Invest / Why Invest Here

Built on industry. Positioned for what comes next.

The CORE region offers investors established industries, strategic access, skilled people, development opportunities and a quality of life that supports long-term growth.

Regional Advantage 01

Strong Industrial Economy

Agriculture, forestry, energy services, manufacturing, construction and resource development form a diverse regional economy with established supply chains.

Agriculture and agri-food
Forestry and wood products
Energy and industrial services
Manufacturing and fabrication
Construction and trades
Resource development

Why it matters

Investors enter a market with experienced suppliers, customers and workers already serving multiple industries. That diversity supports resilience and cross-sector opportunity.

Transportation corridor through the CORE region

Regional Advantage 02

Strategic Location

The region connects Edmonton with northern Alberta's industrial and resource markets through established highway, rail and logistics infrastructure.

Highway 43 Corridor access
Connection to Edmonton markets
Access to northern resource regions
Rail and logistics connections
CANAMEX trade corridor access

Why it matters

Reliable connections help businesses reach customers, suppliers and major projects efficiently. Multiple communities provide location choices along this connected corridor.

Forestry and skilled industrial work in the CORE region

Regional Advantage 03

Skilled Workforce

Experienced tradespeople, equipment operators, technicians and industry professionals support operations across agriculture, forestry, energy, construction and manufacturing.

Welders
Electricians
Mechanics
Heavy equipment operators
Construction trades
Agronomy and precision agriculture

Why it matters

A capable local workforce helps businesses recruit confidently and supports expansion. Regional industry experience translates into practical, job-ready expertise.

Commercial main street and investment opportunities in Barrhead

Regional Advantage 04

Investment Ready

Available industrial land, commercial opportunities and serviced sites give investors options for new operations and expansions.

Available industrial land
Commercial development opportunities
Serviced sites
Competitive operating environment

Why it matters

Municipal partners provide responsive service and direct local knowledge. Investors can compare sites and connect with the community best suited to their project.

Regional Advantage 05

Quality of Life

Affordable communities, short commutes and year-round outdoor recreation help employers attract and retain people while offering residents room to build a life.

Affordable communities
Short commute times
Lakes, trails and forests
Hunting and fishing
Camping and year-round recreation

Why it matters

People can build careers, raise families and stay connected to nature. That balance strengthens workforce attraction and long-term retention.

Connected by Opportunity

Regional value chains

Agriculture

Production → Processing → Distribution

County of Barrhead → Mayerthorpe → Barrhead → Highway 43 Markets

Forestry

Harvesting → Manufacturing → Distribution

Woodlands County → Whitecourt → Regional Transportation Network

Energy & Industrial

Resource Development → Industrial Services → Manufacturing

Swan Hills + Whitecourt + Regional Service Centres

Logistics

Edmonton ← Highway 43 Corridor → Northern Alberta

Connected highway, rail and airport access

Open land and development opportunity in the CORE region

Available land

Find your place in CORE.

Explore available commercial and industrial properties across the region using Alberta's Site Selector Tool.

Search Available Properties

Found a community or property that interests you? Connect directly with the municipality for detailed servicing, zoning, development and property information.

Need help getting started?

Not sure which community fits your project? CORE can help point you in the right direction.

Talk to CORE