnhouse.com 403-847-5260

A Strong Community Working Together visit www.strongertogether.ecdev.org.

The Town of Rocky Mountain House strives to provide excellent amenities and services to its residents and businesses. The new Christenson Sports & Wellness Centre along with the newly-renovated Credit Union Co-op Aquatic Centre will be enjoyed for decades and the Town continues to invest in municipal

Past Present Future

NATALIE GIBSON President InnoVisions & Associates 115, 203 304 Main St Airdrie, AB T4B 3C3 p: 403-948-2110 e: nataliegibson@shaw.ca www.innovisions.co

town@rockymtnhouse.com

Town of Rocky Mountain House The Town of Rocky Mountain House fosters growth and development. We continue to promote our region as a great place to invest and live. In 2018, 62 new business licences were issued to new and home-based businesses. We aim to help businesses thrive through a new joint economic development initiative with Clearwater County. To see everything our region has to offer to developers,

ROB GIBB Repsol Oil & Gas Canada Suite 2000, 888 3 St SW Calgary, AB T2P 5C5 e: rgibb@repsol.com

infrastructure, outdoor recreation facilities and trails. Other notable amenities include our award-winning Main Street and the Rocky Mountain House Airport.

Located in west central Alberta on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Rocky Mountain House is a destination of choice, to play, stay and grow.

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The Town of Rocky Mountain House is committed to collaborating with and engaging residents and business-owners about Town initiatives and strives to lead the province in communicating with its community.

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MEMBERS BRIAN GLAVIN Manager, Economic Development & Land City of Grande Prairie 10205 98 St Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6V3 p: 780-538-0475 e: bglavin@cityofgp.com www.investgrandeprairie.ca

SHAUN GREEN Business Development SG Consulting 4411 41 Ave Smoky Lake, AB T0A 3C0 p: 780-271-1111 e: sgconsultingbiz@gmail.com www.smokylakeregion.ca

JOAN GOLDHAWK Past President EDA 439 50 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2S 1H4 p: 403-389-6392 e: joan.goldhawk@gmail.com

ANGELA GROENEVELD Economic Development Manager Town of Okotoks 5 Elizabeth St, P.O. Box 20, Stn Main Okotoks, AB T1S 1K1 p: 403-938-8052 e: agroeneveld@okotoks.ca

VICTOR GOODMAN Director of Community Development and Innovation City of Camrose 5204 50 Ave Camrose, AB T4V 0S8 p: 780-672-4426 e: vgoodman@camrose.ca www.camrose.ca

SHELLEY GROLLMUSS Vice President, Industry Development Travel Alberta 400, 1601 9 Ave SE Calgary, AB T2G 0H4 p: 403-648-1014 e: shelley.grollmuss@travelalberta.com www.industry.travelalberta.com

KARLA GOULD Economic Development Specialist The City of Spruce Grove 315 Jespersen Ave Spruce Grove, AB T7X 3E8 p: 780-962-7634 ext. 293 e: kgould@sprucegrove.org CATHY GOULET President Killick Leadershp Group 5528 43 St, P.O. Box 405 Lamont, AB T0B 2R0 p: 780-618-4967 e: cathy.goulet@killickleadership.com JANICE GRANT Administrative Assistant Economic Developers Alberta 406, 917 85 St SW, Suite 127 Calgary, AB T3H 5Z9 p: 1-866-671-8182 e: janice@edaalberta.ca www.edaalberta.ca

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CAROLYN GUICHON Consultant-specialist in marketing, governance and business strategy Strategic Solutions Calgary, AB p: 403-305-3910 e: carolynworks@shaw.ca

DEBBIE HAGMAN Community Development Officer Alberta Culture and Tourism Box 1209 Mayerthorpe, AB T0E 1N0 p: 780-554-0725 f: 780-968-7009 e: debbie.hagman@gov.ab.ca www.culture.alberta.ca DEANA HALEY Vice President, Business Retention & Expansion Calgary Economic Development 731 1 St SE Calgary, AB T2G 2G9 p: 403-221-7888 f: 403-221-7828 e: deana@ calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com BRITTANY HALLBORG Office Administrator Leduc-Nisku Economic Development Association 103, 6527 Sparrow Dr Leduc, AB T9E 7C7 p: 780-986-9538 f: 780-986-1121 e: eda@leducniskueda.com www.internationalregion.com

DEIDRE HACKMAN Owner Permit Experts Inc. 10250 176 St NW Edmonton, AB T5S 1L3 p: 855-737-6489 e: info@permitexperts.ca www.permitexperts.ca

JENNIFER HARTIGH Economic Development Officer Town of Blackfalds Box 220, 5018 Waghorn St Blackfalds, AB T0M 0J0 p: 403-885-6246 f: 403-885-4610 e: jhartigh@blackfalds.com www.blackfalds.com

LEANN HACKMAN-CARTY Chief Executive Officer Economic Developers Alberta 406, 917 85 St SW, Suite 127 Calgary, AB T3H 5Z9 p: 403-214-0224 f: 403-214-0224 e: leann@edaalberta.ca www.edaalberta.ca

JEFF HARTLING Economic Development Officer Town of Rocky Mountain House Box 1509, 5116 50 Ave Rocky Mountain House, AB T4T 1B2 p: 403-847-5260 f: 403-845-1835 e: jhartling@rockymtnhouse.com www.rockymtnhouse.com

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MALCOLM HARVEY Past President EDA Cobble Hill, BC e: mehassociates@shaw.ca CARLEY HERBERT Economic Development Officer Town of Wainwright 1018 2 Ave Wainwright, AB T9W 1R1 p: 780-842-3381 f: 780-842-2898 e: cherbert@wainwright.ca www.wainwright.ca CHRIS HESELTINE Assistant Deputy Minister Alberta Culture and Tourism 6th Floor, 10155 102 St Edmonton, AB T5J 4L6 p: 780-643-1997 f: 780-422-1759 e: chris.heseltine@gov.ab.ca LEAH HOLLER Business Development Officer Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region 104, 9817 101 Ave Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0X6 p: 780-814-5340 e: leah.holler@albertacf.com LARRY HORNCASTLE, Ec.D. Strategy Builder Keystone Strategies Inc. 109 Keystone Cres Leduc, AB T9E 0J4 p: 780-217-5995 e: larry@keystonestrategies.ca www.keystonestrategies.ca RHONDA HOUGH Economic Development Officer Town of Whitecourt 5004 52 Ave, Box 509 Whitecourt, AB T7S 1N6 p: 780-778-2273 e: rhondahough@whitecourt.ca

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LISA HOULE Manager, Calgary Region; Regional Economic Development Services Alberta Economic Development & Trade 3rd flr, 639 5 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 0M9 p: 587-297-5729 e: lisa.houle@gov.ab.ca HETTI HULS Economic Development Coordinator County of Grande Prairie 11101 84 Ave Clairmont, AB T0H 0W0 p: 780-532-9722 f: 780-539-9880 e: hhuls@countygp.ab.ca RYLEY IVERSON CEO Townfolio 129, 116 Research Drive Saskatoon, SK S7N 3R3 p: 306-716-4070 e: ryley@townfolio.co https://townfolio.co EVELYNA JAMBROSIC Economic Development Consultant E3 Strategies Inc. Suite 2078, 3-9899 112 Ave Grande Prairie, AB T8V 7T2 p: 780-830-8735 e: e@e3strat.ca www.e3strat.ca DIANE JENKINSON Marketing and Communications Manager Municipal District of Bonnyville 4905 50 Ave, Bag 1010 Bonnyville, AB T9N 2J7 p: 780-826-3171 f: 780-826-3775 e: djenkinson@md.bonnyville.ab.ca LEANNA JOSUE Plains Midstream Canada 1400, 607 8 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 0A7 p: 403-451-1015 e: leanna.josue@plainsmidstream.com www.plainsmidstream.com

MEMBERS DAVID KALINCHUK Economic Development Manager Rocky View County 262075 Rocky View Point Rocky View, AB T4A 0X2 p: 403-520-8195 f: 403-520-1659 e: dkalinchuk@rockyview.ca www.thinkingalberta.com ROBERT KALINOVICH Economic Development Officer Town of Cochrane 101 RancheHouse Rd Cochrane, AB T4C 2K8 p: 403-851-2285 e: robert.kalinovich@cochrane.ca TIM KEATING President Keating Business Strategies Ltd. #101, 4 Cuendet Industrial Way Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 2J7 p: 403-864-6369 f: 844-316-5327 e: tkeating@kbsl.ca www.kbsl.ca KEVIN KELLER Economic Development Officer MD Greenview No. 16 4806 36 Ave, Box 1079 Valleyview, AB T0H 3N0 p: 780-524-7623 e: kevin.keller@mdgreenview.ab.ca www.mdgreenview.ab.ca SUHAIL KHOURY Owner Permit Experts Inc. 10250 176 St NW Edmonton, AB T5S 1L2 p: 855-737-6489 e: khoury@permitexperts.ca www.permitexperts.ca CHRISTOPHER KING Economic Development Manager County of Grande Prairie 10001 84 Ave Clairmont, AB T0H 0W0 p: 780-532-9722 ext. 1156 e: cking@countygp.ab.ca www.countygp.ab.ca

PERRY KINKAIDE CEO Alberta Council of Technologies Society Suite 316, 9488 51 Ave NW Edmonton, AB T6E 5A6 p: 780-990-5874 e: pkinkaide@shaw.ca

JASON KRIPS Deputy Minister Alberta Economic Development & Trade 5th floor, 10155 102 St Edmonton, AB T5J 4L6 p: 780-415-0900 e: jason.krips@gov.ab.ca

JESSE KIRILLO Repsol Oil and Gas Canada Suite 2000, 888 3 St SW Calgary, AB T2P 5C5 e: jkirillo@repsol.com

GREG KRISCHKE KrisKEY Ventures 4601 43 St Leduc, AB T9E 5T8 p: 780-719-4701 e: gkrischke1@shaw.ca

PAT KLAK Past President EDA Edmonton, AB e: epklak@telus.net ULA KNELSON Community Development Coordinator Saddle Hills County RR#1 Spirit River, AB T0H 3G0 p: 780-864-3760 f: 780-864-3904 e: uknelson@saddlehills.ab.ca www.saddlehills.ab.ca KEVIN KOE Surface Landman Repsol Oil & Gas Canada Suite 2000, 888 3 St SW Calgary, AB T2P 5C5 e: kkoe@repsol.com SCOTT KOVATCH Manager, Business Retention & Expansion City of St. Albert 29 Sir Winston Churchill Ave St. Albert, AB T8N 0G3 p: 780-459-1725 e: skovatch@stalbert.ca ROGER KRAMERS Executive Director, Destination Development Alberta Culture and Tourism 6th Floor, 10155 102 St NW Edmonton, AB T5J 4L6 p: 780-643-1368 e: roger.kramers@gov.ab.ca www.alberta.ca

AUDRA KRUEGER Executive Director Co-operatives First 213, 310 Wall St Saskatoon, SK S7K 1N7 p: 306-382-4410 e: audra@cooperativesfirst.com www.cooperativesfirst.com LORNA KURIO Economic Development Liaison City of Lethbridge 2nd flr, 910 4 Ave S Lethbridge, AB T1K 6G9 p: 403-320-3005 f: 403-320-4259 e: lorna.kurio@lethbridge.ca VICKI KURZ Economic Development Officer Town of Sylvan Lake 5012 48 Ave Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 1G6 p: 403-887-1185 ext. 226 f: 403-887-3660 e: vkurz@sylvanlake.ca www.sylvanlake.ca HEATHER LALONDE CEO EDCO 6506 Marlene Ave Cornwall, ON K6H 7H9 p: 613-931-9827 f: 613-931-9827 e: edco@edco.on.ca www.edco.on.ca

NORMA LANG Economic Development / Communications Town of Crossfield P.O. Box 500, 1005 Ross St Crossfield, AB T0M 0S0 p: 403-946-5565 f: 403-946-4523 e: norma@crossfieldalberta.com www.crossfieldalberta.com

SANDRA LEMMON Indigenous, Local and Regional Inclusion Lead WorleyParsonsCord Suite 200, 8516 51 Ave NW Edmonton, AB T6E 6A8 p: 780-377-1254 e: sandra.lemmon@worleyparsons.com www.worleyparsonscord.com/

WINSTON LAPATAK EDO Saddle Lake Cree Nation P.O. Box 100 Saddle Lake, AB T0A 3T0 p: 780-726-7612 e: winstonlapatak@saddlelake.ca

BRUCE LESLIE VP Trade Investment and Attraction Calgary Economic Development 731 1 St SE Calgary, AB T2G 2G9 p: 403-221-7831 e: bleslie@ calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com

GUY LAPOINTE Community Economic Development Manager City of Lacombe 5432 56 Ave Lacombe, AB T4L 1E9 p: 403-782-1263 e: glapointe@lacombe.ca www.lacombe.ecdev.org/

MICHELLE LEVASSEUR Economic Development Officer Town of Calmar 4901 50 Ave Calmar, AB T0C 0V0 p: 780-863-5466 e: mlevasseur@calmar.ca www.calmar.ca

SHAWNA LAWSON Senior Economic Development Consultant McSweeney & Associates 121 Crystal Green Bay Okotoks, AB T1S 2N4 p: 587-890-8828 e: shawna@mcsweeney.ca www.mcsweeney.ca

TARA LEVICK Economic Development Officer Airdrie Economic Development 400 Main St SE Airdrie, AB T4B 3C3 p: 403-948-8844 e: tara.levick@airdrie.ca www.airdrienow.ca

MONIQUE LEBLANC Community Services and Business Development Manager Town of Turner Valley Box 330, 514 Windsor Ave Turner Valley, AB T0L 2A0 p: 403-933-6206 e: moniquel@turnervalley.ca www.turnervalley.ca

TREVOR LEWINGTON CEO Economic Development Lethbridge 308 Stafford Drive South Lethbridge, AB T1J 2L1 p: 403-331-0022 e: trevor@chooselethbridge.ca www.chooselethbridge.ca MARK LIVINGSTON Regional Vice-President, Western Canada Export Development Canada Suite 2403, 308 4 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 0H7 p: 403-817-6700 e: mlivingston@edc.ca

REBECCA LEIGH Senior Economic Development Officer City of Grande Prairie 10205 98 St Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6V3 p: 780-357-4969 e: rleigh@cityofgp.com www.investgrandeprairie.com

TOWN OF BON ACCORD

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Call Dianne Allen

Manager, Economic Development

780.921.3550

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MEMBERS DENISE LUSSIER Research Officer Alberta Economic Development & Trade 201 1 St East Box 326 McLennan, AB T0H 2L0 p: 780-536-7107 e: denise.lussier@gov.ab.ca

ADENA MALYK Economic Development Officer Airdrie Economic Development 400 Main St SE Airdrie, AB T4B 3C3 p: 403-948-8800 ext. 8248 e: adena.malyk@airdrie.ca

RICHARD MACDONALD Design and Media Specialist Strathcona County 2001 Sherwood Drive Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3W7 p: 780-416-6757 e: richard.macdonald@strathcona.ca

TOM MANSFIELD Executive Director, Entrepreneurship and Regional Development Branch Alberta Economic Development & Trade 5th floor, 10155 102 St Edmonton, AB T5J 4L6 p: 780-427-6483 e: tom.mansfield@gov.ab.ca www.albertacanada.com/metalfab

GORDON MACIVOR Past President EDA e: gordonmacivor@gmail.com ROB MACKIN Director, Economic Development Community of Beaumont 5600 49 St Beaumont, AB T4X 1A1 p: 780-929-1364 e: rob.mackin@beaumont.ab.ca www.beaumont.ab.ca PHYLLIS MAKI General Manager Community Futures Lakeland & Lloydminster and Region 5010 50 Ave, Box 8114 Bonnyville, AB T9N 2J4 p: 780-826-3858 p: 780-875-5458 f: 780-826-7330 e: pmaki@albertacf.com www.lakeland.albertacf.com LEE MALLEAU Founder m+a globalnomics 101, 905 McKinnon Drive Calgary, AB T2E 4R5 p: 587-899-4211 e: lee@maglobalnomics.com

PATRICK MATTERN Executive Director - Policy, Business Development & Research Alberta Culture and Tourism Suite 300, 639 5 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 0M9 p: 403-297-8900 e: patrick.mattern@gov.ab.ca LEANNE MCBEAN Economic Development Coordinator Sturgeon County 9613 100 St Morinville, AB T8R 1L9 p: 780-939-8296 f: 780-939-2076 e: lmcbean@sturgeoncounty.ca www.sturgeoncountybounty.ca SHAWN MCCAULEY Economic Development Officer Town of Stony Plain 4905 51 Ave Stony Plain, AB T7Z 1Y1 f: 780-963-2197 e: s.mccauley@stonyplain.com www.choosestonyplain.com/ PETER MCGEE Economic Development Officer The City of Red Deer P.O. Box 5008, 4914 48 Ave Red Deer, AB T4N 3T4 p: 403-356-8981 e: peter.mcgee@reddeer.ca www.reddeer.ca

CORINNE MCGIRR Community Development Coordinator County of Vermilion River Box 69 Kitscoty, AB T0B 2P0 p: 780-846-2244 f: 780-846-2716 e: cmcgirr@county24.com www.vermilion-river.com SANDRA MCINTOSH Economic Development Coordinator City of Spruce Grove 315 Jespersen Ave Spruce Grove, AB T7X 3E8 p: 780-962-7634 e: smcintosh@sprucegrove.org www.sprucegrove.org/Business.htm BARBARA ENGELBART MCKENZIE Executive Director Leduc-Nisku Economic Development Association 103, 6527 Sparrow Drive Leduc, AB T9E 7C7 p: 780-986-9538 f: 780-986-1121 e: bmckenzie@leducniskueda.com SELENA MCLEAN-MOORE Manager, SE Region, Regional Economic Development Services Alberta Economic Development & Trade 109, 346 3 St SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0G7 p: 403-529-3113 e: selena.mclean-moore@gov.ab.ca KENT MCMULLIN Senior Business Strategist- Industrial Development City of Edmonton 9th Floor, 10111 104 Ave NW Edmonton, AB p: 780-442-7150 e: kent.mcmullin@edmonton.ca SEAN MCRITCHIE Manager, Industrial Development Strathcona County 2001 Sherwood Drive Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3W7 p: 780-410-8511 e: sean.mcritchie@strathcona.ca www.strathcona.ca

ERIC MCSWEENEY President McSweeney & Associates 900 Greenbank Road, Suite 201 Ottawa, ON K2J 1S8 p: 613-825-2896 e: eric@mcsweeney.ca www.mcsweeney.ca

CHRIS MONTGOMERY Manager, Exploration and Production Communications CAPP 2100, 350 7 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 3N9 p: 403-267-1162 e: chris.montgomery@capp.ca

KELLY MCTAGGART Community Engagement Advisor CAPP 2100, 350 7 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 3N9 p: 403-267-1116 e: kelly.mctaggart@capp.ca

MARY MORAN President & CEO Calgary Economic Development 731 1 St. SE Calgary, AB T2G 2G9 p: 403-221-7831 e: mmoran@ calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com

ELEANOR MICLETTE Manager of Economic Development Town of Canmore 902 7 Ave Canmore, AB T1W 3K1 p: 403-678-1505 f: 403-678-1524 e: emiclette@canmore.ca www.canmore.ca JOAN MILLER Director of Economic Development Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) Box 6357 Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 2G1 p: 780-361-6231 e: jmiller@jedialberta.com www.jedialberta.com BENJAMIN MISENER Student University of Alberta Box 5 Site 18 R.R.#1 Didsbury, AB T0M 0W0 e: bsmisene@gmail.com SHIRLEY MOERMAN Director of Planning and Economic Development Athabasca County 3602 48 Ave Athabasca, AB T9S 1M8 p: 780-675-2273 e: planning@athabascacounty.com www.athabascacounty.com

MARK MORRISSEY Director of Economic Development City of Fort Saskatchewan 10005 102 St Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 2S5 p: 780-992-6231 e: mjmorrissey@icloud.com www.fortsask.ca ALEXIS NELSON Tourism Development Officer Alberta Culture and Tourism 10155 102 St Edmonton, AB T5J 4L6 p: 780-427-6677 e: alexis.nelson@gov.ab.ca CARMELLE NEPOOSE Special Projects Coordinator CANDO 9635 45 Ave Edmonton, AB T6E 5Z8 p: 780-990-0303 ext. 229 f: 780-429-7487 e: carmelle.nepoose@edo.ca RICK NEUMANN Development Officer County of Barrhead No. 11 5306 49 St Barrhead, AB T7N 1N5 p: 780-674-3331 f: 780-674-2777 e: rneumann@countybarrhead.ab.ca

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MEMBERS JIM NEWMAN Manager, Economic Development Lamont County 5303 50 Ave Lamont, AB T0B 2R0 p: 780-895-2233 ext. 216 f: 780-895-7404 e: jim.n@lamontcounty.ca YVETTE NG Executive Director, Destination Development and Visitor Services Branch, Tourism Division Alberta Culture and Tourism Edmonton, AB p: 780-643-1368 e: yvette.ng@gov.ab.ca

MARY ANNE OVERWATER Chairperson Mountain View Regional Waste Mgmt P.O. Box 2130 Didsbury, AB T0M 0W0 p: 403-556-6981 f: 403-335-2061 e: maoverwater@olds.ca www.mountainviewwaste.ca JANE PALMER Aboriginal Relatilons Advisor Devon Canada 60 Meadowview Point Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2E8 p: 587-227-8317 e: pelicanplace@hotmail.com

PATRICIA NICOL Economic Development Officer Town of Devon 1 Columbia Ave West Devon, AB T9G 1A1 p: 780-987-8306 f: 780-987-4778 e: pnicol@devon.ca www.devon.ca

JORDAN PANASIUK Director of Community Services Big Lakes County 5305 56 St, Box 239 High Prairie, AB T0G 1E0 p: 780-523-5955 f: 780-523-4227 e: jpanasiuk@hotmail.com www.mdbiglakes.ca

SHANE OLSON Manager, Commercial Development Strathcona County 2001 Sherwood Drive Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3W7 p: 780-464-8259 e: shane.olson@strathcona.ca www.strathcona.ca

JAKE PAPINEAU Research Officer Alberta Economic Development & Trade 5th floor, 10155 102 St Edmonton, AB T5J 4L6 p: 780-422-0241 e: jake.papineau@gov.ab.ca

ANDREW O’ROURKE Economic Development Officer Mackenzie County P.O. Box 640 Fort Vermilion, AB T0H 1N0 p: 780-928-3983 f: 780-928-3636 e: aorourke@mackenziecounty.com www.mackenziecounty.com

DAVE PARSELL Co-founder & CEO LocalIntel #501, 237 8 Ave SE Calgary, AB T2G 5C3 p: 403-554-0982 e: dave@localintel.co RICHARD PAULS Vice President, Service Delivery Integral Strategy Network Inc. 153, 1581h Hilside Ave Victoria, BC V8T 2C1 p: 403-874-4943 e: richard.pauls@integralstrategy.net

JEFF PENNEY Manager of External Relations Shell Albian Sands Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2K4 e: jeff_penney@hotmail.com BYRON PETERS Deputy CAO Mackenzie County P.O. Box 640 Fort Vermilion, AB T0H 1N0 p: 780-928-3983 e: bpeters@mackenziecounty.com www.mackenziecounty.com DAVID PETROVICH Business Analyst Community Futures Wild Rose Strathmore, AB p: 403-934-8888 e: david@cfwildrose.ca JAMIE-LYNN PITTS Economic Development Specialist – Commercial City of Spruce Grove 315 Jespersen Ave Spruce Grove, AB T7X 3E8 p: 780-962-7634 ext. 139 e: jlpitts@sprucegrove.org ERHARD POGGEMILLER Town of Didsbury Box 790, 1606 14 St Didsbury, AB T0M 0W0 e: epoggemiller@didsbury.ca TAMMY POWELL Senior Director, Regional Economic Development Services Alberta Economic Development & Trade 1176 Switzer Drive Hinton, AB T7V 2B7 p: 780-712-1601 e: tammy.powell@gov.ab.ca JERELD PRATT Economic Development Officer Clearwater County 5016 54 St Rocky Mountain House, AB T4T 1E7 p: 403-845-4444 f: 403-844-1850 e: jereldpratt@gmail.com www.clearwatercounty.ca

CLIFF REILING Ec.D(F) Past President EDA Box 1435 Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0 p: 403-563-5572 f: 403-563-0576 e: cliff.reiling@shaw.ca

ALYSHIA PRETULAC Stakeholder Relations Specialist Plains Midstream Canada 1400, 607 8 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 0A7 p: 587-233-5805 e: alyshia.pretulac@ plainsmidstream.com www.plainsmidstream.com/ SHANNON PREUS Regional Manager Partnerships, Prairies BDC Suite 110, 444 7 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 0X8 p: 403-407-9170 e: shannon.preus@bdc.ca www.bdc.ca

MICHAEL RICHARD Senior Business Development Specialist Sturgeon County 9613 100 St Morinville, AB T8R 1L9 p: 780-939-8356 f: 780-939-3003 e: mrichard@sturgeoncounty.ca www.startinsturgeon.ca/

MARY LEE PRIOR Community Economic Development Officer Town of Vermilion 5021 49 Ave Vermilion, AB T9X 1X1 p: 780-581-2419 f: 780-853-4910 e: mlprior@vermilion.ca www.vermilion.ca

JOHN RICHTER Volunteer Member Village of Beiseker Economic Development Committee Box 267 Beiseker, AB p: 403-947-3814 f: 403-947-3814 e: richterjohn014@gmail.com

CATHERINE PROULX Manager of Economic Development City of Chestermere 105 Marina Rd Chestermere, AB T1X 1V7 p: 403-801-6551 e: cproulx@chestermere.ca www.chestermere.ca

BRANDY RIMNEY Senior Surface Land Coordinator Repsol Oil & Gas Canada Suite 2000, 888 3 St SW Calgary, AB T2P 5C5 p: 403-693-2262 e: brimney@repsol.com

KRISTA PUTNAM Analyst, Stakeholder Relations Plains Midstream Canada 1400, 607 8 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 0A7 e: krista.putnam@plainsmidstream.com STEPHEN RAUSCH Strathcona County 2001 Sherwood Drive Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3W7 e: stephen.rausch@strathcona.ca

BERT ROACH Economic Development Coordinator Woodlands County #1 Woodlands Lane Whitecourt, AB T7S 1N3 p: 780-286-5774 f: 780-778-8402 e: bert.roach@woodlands.ab.ca www.woodlands.ab.ca CHRISTOPHER ROBBLEE Economic Development Manager Town of Vegreville 4829 50 St, Box 640 Vegreville, AB T9C 1R7 p: 780-632-2606 e: crobblee@vegreville.com

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MEMBERS MICHAEL SELCI SVP, Fin and Cons - Prairies, PVP, Fin et Cons - Prairies BDC Edmonton, AB p: 403-292-6935 f: 780-495-5087 e: michael.selci@bdc.ca

PAMELA STECKLER Investment Attraction & Business Development Officer Central Alberta : Access Prosperity Box 5005 Red Deer, AB T4N 5H5 p: 403-342-3103 e: pam.steckler@accessprosperity.ca

JOHN SENNEMA Manager, Land & Economic Development The City of Red Deer P.O. Box 5008 Red Deer, AB T4N 3T4 p: 403-342-8106 f: 403-342-8260 e: john.sennema@reddeer.ca

CYNTHIA STEWART Director, Community Relations International Council of Shopping Centers 555 12 St NW, Suite 660 Washington, DC p: 864-968-9324 f: 732-694-1734 e: cstewart@icsc.org

DAN RUDE Chief Executive Officer AUMA #300, 8616 51 Ave Edmonton, AB T6E 6E6 p: 780-433-4431 f: 780-433-4454 e: drude@auma.ca

TRISHA SEWELL Economic Development Officer Cactus Corridor Economic Development Corporation P.O. Box 1255 Hanna, AB T0J 1P0 p: 403-854-2099 ext. 215 e: trisha.sewell@cactuscorridor.com

TONY STOLZ Community Futures Network of Alberta P.O. Box 753 Cochrane, AB T4C 1A9 p: 587-433-6060 e: tstolz@albertacf.com

KENT RUPERT Team Lead Airdrie Economic Development 400 Main St SE Airdrie, AB T4B 2Z6 p: 403-948-8844 f: 403-948-6567 e: kent.rupert@airdrie.ca www.airdrienow.ca

LESLIE SHIER Manager, Real Estate Calgary Economic Development 731 1 St SE Calgary, AB T2G 2G9 p: 403-767-1318 e: lshier@ calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com

PAUL SALVATORE CEO Municipal Experts Inc. 403 15 St East Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y5 p: 403-334-4922 e: psalvatore@municipalexperts.ca www.municipalexperts.ca

HARRY SHNIDER Senior Planner IBI Group 500, 611 Meredith Rd NE Calgary, AB T2E 2W5 p: 403-270-5600 f: 403-270-5610 e: harry.shnider@ibigroup.com www.ibigroup.com

ALEXANDRA ROSS Streamlined Vision Okotoks, AB p: 866-930-3636 e: edc.alex@telus.net www.streamlinedvision.com JANA ROWE Tourism Marketing & Economic Development Coordinator Lac La Biche County 13422 Hwy 881 Lac La Biche, AB T0A 2C0 p: 780-623-6750 f: 780-623-6737 e: jana.rowe@laclabichecounty.com www.laclabichecounty.com

BRYAN SAUNDERS Hole’s Greenhouses 101 Riel Drive St. Albert, AB T8N 3X4 p: 780-419-6806 e: bsaunders@holesonline.com BRADY SCHNELL Economic Development Officer Town of Claresholm Box 1000 Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0 p: 403-489-0762 f: 403-625-3869 e: edo@claresholm.ca www.townofclaresholm.com DEAN SCHWEDER Economic Development Officer Town of Rocky Mountain House Box 1509 Rocky Mountain House, AB T4T 1B2 p: 403-847-5260 f: 403-845-1835 e: dschweder@rockymtnhouse.com www.rockymtnhouse.com BARB SCULLY Connected Communities Coordinator Parkland County 53109A Hwy 779 Parkland County, AB T7Z 1R1 p: 780-289-4424 e: bscully@parklandcounty.com

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DARLENE SINCLAIR General Manager Community Futures Lethbridge Region 2626 South Parkside Dr Lethbridge, AB T1K 0C4 p: 587-800-8431 e: dsinclair@albertacf.com www.lethbridgeregion.albertacf.com KAYLA SMITH City of Red Deer 4914 48 Ave Red Deer, AB p: 403-342-8105 e: kayla.smith@reddeer.ca CAM SORENSON Communications CAPP 2100, 350 7 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 3N9 e: cam.sorenson@capp.ca HOLLY SORGEN General Manager Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region 325, 9909 102 St Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2V4 p: 780-814-5340 f: 780-532-5129 e: holly.sorgen@albertacf.com www.grandeprairie.albertacf.com

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JESSICA SURGENOR Economic Development Officer City of Brooks 201 1 Ave West Brooks, AB T1R 1B7 p: 403-362-3333 f: 403-362-4787 e: jsurgenor@brooks.ca www.brooks.ca CINDY SUTER Economic Development Lac Ste Anne County P.O. Box 219 Sangudo, AB T0E 2AO p: 780-785-3411 f: 780-785-2985 e: csuter@lsac.ca MICHELLE SWARE City of St. Albert 29 Sir Winston Churchill Ave St. Albert, AB T8N 0G3 p: 780-459-1631 e: msware@stalbert.ca BRUCE TANNAS Director, Business Development & Investment Attraction Alberta Culture and Tourism 10155 102 St Edmonton, AB T5J 4L6 p: 780-427-6485 e: bruce.tannas@gov.ab.ca https://investalberta.ca/industry-profiles/ tourism/ JAMES TESSIER Regional Economic Development Specialist Alberta Economic Development & Trade P.O. Box 4663, 5201 44 St Bonnyville, AB T9N 2E3 p: 780-815-4036 e: james.tessier@gov.ab.ca VERONA THIBAULT Executive Director Saskatchewan Economic Development Association Box 113 Saskatoon, SK S7K 3K1 p: 306-384-5817 f: 306-384-5818 e: verona.thibault@seda.sk.ca www.seda.sk.ca

MITCH THOMSON Executive Director Olds Institute for Community & Regional Development Box 4210 Olds, AB T4H 1P8 p: 403-556-1105 e: mthomson@oldsinstitute.com www.oldsinstitute.com CAROL THOMSON Economic Development Officer Paintearth Economic Partnership Society Box 509 Castor, AB T0C 0X0 p: 403-882-3211 f: 403-882-3560 e: cthomson@countypaintearth.ca www.paintearth.ab.ca BEV THORNTON Executive Director Alberta SouthWest REDA Box 1041 Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0 p: 403-627-3373 e: bev@albertasouthwest.com www.albertasouthwest.com HAL TIMAR Executive Director Nunavut Economic Developers Association P.O. Box 1990 Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0 p: 867-979-4620 f: 867-979-4622 e: exdir@nunavuteda.com www.nunavuteda.com NANCY TOOMBS Marketing / Communications Economic Developers Alberta 406, 917 85 St SW, Suite 127 Calgary, AB T3H 5Z9 p: 1-866-671-8182 e: nancy.toombs@edaalberta.ca TODD TOUGAS Vice President, Alberta North BDC 820, 9888 Jasper Ave Edmonton, AB T5J 5C6 p: 780-495-2602 e: todd.tougas@bdc.ca KEVIN TURNER Regional Director Office of Small and Medium Enterprises 5th Floor, 10025 Jasper Ave Edmonton, AB T5J 1S6 p: 587-783-9099 e: kevin.turner@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca JAYLENE ULMER Director, Marketing & Communications Economic Development Lethbridge 308 Stafford Drive South Lethbridge, AB T1J 2L1 p: 403-331-0022 e: jaylene@chooselethbridge.ca www.chooselethbridge.ca STEPHEN UTZ Community Growth Manager City of Airdrie 400 Main St SE Airdrie, AB T4B 3C3 p: 403-948-8800 www.airdrie.ca

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ROD VALDES Director, Economic Development City of St. Albert 29 Sir Winston Churchill Ave St. Albert, AB T8N 0G3 p: 780-459-1653 e: rvaldes@stalbert.ca www.stalbert.ca WALTER VALENTINI Executive Director Palliser Economic Partnership Box 1046 Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7H1 p: 403-526-7552 e: walter@palliseralberta.com BEN VAN DE WALLE La Cité P.O. Box 3235 Stn Main Morinville, AB T8R 1S1 e: benvdw123@shaw.ca PETER VANA General Manager, Development Services Parkland County 53109A Hwy 779 Parkland County, AB T7Z 1R1 p: 780-968-8329 e: pvana@parklandcounty.com MARK VANDENBERGHE Manager, North Central Region, Regional Economic Development Services Alberta Economic Development & Trade 5th Flr, Commerce Place, 10155 102 St Edmonton, AB T5J 4L6 p: 780-427-6450 f: 780-422-5804 e: mark.vandenberghe@gov.ab.ca JOHN VANDERMEER Reeve Clearwater County P.O. Box 550 Rocky Mountain House, AB T4T 1A4 p: 403-845-4444 f: 403-845-7330 e: corporateservices@clearwatercounty.ca www.clearwatercounty.ca GLEN VANSTONE Vice-President, Enterprise Edmonton Edmonton Economic Development Corporation 9990 Jasper Ave Edmonton, AB T5J 1P7 p: 780-904-6290 e: gvanstone@edmonton.com DAVE WALKER Manager, Economic & Business Development City of Spruce Grove 315 Jespersen Ave Spruce Grove, AB T7X 3E8 p: 780-962-7608 f: 780-962-0149 e: dwalker@sprucegrove.org www.sprucegrove.org TONY WALKER General Manager Community Futures Alberta Southwest P.O. Box 1270, 436 Col. Macleod Blvd Fort Macleod, AB T0L 0Z0 p: 403-553-0264 f: 403-553-3080 e: tony@cfabsw.com www.southwest.albertacf.com

COME HOME TO CALMAR

MEMBERS SHANE WALLIS Business Analyst Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region 104, 9817 101 Ave Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0X6 p: 587-771-1356 e: shane.wallis@albertacf.com

CURTIS WHYTE President C. E. Whyte Consulting Inc. 8 Edforth Rd NW Calgary, AB T3A 3V4 p: 403-991-1267 e: cewhyte@telus.net www.cewhyteconsulting.com

RAY WANUCH Executive Director CANDO 9635 45 Ave Edmonton, AB T6E 5Z8 p: 780-990-0303 e: ray.wanuch@edo.ca

SIMONE WILEY Director of Development Services Town of Westlock 10003 106 St Westlock, AB T7P 2K3 p: 780-349-4444 f: 780-349-4436 e: swiley@westlock.ca www.westlock.ca

LESLIE WARREN Entrepreneur Program Manager Tecconnect Community/Business Builder Lethbridge, AB T0L 0R0 p: 403-485-5694 e: leswarren78@gmail.com LORIE WATSON Economic Development Officer Town of Fox Creek 102 Kaybob Dr Fox Creek, AB T0H 1P0 p: 780-622-3896 e: economicdevelopment@foxcreek.ca www.foxcreek.ca DEANNA WEDER Town of Okotoks P.O. Box 20, Station Main Okotoks, AB T1S 1K1 p: 403-938-8907 e: dweder@okotoks.ca GENE WESLEY GM Community Futures Lac La Biche P.O. Box 2188, 10106 102 Ave Lac La Biche, AB T0A 2C0 p: 780-623-2662 p: 780-623-2671 e: manager@cfllb.com www.cfllb.com TYLER WESTOVER Economic Development Manager Sturgeon County 9613 100 St Morinville, AB T8R 1L9 p: 780-939-8358 f: 780-939-3003 e: twestover@sturgeoncounty.ca www.startinsturgeon.ca DALE WHEELDON President & CEO BCEDA 102, 9300 Nowell St Chilliwack, BC V2P 4V7 p: 604-795-7119 f: 604-795-7118 e: dwheeldon@bceda.ca www.bceda.ca KYLE WHITE Education and Engagement Lead Co-operatives First 15, 95 115 St E Saskatoon, SK S7N 2E1 p: 306-203-4484 e: kyle@cooperativesfirst.com www.cooperativesfirst.com BRAD WHITE Town of Morinville 10125 100 Ave Morinville, AB T8R 1L6 p: 780-939-7622 e: brad.white@morinville.ca

HAROLD WILSON Manager, Economic Development City of Leduc #1 Alexandra Park Leduc, AB T9E 4C4 p: 780-980-8438 f: 780-980-7127 e: hwilson@leduc.ca www.leduc.ca DANIELLE WOOLNOUGH Economic Development Assistant Town of Stony Plain 4905 51 Ave Stony Plain, AB T7Z 1Y1 p: 780-963-8021 e: d.woolnough@stonyplain.com KIMBERLEY WORTHINGTON Executive Director Central Alberta Economic Partnership 5013 49 Ave Red Deer, AB T4N 3X1 p: 403-357-2237 e: kimberley@caepalberta.com www.caepalberta.com

LARRY WRIGHT Strategy & Technology Officer Town of Olds 4512 46 St Olds, AB T4H 1R5 p: 403-507-4803 f: 403-556-6537 e: larry.wright@olds.ca www.olds.ca OMAR YAQUB Senior Partner ALIF Partners #110 10025 106 St NW Edmonton, AB T5J 1G4 p: 780-695-7477 e: omar@alifpartners.com www.alifpartners.com BEN YOUNG Economic Development Officer Town of Taber A - 4900 50 St Taber, AB T1G 1T1 p: 403-223-5500 e: byoung@taber.ca www.growingintaber.ca MICHELLE ZEGGIL Economic Development Officer The City of Red Deer P.O. Box 5008 Red Deer, AB T4N 3T4 p: 403-342-8105 f: 403-342-8260 e: michelle.zeggil@reddeer.ca www.reddeer.ca VIVIAN ZITTLAW Economic Development Officer Town of Westlock 10003 106 St Westlock, AB T7P 2K3 p: 780-350-2109 f: 780-349-4436 e: vzittlaw@westlock.ca www.westlock.ca

The Town of Calmar is a perfectly situated commuter town. A close 20-minute drive to the big city amenities, entertainment, and places of work but far enough for that Airport 15 minutes small town feel. The minutes Edmonton 30 prosperous agricultural community boasts two Leduc 15 minutes first-rate schools, a tes Nisku 20 minu technical labor force, es and a young growing ke 10 minut Wizzard La population. The town is surrounded by year round tourism destinations that offer the highest quality of work-life balance, as well as, vibrant locally owned businesses that thrive in a supported business-first community.

Come home to a life that is simply magnificent.

P: 780.985.3604

www.calmar.ca

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS.................................................................................PAGE

Alberta Ministry of Economic Development & Trade/Invest Alberta ...................................................................... 2 Calgary Economic Development ....................................................................................................................... 100 City of Airdrie Economic Development ......................................................................................................102, 124 City of Grande Prairie ......................................................................................................................................... 84 City of Lacombe................................................................................................................................................... 42 City of Lloydminster............................................................................................................................................. 34 City of Red Deer................................................................................................................................................... 23 City of Spruce Grove ........................................................................................................................................... 91 City of St. Albert .................................................................................................................................................. 67 City of Wetaskiwin............................................................................................................................................... 96 Cooperatives First ............................................................................................................................................... 14 County of Grande Prairie ..................................................................................................................................... 50 County of Northern Lights ................................................................................................................................... 11 Economic Development Lethbridge .................................................................................................................... 32 Edmonton Global................................................................................................................................................. 62 Flagstaff County ................................................................................................................................................. 74 Joint Economic Development Initiative.................................................................................................................. 6 Lac La Biche County............................................................................................................................................ 54 Lethbridge County .............................................................................................................................................. 26 Municipal District of Greenview .......................................................................................................................... 46 Olds Institute for Community & Regional Development.................................................................................... 122 RedPoint Media & Marketing Solutions .............................................................................................................. 11 Regional Economic Development Alliances ...................................................................................................... 108 Rocky View County ............................................................................................................................................ 104 Special Area No. 4 Regional Economic Development ......................................................................................... 70 Stettler Regional Board of Trade ....................................................................................................................... 118 Strathcona County ............................................................................................................................................ 118 Town of Bon Accord ........................................................................................................................................... 117 Town of Calmar ................................................................................................................................................. 121 Town of Fort Macleod........................................................................................................................................... 68 Town of Innisfail ................................................................................................................................................. 92 Town of Mayerthorpe.......................................................................................................................................... 110 Town of Okotoks .................................................................................................................................................. 86 Town of Rocky Mountain House.......................................................................................................................... 115 Town of Strathmore ........................................................................................................................................... 116 Town of Sylvan Lake ............................................................................................................................................ 78 Town of Taber....................................................................................................................................................... 24 Town of Vermilion................................................................................................................................................. 58 Town of Westlock................................................................................................................................................ 112 Town of Whitecourt.............................................................................................................................................. 40

Past Present Future

#EDA2019 @edaalberta www.edaalberta.ca

2019 ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE & AGM Celebrate the Past.

Thrive in the Present.

Excel in the Future.

April 3-5, 2019 The Banff Centre; Banff, Alberta 2019

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OLDS INSTITUTE FOR COMMUNITY & REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

THE TOWN OF OLDS: Entrepreneurial, Intelligent, Creative

CANADA’S MOST CONNECTED COMMUNITY

Globally recognized as one the of Smart21 communities for 2018

Uptowne Olds, or biking or walking on the integrated trail systems, or whether they are on a park bench reading an e-book surrounded by nature, residents stay connected.

Canada’s most connected community offers cost effective telecommunications without data caps. The gigabit, which can download 100 photos in 3 seconds, is delivered by the town’s fibre optic lines and fosters the entrepreneurs who operate out of storefronts and the 400 entrepreneurs who operate from home.

There are endless investment opportunities for consultants and think tanks in Olds because of the unique technological advantage, an advantage that also supports the schools in the area.

Olds College, a renowned post-secondary institution, takes advantage of the gigabits by offering students Smart Agriculture.

Through Olds College’s Werklund Agriculture Institute, students are exposed to integrated agricultural leadership using technology as a tool for industry collaboration. Broadband bolstered the educational initiative by serving the students with leading-edge internet capability.

Why choose to invest in Olds? Olds has the resources for community and economic development and unlimited opportunities for entrepreneurialism. Why choose to invest in Olds?

Because of the community’s stunning harmony between technology and its rural roots. Why choose to invest in Olds? Because Olds is enough.

Located along the Queen Elizabeth II Highway corridor, Olds is the diamond of central Alberta. The community offers exceptional urban amenities in a rural setting. Populated by intelligent and creative thinkers who conceptualized and then realized fibre to the premises, the gigabit town has the fastest internet in the nation.

Why choose to invest in Olds? Because Olds is enough.

The municipal infrastructure in Olds includes: roads, water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, fire, police, and ambulance which BUILDING PERMIT STATISTICS retains and attracts a skilled labour force. With sufficient land (Provided by the Town of Olds) available for development, the school system, the amenities 2018 BUILDING PERMIT VALUES: including Walmart, Sobeys, and Canadian Tire, and an Athletic TOTAL $28,696,420 Park currently in progress, Olds’ community development is vibrant Residential - MultiUnit Residential - Other Residential - Detached Residential - Duplex and dynamic. Included among 9,184 residents, Olds is proud to Institutional Commercial Industrial have the most working artists per capita in Alberta. From digital art, Residential - Detached $4,240,500 Institutional $958,700 to painting, to artisans creating visually stunning functional Residential - Duplex $2,795,000 artworks, Olds’ creative community is rich and prolific.

Industrial $16,785,000 Globally recognized as one the of Smart21 communities for 2018, Olds has a forward-thinking population who have a keen Residential - Other $1,061,020 understanding of the challenges of undertaking communityCommercial $2,856,200 changing projects like broadband. To ensure economic growth and stability, fibre to the premises evolved from a vision in 2004, to full 2017 BUILDING PERMIT VALUES: implementation in 2017. What makes broadband exceptional?

TOTAL $26,970,958 Residential - Detached, $5,097,500 Nothing. It is what broadband creates that is exceptional. Education Institutional, $1,673,472 and creative intelligence do not oppose technology, because Residential - Duplex, broadband is an equalizer; it is a mechanism for entrepreneurialism $1,350,000 and innovation in all trades; in all education, and in all creativity, Industrial, $8,860,900 Residential - MultiUnit, where commerce in all forms is prosperous. Broadband has brought $4,500,000 For more information contact: the world to Olds and Olds to the world. Organizations can operate Residential - Other, Commercial, Larry Wright Mitch Thomson $740,100 $4,748,986 in real-time with anyone anywhere in the world while living in a Town of Olds Olds Institute community with respected and valued rural roots.

Residential - Detached Residential - Duplex Residential - MultiUnit Residential - Other 403-556-6981 403-556-1105 Commercial Industrial Institutional The free WIFI hotspots in the parks and recreation areas in larry.wright@olds.ca mthomson@oldsinsitute.com Olds keep residents connected. Whether they are shopping in Sources: http://www.olds.ca/bylaws/mdp2007.pdf (www.intelligentcommunity.org)

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edaalberta.ca (https://www.oldscollege.ca/community/beyond/WAI/) investalbertamag.ca https://www.oldscollege.ca/about-us/Initiatives/connect-your-passion/

Choose Canada’s Most Connected Community.

Experience the fastest Internet in Canada — No restraints, no data caps.

Live a life of abundance — Rural living with urban amenities — No sacrifices.

Olds is Intelligent, Creative and Entrepreneurial.

Globally recognized as one of the Smart21 Communities of 2018.

Are you ready for your next Gig?

https://mountainviewcorridor.ca Larry Wright Strategy & Technology Officer, Town of Olds 403.556.6981 larry.wright@olds.ca

Mitch Thomson Executive Director, Olds Institute 403.556.1105 mthomson@oldsinstitute.com

—

AIRDRIE —

Small City, Big Reward Where you can be a business owner and a superhero.

Family first | Talented workforce | Easy access to major markets 15 minutes from Calgary | 1 hour to the Rocky Mountains

Learn more about our business advantage: