INVESTMENT PROFILE
VALUE PROPOSITION
Feeding and fueling the world, Wetaskiwin’s rich agricultural sector and robust manufacturing industry drive the local economy and combine to create a wide range of opportunities for continued investment and growth in both sectors.
Supported by strong connectivity via road, rail, and air to both domestic and international markets, Wetaskiwin’s competitive land prices, administrative ease, and real estate affordability all contribute to create an ideal location for business development and investment.
VERN MAY
Economic Development Manager
780.361.4450
vern.may@wetaskiwin.ca
INVESTWETASKIWIN.CA
RAELENE COFFEY
Economic Development Coordinator
780.361.4420
raelene.coffey@wetaskiwin.ca
WETASKIWIN ALBERTA, CANADA
• We are located 35 minutes from the Edmonton International Airport and are home to regional air service locally via the Wetaskiwin Regional Airport.
• Wetaskiwin serves as a junction point for the Canadian Pacific Railway allowing for direct connection to seaport at Vancouver.
• We are 10 minutes from the Queen Elizabeth Highway which serves as the transportation backbone of the Alberta economy.
• Wetaskiwin is located adjacent to the Canamex Trade Corridor linking Canada, the United States and Mexico by road.
INVESTING IN CANADA
CANADA IS THE BEST COUNTRY FOR GLOBAL INVESTMENT. PERIOD.
Global market access. Unparalleled talent. Low costs. Reduced risk.
In this ever-changing world it can be difficult to seize opportunities and avoid risk. To grow and succeed, global companies need to find the oasis in the chaos.
Canada is that place, and investors are taking notice.
At a time when foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into developed economies dropped by 40%, FDI into Canada increased by 70% in 2018.
GLOBAL MARKET ACCESS
Canada is the only G7 country that offers investors preferential market access to over 1.5 billion consumers in 51 countries. Key trade agreements include:
USMCA
THE CANADA – UNITED STATES – MEXICO AGREEMENT
CETA
THE CANADA – EUROPEAN UNION COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC AND TRADE AGREEMENT
CPTPP
THE COMPREHENSIVE AND PROGRESSIVE AGREEMENT FOR TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP
TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
Canada is well placed to serve as a central hub for global trade. Our air transport infrastructure is the best in the world and our coastal ports provide direct maritime access to Asia, Europe, and South America.
Combined with secure trade corridors and gateways, our infrastructure facilitates continual supply chain and business operations.
LOWER COST. LOWER RISKS.
Canada has the lowest overall tax rate on new business investment and the lowest business costs in advanced manufacturing and corporate services among G7 nations. Canada also has the lowest business costs in the digital and Research & Development (R&D) sectors.
INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Canada’s largest R&D tax credit program provides billions in tax credits and incentives to businesses conducting R&D in Canada.
The Strategic Innovation Fund bolsters business investments in Canada’s most dynamic and innovative sectors by supporting business activities such as R&D projects, firm expansion, and attraction of large-scale investments.
The Innovation Superclusters initiative connects businesses, academic institutions, and not-for-profit organizations to generate bold ideas, drive economic growth, attract top talent, advance innovation, and transform regional ecosystems. These are focused on five key areas:
HIGHLY SKILLED TALENT
MOST ATTRACTIVE COUNTRY FOR ENTREPRENEURS
Source: OECD Talent Attractiveness Indicators, 2019
MOST ATTRACTIVE COUNTRY FOR HIGHLY SKILLED TALENT
Source: OECD Talent Attractiveness Indicators, 2019
QUALITY OF LIFE
Searching for the best quality of life? You found it. Home to some of the world’s most impressive scenery and vibrant cities, Canada offers the perfect space to live, work, and play.
Settle in and find out for yourself. There’s no better place to be.
BEST QUALITY OF LIFE
Source: Y&R, BAV Group and Wharton School of Business, 2019
BEST COUNTRY FOR HUMAN FREEDOM
Source: CATO Institute, 2018
CANADA IS HOME TO THREE OF THE WORLD’S MOST LIVABLE CITIES
Source: The Economist Intelligence Unit, 2018
CANADA VS. U.S.
Canada’s labour costs are the lowest among the G7 countries. With competitive salary levels and lower health care costs, companies based in Canada benefit from total labour costs that are 31.2% lower than equivalent costs in the U.S.
Progressive reductions in both federal and provincial taxes creates a significant advantage for companies operating in Canada. According to KPMG, the effective income tax rate in Canada is 17.9%, or 11.9 percentage points below that of the U.S.
4. SCALE.AI (Supply Chains Logistics Excellence Artificial Intelligence
5. OCEAN
INVESTING IN ALBERTA
FORGE YOUR OWN PATH FORWARD
With some of the world’s most livable cities, the great outdoors, a diverse entrepreneurial community, and the most business-friendly policies in North America, you really can have it all in Alberta.
WHY ALBERTA
In Alberta, we’ve always challenged the status quo with innovative ways to do business—from earlier-maturing wheat at the turn of the 19th century to today’s cutting edge AI research. Our relentless pursuit of new ideas is why many global brands have already located their offices in Alberta and why our universities work closely with research institutions from all around the world.
But it’s not all work here. Set against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies and seemingly endless prairie skies, the great outdoors is at your doorstep. You can catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights or cycle through the country’s largest urban park. With stunning mountain destinations, legendary festivals, and two of North America’s most liveable and affordable cities, it’s no wonder Alberta is truly a great place to live.
Along with access to world-class amenities, Albertans also enjoy public healthcare, a quality public education system, and three international airports connecting the province to almost every major city in the world.
So, join us here in Alberta and make your ambitions a reality.
HIGHEST ANNUAL GDP GROWTH IN CANADA (1999 – 2018)
BRITISH COLUMBIA MANITOBA
NEWFOUNDLAND
ONTARIO
SASKATCHEWAN
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
QUÉBEC
NOVA SCOTIA
NEW BRUNSWICK
KEY SECTORS IN
ALBERTA
AGRICULTURE
Whatever your investment or business goals are, you can achieve them in Alberta. Whether it’s leading the world to clean tech or developing sustainable food, let’s make it happen together.
HIGHEST EDUCATION ACHIEVED
SKILLED, DIVERSE WORKFORCE
CITY OF WETASKIWIN
DEMOGRAPHICS
LABOUR FORCE BY INDUSTRY Retail
*(2021 Census)
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
NORQUEST COLLEGE
With campuses in both Edmonton and Wetaskiwin, NorQuest College serves 12,573 full-time and part-time credit students and 7,894 non-credit or continuing education students. With 39 post-secondary credentials and six foundational programs, NorQuest uniquely serves the increasing demands of the economy. NorQuest College offers nimble, responsive, and flexible solutions for emerging market trends and creates new programming in response to communicated workforce needs. In addition to well-established programs in health, business, and foundational learning, the College is also adapting to new opportunities in the green economy and other new technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence. Currently, the College is adapting to the needs of industry with the introduction of microcredentials, including one in Aviation. POST-SECONDARY
KEY SECTORS
MANUFACTURING
Wetaskiwin has been a location of choice for manufacturers since the 1950s. Our location is attractive for this industry not only due to our geographic positioning and access to road, rail, and air for both domestic and international export of products, but also the competitive tax structure that supports the ongoing development of this sector.
OPERATING LOCALLY IN THIS SECTOR
A.C. DANDY
Electrical Enclosure & Power Systems
ALBERTA BOX CENTRE
Metal Fabrication
ANNUGAS
Oil & Gas Compression Solutions
G&B RUBBER PRODUCTS
Industrial Rubber Manufacturing
The City of Wetaskiwin offers a three-year industrial tax incentive for new development (year one: 75%, year two: 50%, year three: 25%). Additionally, Wetaskiwin does not recognize a machinery and equipment tax as implemented by other jurisdictions.
IRIZAR HEAVY INDUSTRIES
Manufacturing & Fabrication
KAMPAROO CAMPERS
Trailer Manufacturing
KIMTO MANUFACTURING
Structural Steel Company
MANLUK MANUFACTURING
Manufacturing/Machining
MASCO CRANE & HOIST
Industrial Crane and Hoist Manufacturing
NUCOR VULCRAFT
Steel Grate Fabrication
SUPREME INTERNATIONAL
Agricultural Equipment Manufacturing
WOOD ART INDUSTRIES LTD.
Cabinet Making
AGRICULTURE
Alberta’s agriculture sector is a $15.4 billion industry reflecting both livestock and crop production across the province. In 2020, Alberta’s total agri-food exports amounted to $12.4 billion with increases in both exports of primary commodities (animals and crops) and exports of processed products (value-added).
Wetaskiwin’s history is rooted in agriculture. The creation of the Wetaskiwin Co-op in 1917 by a group of local agricultural producers has ensured value-added agriculture in the city for over a hundred years. The Wetaskiwin region is home to over 821,000 acres (332,246 hectares) of fertile farmland.
TOP 10 ALBERTA AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION (BY ANNUAL FARM CASH RECEIPTS)
$6.72 Billion
$4.38 Billion
$3.40 Billion
$755 Million
$621 Million
$596 Million
$572 Million
$500 Million
$312 Million
$175 Million
Source: Province of Alberta 2022 Agriculture Statistics Fact Sheet
AVIATION
Since the establishment of the Wetaskiwin Regional Airport in 1974, Wetaskiwin has been home to a growing aviation sector, offering opportunities for a variety of industries that support the aviation industry. A certified airport with no landing or runway fees, the airport features a newly paved taxiway, apron and Certified AGN II runway (3,888’ x 100’).
SKYPORT PROPERTIES
SKYPORT has opened up a world of possibilities in the aviation market. This development offers 90 free hold lots to be developed in three phases on Wetaskiwin’s airport for aviation-related uses. SKYPORT presents unique opportunities for your personal and business needs.
skyportproperties.com
OPERATING LOCALLY IN THIS SECTOR
ABSOLUTE AVIATION
Flight School/Charters/Rentals
CENTRAL AVIATION
100LL Fuel Self Service System
GS AEROSPORT PRODUCTS LTD.
Ultralight Parts & Sales
J&H AVIATION
Aircraft Maintenance
PEACE HILLS AVIATION
Aircraft Avionics
SKYVIEW ENTERPRISES LTD.
Aerial Photography
WETASKIWIN AERIAL APPLICATORS LTD.
Aerial Agriculture Products & Services
CGAS
Aircraft Maintenance & Restoration
OWNER ASSISTED AVIATION LTD.
Aircraft Maintenance
LOGISTICS
Wetaskiwin’s access to strong road, rail, and air travel connections serve to create a strong foundation for businesses looking to establish warehousing and distribution to service supply chains across Canada and internationally. In addition to the geographic advantages identified in this document, the affordability of both land and labour serve to create a winning combination for business development and growth.
OPERATING LOCALLY IN THIS SECTOR
The Home Hardware Distribution Centre—one of only four distribution centres in Canada supporting close to 1,100 stores across the country—has been located in Wetaskiwin since 1985 and has grown from an initial footprint of 460,000 square feet to 716,000 square feet today. This location employs 400.
WETASKIWIN
PRESENT OPPORTUNITIES
Wetaskiwin offers some of the most competitive land pricing in the area, with low development costs and a new tax incentive to drive industrial growth. With more than 300 acres of land available for development, we can offer flexibility to ensure the right home for your project.
WETASKIWIN REGIONAL AIRPORT
• 170 acres
• Light industrial, airport industrial, direct control
CITY OF WETASKIWIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Vern May, Manager, of Economic Development
780.361.4450
vern.may@wetaskiwin.ca
NORTHEAST INDUSTRIAL PARK
• 67 acres
• Close proximity to CP Rail line.
• Light and heavy industrial, commercial
COMMERCIAL
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL
URBAN
DIRECT CONTROL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
DIRECT CONTROL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
STORM WATER AREA
CITY OF WETASKIWIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Vern May, Manager, of Economic Development
780.361.4450
vern.may@wetaskiwin.ca
SIMPSON PARK
• 153 acres
• Light and heavy industrial
• Situated with truck route access on Highways 2A and 13
COMMERCIAL
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL HEAVY INDUSTRIAL MUNICIPAL RESERVE
CITY OF WETASKIWIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Vern May, Manager, of Economic Development
780.361.4450
vern.may@wetaskiwin.ca
KISTIKEW INDUSTRIAL PARK
• 22.52 acres
• Light and heavy industrial
Manuel Puentes windays@puentes.ca
TAXATION, UTILITIES, AND DEVELOPMENT
INDUSTRIAL TAX INCENTIVE
As of July 20, 2020, Wetaskiwin offers non-residential tax incentives for new industrial development and expansions on a sliding scale over a three-year period.
NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES
Incentive on Municipal Tax Levy (2020)
Source: Development Tax Incentive Bylaw 1970-2020.
The tax incentive is to be based on the total assessed value at the time of occupancy of the new development.
LOCAL PROPERTY TAX RATES (2023)
*Designated Industrial Property (DIP) tax rate only applies to properties identified as DIP through the Province of Alberta.
TAXATION RATIO
In the City of Wetaskiwin, Commercial and Industrial tax rates are levied at a ratio of 2:1 compared to residential tax rates.
FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL INCOME TAX RATES
TABLE 22: CORPORATE TAXES –GENERAL CORPORATION (2019-2020)
Corporate Tax Rates Combined Federal and Provincial – Non-Canadian Controlled
NO MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT TAX
The City of Wetaskiwin does not observe a Machinery and Equipment tax. This represents a significant benefit to industrial development in our City.
NO PROVINCIAL SALES TAX
The Province of Alberta does not recognize a Provincial sales tax, so the only sales tax is the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST), presently set at 5%
PERSONAL INCOME TAX
CORPORATE TAXES –CANADIAN CONTROLLED
TABLE 23: CORPORATE TAXES –CANADIAN CONTROLLED (2019-2020)
Corporate Tax Rates Combined Federal and Provincial – Canadian Controlled
WATER/WASTEWATER FEES 2023
METER
<19 mm or <3/4” $39.59 $472.68
3/4” $50.35 $520.73
1” $60.63 $672.27
1 ½” $113.23 $1,132.13
2” $138.08 $1,451.43
3” $165.94 $3,698.70
4” $216.95 $3,875.58
6”
Water Consumption Charge $3.43 PER CUBIC METER
Bulk Water $8.00 PER CUBIC METER
DEVELOPMENT RELATED FEES 2023
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
Accessory Buildings
Residential Additions
Accessory Use
Carports and Garages
Manufactured Home
New Single Residential Dwelling
Multi-Family
Minor Home-Based Business
Major Home-Based Business
Discretionary Notification
ELECTRICITY
In the City of Wetaskiwin, ATCO Energy, Direct Energy, EPCOR, and Fortis Alberta are the main providers of electrical infrastructure, but there are numerous retailers that residents may purchase their services from.
Visit energyrates.ca to find out more.
NATURAL GAS
There are numerous providers offering this service in the City of Wetaskiwin, offering customers a variety of options and plans for their natural gas needs.
Visit energyrates.ca to find out more.
Commercial, Industrial, Institutional (includes Additions and Accessory Buildings)
$0 to $500,000
$500,001 to $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
Demolition
Change in Use
Cannabis Retail Random Selection Process Application Fee
Cannabis Retail Development Permit
$269 plus $0.11/$1,000 of value $376 plus $0.11/$1,000 of value
$806 plus $0.11/$1,000 of value
DEVELOPMENT RELATED FEES
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
Signs
Awning, Banner, Canopy, Electronic Message, Fascia, Fence, Fixed, Flashing, Freestanding, Low, Multiple Tenant, Neighbourhood Identification, Non-Fixed, Peddler, Pole, Projecting, Roof
Portable – For Profit
Portable – Non-Profit
Billboard
Variance – Prior to Commencement of Development
Variance – After Completion of Development
Occupancy Permit / Damage and Grading Deposit Fee
Detached Garages, Home Additions or Renovations, Basement Development, Secondary Suites or Similar Residential Developments
Single Residential Dwellings, Duplex Units
Multi-Family Dwellings Over Four Suites
Commercial, Industrial or Institutional Additions, Renovations and New Buildings Under $25,000
Commercial, Industrial or Institutional Additions, Renovations and New Buildings Under $1,000,000 in Value
Commercial, Industrial or Institutional Additions, Renovations and New Buildings Over $1,000,000 in Value
OTHER DEVELOPMENT
Land Use Bylaw Amendments
Area Structure Plan Amendments
Area Structure Plan Applications
Municipal Development Plan Amendments
Advertising Fee
Development Agreement
Standard
Multi-Stage
In-Fill
Encroachment Agreements
The City of Wetaskiwin does not impose any off-site levies.
FEES
Included in business license
$54 for 3 months
No charge, 30-day permit
$537 annually
$107 plus notification fee
$322 plus notification fee
$268.50 $2,685 $3,759 $269 $2,685 $10,740 FEES $1,772 $1,772 $2,578 $1,772 $900 $1,074 $2,148 $859
$215 plus registration fees