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THE HEART AND HUB OF ALBERTA AGRICULTURE
WHY WESTLOCK?
In 2022, Alberta’s total agri-food exports reached a record high of $16.2 billion, with top export markets including the United States, China, Japan, Mexico and South Korea. But many rural areas with high agricultural output in Alberta are losing access to the railway, creating challenges for distribution within the country and beyond. The Westlock region has a unique advantage in its continued access and proximity to railways, maintaining its identity as an essential centre for logistics and transport of agricultural goods.
It is also uncommon for such a robust agricultural cluster to be located so close to a large urban centre. Our proximity to Edmonton – Alberta’s capital city – creates additional connectivity via air, creating a significant opportunity for new agricultural business.
WE ARE EXCITED TO HAVE YOU
The Westlock Economic Region is eager to help businesses start up and grow. Many likely customers and service users for agriculture-related businesses are already present in the region itself, and we commit to using our connections across Alberta and beyond to help new businesses find a robust customer and buyer base.
LAND, CLIMATE & CROPS
LAND & SOIL
The Region’s main topography is undulating till plain with over 3.5 million acres of fertile farmland. Elevation ranges from 1,700-2,300 feet (500-700 metres). Soil types are fertile and diverse.
View available land listings in the Westlock Economic Region using the Province of Alberta’s new Site Selector Tool.
40%
LUVISOLIC SOILS
high yield crops
25%
ORGANIC SOILS
rich in decomposed plant and animal matter
10%
CHERNOZEMIC SOILS
high levels of organic matter
CROPS & LIVESTOCK
Agriculture is one of the largest industries in the province of Alberta, and the Westlock Economic Region consistently has some of the highest average crop yields in the province. Much of the earth here is “black gold,” top-grade soil for agriculture.
THE MOST COMMON AND BEST-GROWING CROPS IN THE REGION INCLUDE
TOP CROP PRODUCTION IN WESTLOCK AREA (ALBERTA SMALL DATA AREA REGION 60) 2023 STATS:
CLIMATE
The Westlock Economic Region has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The temperature over the course of the year typically varies from -18°C to 23°C (0°F to 74°F).
HOUSING & LABOUR
Within Canada, Alberta and the Edmonton Metro Region are known for housing affordability and a young, highly-skilled workforce.
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
$1309
(October 2022)
AVERAGE MONTHLY RENT FOR A 2-BEDROOM UNIT IN ALBERTA
$729,044
(May 2023)
AVERAGE HOME PRICE IN CANADA
$246,600
(2021 Census)
AVERAGE HOME PRICE IN WESTLOCK
POPULATION & WORKFORCE
12,465
(202O)
WESTLOCK ECONOMIC REGION POPULATION
1.5 MIL
(2022)
EDMONTON METRO REGION TOTAL POPULATION
765,895
(2021)
EDMONTON METRO REGION TOTAL LABOUR FORCE
$112,000
EDMONTON METRO REGION MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
$15/HOUR
ALBERTA MINIMUM WAGE
AGRIBUSINESS & AGRICULTURAL PROCESSING
WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER
The Region is home to a robust cluster of agriculture-adjacent businesses and agricultural processing facilities, including:
WE ARE LOOKING TO ATTRACT
WHO WE ARE
The Westlock region is a community deeply rooted in tradition and unity. We take immense pride in our history, where generations of families have called this region home, fostering a close-knit community where trust is built on shared values and a strong sense of belonging.
Our role as a thriving agricultural centre connects farmers to each other, their customers, the Edmonton Region and the world. Picture Alberta's agriculture industry as a wheel, with the Westlock Region as the vital hub facilitating the seamless flow of resources and knowledge. With our strategic access to railways and an airport ready to receive farmers’ out-of-province collaborators, investors, and customers, we play a crucial role in the logistics and transport of agricultural goods. Westlock’s proximity to the Edmonton Region also makes us an ideal destination for those seeking to delve into agribusiness without being too far from a big city.
While we cherish our small-town atmosphere and a gentler pace of living, our forward-looking focus on the future and enthusiasm for fresh perspectives create an environment where big ideas can flourish. Welcome to a place where the spirit of community and the promise of a vibrant future merge – welcome to Westlock.
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GET IN TOUCH
BE A PART OF THE HEART AND HUB OF ALBERTA AGRICULTURE
Contact:
Danielle Pougher, Director of Planning & Development
planning@westlock.ca | 780-349-4444
Contact:
Tom Koep, Manager of Economic Development
ecdev@westlockcounty.com | 780-349-3346
Contact:
Jaye Parrent, Chief Administrative Officer
cao@villageofclyde.ca | 780-348-5356