Investment Opportunity
Invest Here
The Battle River region is a place where agriculture and agri-food businesses can grow with confidence, backed by strong fundamentals, practical advantages, and a collaborative regional mindset that reflects BRAED’s commitment to helping investors succeed.
Agri-Food Strength
Built on agriculture, positioned for growth
A region built for value-added agriculture
Located in east-central Alberta, the Battle River region sits in the heart of one of Canada’s most productive agricultural areas, with over 2.8 million acres of cropland producing wheat, canola, dry field peas, alfalfa, and oats.
BRAED has ready access to feedstock, experienced producers, and a business culture that understands farming and food processing.
Our local labour force is poised to support growth, with strong rates of trades certification and access to training and development through Lakeland College, Olds College, and the Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta.
The region’s economy includes a diverse range of secondary sectors such as transportation, construction, manufacturing, and professional services—supporting stable supply chains and giving agricultural businesses access to a wide network of local partners and service providers.
As an alliance of 25 communities, BRAED brings these strengths together so investors can quickly connect with the people and resources they need to succeed.
Competitive Advantage
Low costs, strong margins
Doing business in the Battle River region means taking advantage of one of the lowest overall tax systems in Canada, within a competitively priced region in Alberta.
Many member communities offer purpose-built light industrial parks, fully serviced with power, water, and wastewater utilities—ready for efficient, turn-key construction.
The residential cost of living remains low, with housing prices well below the provincial average. Employers can attract and retain talent by offering a lifestyle where people live close to where they work, supported by small communities that invest in recreational facilities and essential services.
Infrastructure & Access
Land, infrastructure, and logistics
Land is one of the region’s greatest assets. Diverse croplands, supported by generations of farming expertise, form the foundation of reliable feedstock access. For growth-oriented investors, available land near highways, rail, and communities allows agri-businesses to align production, processing, and distribution within a single, integrated footprint.
Communities across the region are motivated to partner with investors, offering a collaborative environment and opportunities for exploration and familiarity tours with qualified representatives.
The Battle River region is connected by a network of well-maintained highways running north–south and east–west, including high- and wide-load corridors such as Highways 36 and 41. These routes support the efficient movement of oversized equipment, materials, and finished goods.
Edmonton International Airport provides access to major passenger and freight services, with multiple carriers, rapid customs, and 24/7 operations for time-sensitive shipments. Combined with strong road and rail connections, businesses can move inputs and products efficiently across domestic and international markets.
A range of local trucking, freight, and courier providers further supports a logistics network designed to serve both small and medium-sized businesses as well as larger industrial operations.
Workforce Strength
People, skills, and community
The Battle River region’s labour market is young, skilled, and closely aligned with agriculture and related industries.
People
The region benefits from a young labour force with strong ties to agriculture, trades, and essential industries that support long-term business growth.
Skills
Nearly half of the local workforce is employed in agriculture, trade, construction, or healthcare and social assistance, providing a strong base of practical skills and service capacity.
Community
Unemployment remains among the lowest in Alberta, while projected demand in healthcare, manufacturing, and energy points to continued opportunity across the region’s communities.
Education and Training
Education and training are key strengths in the Battle River region. A large share of residents hold trades diplomas, and most of the population has some form of post-secondary education, with those numbers continuing to rise.
Local institutions, including the University of Alberta’s Augustana campus in Camrose, contribute to a culture of learning, innovation, and applied research that supports agri-food and value-added agriculture.
For investors, this educated workforce supports both day-to-day operations and long-term growth through innovation in processing, technology adoption, and management.
Infrastructure
Reliable utilities and modern connectivity
Modern agriculture and processing demand robust utilities and digital infrastructure, and the Battle River region is well-positioned in both.
Multiple electricity providers, including ATCO Electric and Fortis Alberta, ensure reliable power delivery and flexible service options for businesses with specific operational requirements.
Natural gas distribution, water and wastewater systems, and municipal infrastructure are established across the region—supporting both existing industries and new development with confidence.
Power & Energy
Reliable electricity and natural gas infrastructure to support industrial and agri-food operations.
Water & Services
Established water, wastewater, and municipal systems ready for expansion and new facilities.
Connectivity
Modern connectivity and infrastructure that support digital operations, logistics coordination, and scalable growth.
Regional Support
A partner in your investment journey
The Battle River Alliance for Economic Development exists to connect investors with opportunities and communities across the region. BRAED supports businesses at every stage—planning, start-up, and expansion—by providing regional data, introductions to local governments and landowners, and guidance on funding and support programs.
Whether you are exploring a new processing facility, expanding an existing agri-food operation, or relocating to a more cost-effective and growth-ready region, Battle River offers a compelling mix of land, infrastructure, talent, and community.
BRAED’s role is to help you navigate that landscape, remove barriers, and ensure your investment not only takes root here, but thrives over the long term.