Business in Strathcona County

Strathcona County strives to support a strong, diversified and resilient economy while balancing social responsibility and environmental stewardship. The department works towards the growth of the community through business and development attraction, retention and expansion and through entrepreneur support.

The following highlights the advantages of opening or growing your business in Strathcona County. For greater detail, check out the economic statistics and demographics page.

A leading industry hub

• Home to Canada's largest petrochemical processing area with over 15 world-class facilities    

• Founding member of Alberta's Industrial Heartland Association (AIHA)

• 7,490+ hectares of industrial land

• More industrial development

A supported business environment

• Home to thousands of businesses and an active Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce

• Strong growth in the manufacturing, construction, technical services, hydrocarbon processing, transportation and agriculture sectors

• Over 4.4 million square feet of retail, office and commercial space

A connected region with modern infrastructure

• Less than 30 minutes from the Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and less than 20 minutes from downtown Edmonton

• Serviced by Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) and Anthony Henday Drive (Highway 216), Queen Elizabeth II Highway, Highways 14, 21 and 16. Secondary highway access: Highways 630, 824, 829 and 830

• Extensive public transit (commuter, local, mobility bus)

• Rail service by CN and CPKC

A strong and educated workforce

• Over 44,600 local highly-skilled graduates available

• Over 925,000 workers in the region

Valuable market area

• Regional market of over 1.5 million consumers

• $6.7 billion household spending power

Affordable to do business

• No business tax

• No business registration fees

• No provincial sales tax

• Alberta has one of the most competitive tax systems in North America

Testimonials of what local businesses are saying