Strathcona County EDT - Business Environment

"Alberta is in the midst of the strongest period of economic growth ever recorded by any Canadian Province'" (Statistics Canada). The Alberta economy expanded by 6.8 per cvent in 2006, more than double the national rate. For the third consecutive year, Alberta posted the highest economic growth rate in Canada. Private sector froecasts expect Alberta to continue to lead the country in economic growth in 2007 and 2008.

The billions of dollars of projects currently underway or proposed in the oilsands of northern Alberta are having a profound impact on the economy of Alberta. Over $100 billion worth of investment in oil sands is expected to generate over $1 trillion worth of economic activity. Local supply, service and manufacturing businesses in Greater Edmonton are reaping the downstream benefits from the oil, gas and oilsands industry and will continue well into the future. The Alberta's Industrial Heartland, Canada's largest hydrocarbon processing complex, is projected to produce 1,916,000 barrels per day. During 2010-2012 the area will employ 20,100 construction workers and have a total investment of $23 billion.

Alberta's Construction Projects have reached a record breaking $245 billion (December 2007) with approximately 1100 projects proposed or under construction. Alberta has also experienced considerable growth in the value of international goods and services exports. In 2006, ninety billion dollars worth of goods and services were exported to 188 countries, an increase of 40.4 per cent from the value five years ago.

The Edmonton Metropolitan region is the 6th largest Canadian metropolitan area by population and one of Canada's highest growth centres. In 2006 the metro region reached a population of 1,034,945 and is expected to by 1,083,000 by 2010. The area encompasses Edmonton and 22 surrounding municipalities in four different counties, including Strathcona County. The Greater Edmonton Economic Growth Team (GEEGT) is a group of pro-active economic development officials that jointly promote the Greater Edmonton region.

Strathcona County businesses continue to prosper in our environment. This is evident by the billions of dollars in major projects that are forcasted over the next few years. Economic Development and Tourism is dedicated to attracting business and assisting existing business in their retention and expansion efforts.

Businesses choose Strathcona County

Strathcona County has an average of 100 new businesses opening every year. These companies range from one-person operations to world-scale plants with over 400 employees. Two hundred small- to large-scale manufacturing companies have chosen Strathcona County as home. In 2007, the overall building construction value of commercial, industrial and non-residential developments in Strathcona County was $841 million.

Whether you are looking for a greenfield, turn-key or home-based operation, Strathcona County offers variety! Strathcona County's 1,265 square kilometres are designated as industrial, commercial, residential, farm, acreage and park areas. To search for a location for your business visit the Property Locator which is a comprehensive inventory of land and lease space provided by real estate professionals.

Strathcona County Total Building Permit Statistics 2001 - 2007

	Sherwood Park		Rural		Total County
Year	Units	Value	Units	Value	Units	Value
2001	940	$142,724,844	152	$57,556,338	1092	$200,281,182
2002	904	$163,317,010	231	$77,717,652	1135	$241,034,662
2003	888	$173,415,859	239	$60,167,835	1127	$233,583,694
2004	794	$159,790,206	243	$68,627,614	1037	$228,417,820
2005	978	$225,030,114	207	$64,993,948	1185	$290,024,062
2006	1065	$265,271,733	223	$115,464,381	1288	$380,736,174
2007	1171	$320,882,933	222	$520,172,755	1393	$841,055,688

Community input

Strathcona County Strategic Plan
This document is based on input from Community Consultation report input from department Managers as well as relevant information collected through research and studies supplied by County departments. The Strategic Plan will serve as the guiding document for all other County plans, policies and actions through its Vision Statement, the capstone policies and goals defined important to our community by Council.

The Strategic Plan Overview