Investment Benefits

STRATHCONA COUNTY:

Since 2000, Strathcona County’s population has been growing at just over 3% per year; with the urban population (Sherwood Park) growing at a faster rate than the rural population.  The residential population for the County as of May 1, 2005 was 80,232.  With forecast growth of not less than 3% per year; it is anticipated that the county will be home to 98,354 people by 2011.

Situated directly east of the city of Edmonton, Strathcona County’s location has allowed it to develop into a major energy and petro-chemical hub, creating a strong demand for labour and housing.  Situated in the middle of the greater Edmonton “Oil Corridor”, beginning at Fort Saskatchewan, continuing through Strathcona County and following the southeast portion of Anthony Henday Drive to south Edmonton, Strathcona County benefits from immediate proximity to both oilfield operations in the Alberta Industrial Heartland and supporting industries in Edmonton.

Residential and commercial is expected to remain strong in the coming years.  Strathcona County has over $45 billion worth of projects planned, proposed or under construction including bitumen upgraders that, upon completion, will produce over 2 million barrels of oil per day and provide a direct peak labour force for the area in excess of 23,000.  Strathcona County continues to be well situated to capitalize on Alberta’s strong market fundamentals in the coming years. Sherwood Business Park is the leading commercial/industrial development project in Strathcona County.

Welcome to Parkland County

A robust and vibrant municipality, Parkland County offers a variety of choices and experiences for residents and visitors alike. With the City of Edmonton just minutes to the east, the idyllic setting of Parkland County offers country charm with easy access to city amenities.

As a progressive, rural community, Parkland County takes an active role in providing the necessities and leisure activities for all families, while preserving the natural distinction that is the essence of our community.

A prime location for business and living Parkland County is conveniently situated on the west outskirts of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and extends approximately 80 km to the Pembina River. The southern boundary of the County is marked by the North Saskatchewan River, while the northern boundary separates Parkland County from Lac Ste. Anne and Sturgeon County. Parkland County surrounds the City of Spruce Grove and the Town of Stony Plain, but is a completely separate municipality. Sharing boundaries with the City of Edmonton, the County is only minutes from major amenities such as the Edmonton International Airport, West Edmonton Mall and the downtown core.

Parkland County’s economic base is prominently industrial through the development of major power generation and coal mining projects, oil and gas resources, and the substantial investment in manufacturing and other businesses in the Acheson Industrial Area. The mixed agricultural industry is a vital part of the local economy, contributing more than $50 million annually. The variety ranges from traditional field crop production of wheat, oats, barley and canola to livestock and specialized vegetable and nursery operations. Tourism is also important to the area. The scenic rolling hills interspersed with lakes and varied terrain has attracted numerous investments in golf courses, resorts and other tourism-related facilities.

The Acheson Advantage

The Acheson Industrial Area covers 10,000 acres and is Parkland’s commercial/industrial hub. Acheson Industrial Area offers the following:

Strategic Location:

• No Business tax
• Cost effective land prices
• Low commercial/industrial tax rate
• High speed internet access
• Quick and easy access to the CN Railway intermodal yard.

Market Welcome to Leduc County

Land on your feet at the Edmonton International Airport, step out the door and you’ve hit the road running in Leduc County. Leduc County is situated immediately south of the City of Edmonton, the Capital of Alberta, Canada, and is located within the fifth largest metropolitan area in Canada.

The demand for all classes of real estate should remain strong for the foreseeable future. With strong construction activity, solid business climate, low unemployment and positive consumer attitudes, future growth prospects for the Edmonton economy remain very positive.

Leduc County Development

Led by multi-millions of redevelopment dollars at the Edmonton International Airport, Leduc County has experienced spectacular economic growth. In 1999, Leduc County issued construction permits with an all-time record value of $78.3 million. Leduc County is a major funder of the award-winning Leduc/Nisku Economic Development Authority, which helps businesses connect with customers world wide.

“Black Gold” Country

Leduc County is home of the first major oil strike in Canada. February 13, 1947 remains the day etched in memory as the beginning of Alberta’s oil boom. The Leduc #1 Interpretive Centre is located at the oil discovery site, so make sure to add this to your itinerary when visiting black gold country.

Tourism

You don’t have to go any further than Leduc County to find a plentiful array of recreation and leisure opportunities. Castrol Raceway is located at the north end of the Edmonton International Airport. Rural rodeos and exhibitions take place throughout Leduc County in the summer. View the region historically at the Alberta Heritage Exposition Park sponsored by the Leduc West Antique Society. Participate in rural living at any number of the dairy farms, horse stables, equestrian centres or “u-pick” berry farms. Water ski in the summer or snow ski in the winter. Numerous golf courses attract recreation and competitive golfers. Walking trails will include a 42 kilometre section of the TransCanada Trail. There are many lakes for sport fishing. Bird watching is available at Coyote Lake Nature Sanctuary or Ministik Lake. Camping is available at our own Centennial Park campground on Joseph Lake or Jubilee Park campground on Wizard Lake. Hotels and motels are in close proximity to the International Airport or stay at rural Bed and Breakfast Inns/Guest Ranches.

The Town of Morinville not only shares all the Alberta Advantages through its close proximity to the amenities of the City of St. Albert and the City of Edmonton, it retains the unique characteristics of a vibrant, growing rural community developed on the foundations of its rich heritage.  With a population of 7,636, Morinville views itself as a healthy business and residential community that offers a rich quality of life in a small town setting.

Location

Morinville is located along Highway 2 North, and is just 27 kilometres from the centre of the City of Edmonton.   The Town is the centre of the Municipal District of Sturgeon County.  It serves as the commercial centre for the surrounding district. Its geographical position, combined with a well-developed transportation system, and its proximity to Alberta’s capital, will ensure continued prosperity in the future. Poised on the doorstep of the City of St. Albert and the City of Edmonton, the Town of Morinville offers convenient access to urban amenities while retaining the characteristics of a vibrant and flourishing rural community.

Advantages

Some of the Town’s advantages include: high quality education; wide range of recreational activities; diveristy of residential styles; healthy retail business core; solid industrial base; excellent transportation linkages; opportunities for business investment and expansion; solid infrastructure; and an exciting future.

Many of Morinville’s military families have commented publicly on how the community welcomes them and eases their minds when they are posted overseas.  They know that the community will be there for their families by taking the extra step to support them. The Edmonton Garrison is proving to be one of the largest employers in Morinville, and the Town is proud that many soldiers and their families choose our community. A short 15 minute commute from the town, the Canadian Forces base is one of the new generation super-bases resulting from the consolidation of the military across Canada. In a short six years the military element has become an integral part of the community’s fibre.

Town Demographic Profile

The Town of Morinville conducted a census in 2008 to address the significant growth that occurred since the 2006 Statistics Canada Census.  Key findings include:During this time, the growth rate was 3.4% per year, compared to 0.7% over the 5 years prior, and this level of growth is forecasted to continue at a rate of 2-3% annually.Morinville is a young community, with a median age of 33.6 in 2008, relatively unchanged from recent years.  The average family income is $79,432, above the provincial average of $73,823.Nearly 44% of the population over the age of 15 has post secondary training.

Gateway to Alberta's Industrial Heartland

As a regional service centre, Fort Saskatchewan is a prime location for a variety of businesses.  With a healthy industrial sector and hundreds of commercial and home-based businesses, we offer a thriving community for you to build on your success.

The business section of our web site is designed to provide you with market information whether you are interested in locating or starting a business, building a new commercial/industrial building, or expanding your existing business.

Our Presence In the City

Trans America Group has been in a construction mode on an exciting new building complex called Heartland Centre located on the east end of Fort Saskatchewan, near the existing Eastgate Industrial Park and across from the entrance to Dow. The complex is currently composed of two 90,000 square foot buildings.

Whether you target existing businesses such as those in Eastgate Industrial Park or heavy industry such as the new Shell Scotford Upgrader, just up the highway, this complex is well located.

Both buildings have surprisingly flexible floor plates, so they can accommodate a wide variety of uses and business sizes. Most companies currently located in Trans America Group buildings require a com-bination of office and warehouse space, although we have some that are all office and others that are almost all warehouse. Developing a complex of buildings creates a critical mass of businesses in one area and, based on our experience in Sherwood Park, that concentration generates activity and additional business in itself.

The first building is nearing completion and we’re currently in active discussions with businesses to lease approximately one-third of the first building. Our timing to completion of the first building is mid-October. We will be ready for tenants to initiate their tenant improvements in the month of Oc-tober and so occupancy could be as early as those improvements are completed.

One of the added benefits of bringing water and sewer services to complex site is that several individual lots will be serviced as well. Those lots can still be sized to suit a purchaser and we are inter-ested to meet with companies about these lots as well.So, have a look at the termination date on your current lease and de-cide if you want to explore the benefits of leasing in the best new complex developed in Fort Saskatchewan in several years.