Rocky View County was named Alberta’s best community for business in Alberta Venture magazine’s June edition.
The County rated first out of 30 in the magazine’s 2010 Best Communities for Business survey.
The article said Rocky View stood out for offering the optimal balance between low costs and high traffic, existing strengths and upside potential.
Reeve Lois Habberfield was not surprised.
“We have worked very hard to diversify our tax base and have kept our residential and business taxes very competitive,” said Habberfield. “It’s very exciting to have our community named the number one community to do business. It’s also validation of what our council and administration have been working towards.”
According to the article, Rocky View boasts good transportation infrastructure and a great location along the Queen Elizabeth II corridor. The magazine also mentioned Rocky View’s diverse economy, which includes residential development, retail, manufacturing, oilfield services and agricultural production.
In recent years, the County has made inroads in diversification and planning, said Habberfield, with the implementation of a multi-year budget process, the creation of a Corporate Strategic Plan and the Growth Management Strategy.
The East Balzac area, which includes the CrossIron Mills shopping centre, Wagon Wheel Industrial Park, Walmart’s regional distribution centre and Lowe’s Home Improvement, has been identified as a major success for Rocky View.
Despite the growing mix of commercial and industrial development, it was the rural lifestyle and spectacular scenery that set the County apart.
According to Habberfield, the county is still 90 per cent agricultural land.
“One of the County’s key priorities is to encourage orderly and appropriate development that fits the vision of the community,” said Habberfield. “Our vibrant and diverse community is what truly makes Rocky View County such a great place to do business. We strive to maintain the balance between development and rural atmosphere that makes the County so unique.”
Councillor Greg Boehlke was pleased with the distinction, especially considering the growth in the area.
“When Alberta Venture magazine says we are one of the best places to do business, that is a real feather in Rocky View’s cap,” said Boehlke.
