Vermilion River County, Alberta

Building a Future Rooted in Growth and Sustainability

From renewable energy projects to hands-on workforce development, this dynamic county is shaping a thriving community focused on sustainable progress.

The beautiful and sweeping County of Vermilion River (CVR) has become an enviable place to reside and has also carved a niche as a prime location for businesses seeking to invest and grow within Alberta’s diverse economy.

Spanning 5,437 square kilometers, the County is vast and economically robust, housing over 680 companies and offering 32 vacant commercial spaces. This sizable rural municipality has a regional population exceeding 13,500, which includes eight unincorporated hamlets, three villages, and one town. Its economic clout is further enhanced by the proximity to the City of Lloydminster, contributing to a trade area that spans more than 45,000 people.

CVR is economically growing, with over $718 million invested in major projects, such as the Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Project valued at $250 million and the Alberta Central East (ACE) Regional Waterline worth $140 million. The County also boasts substantial agricultural revenue, with 1,125 farms covering 5,420 square kilometers. Gross farm receipts have surged by 61.37% from $405.9 million in 2016 to $655.2 million in 2021. Additionally, the region produces over 1.25 million cubic meters of oil annually, generating an estimated revenue of over $300 million.

The County maintains a distinctly rural charm despite its economic focus on industry. Of the thousands of people who call the County of Vermilion River home, many live on acreages just outside the towns of Vermilion and Lloydminster. Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Hannah Musterer notes that these subdivisions offer an appealing mix of country living and affordability. “It’s a great place to live rurally at an affordable cost,” she points out, comparing it favorably to other, more expensive parts of Alberta. This affordability, paired with the County’s natural beauty and economic opportunities, makes it an attractive place for those looking to enjoy rural life without sacrificing access to essential amenities.

Tourism in Vermilion River

Tourism in the County of Vermilion River blends outdoor adventures, historical sites, and deep-rooted agricultural heritage. “We do have a few campgrounds,” Musterer says, emphasizing the County’s diverse offerings. Jubilee Regional Park, known locally as Lee Park, sits just south of where the Vermilion and North Saskatchewan Rivers meet. Meanwhile, McNab’s Nature Reserve is another natural retreat, allowing visitors to explore the County’s rich biodiversity.

A major highlight of the area is Vermilion Provincial Park. The park features scenic hiking and biking trails that wind through aspen woodlands, making it a favorite spot for birdwatchers. For those looking to extend their stay, the fully serviced campground offers all the amenities needed for a comfortable visit. Beyond camping, the park caters to various interests, with a mini-golf course, a splash park, and paddling opportunities on the reservoir.

Agricultural roots run deep in the County and are celebrated through attractions like Open Farm Days, where visitors can experience farm life firsthand. Local businesses, such as Kathy’s Greenhouse and F’Laura N Company, showcase the County’s sustainable agriculture and local production. Cultural experiences extend to the Vermilion Heritage Museum, which documents the town’s evolution, and the Climb Through Time Museum in Paradise Valley, housed in a beautifully renovated grain elevator.

The County’s rich offerings continue with various events and recreational facilities. “Rodeos, trail rides, and golf courses like the Vermilion Golf & Country Club provide ample entertainment,” Musterer explains. Community parks such as Lindsay A. Evans Regional Park offer tranquil settings for picnics, birdwatching, and camping, rounding out the region’s appeal as both a relaxing getaway and an active outdoor destination.

Commercial Developments

The County of Vermilion River is actively building on its strengths in agriculture and energy to spur commercial growth. On the County’s eastern side lies Lloydminster, an energy-driven community that significantly influences the region’s economic landscape.

“We have several industrial parks or energy parks available to businesses providing services to our industrial partners in the area,” Musterer explains. These parks provide strategic opportunities for companies seeking to tap into the energy sector around Lloydminster and beyond. CVR’s well-connected infrastructure further enhances these prospects. “Highway 16 is a major corridor, and Highway 41 offers a direct route down to Hardisty,” she adds, noting that the rail line passing through the municipality facilitates the shipping of products in and out of the region.

In addition, the G3 grain facility recently established itself just east of Vermilion. “That was a really welcome business to our county,” says Musterer. The facility provides local farmers with opportunities to market their grains on an international scale. Supporting such ventures is part of the County’s approach to stimulating commercial activity. “The county worked with that company to establish their facility,” she adds. “We provided some tax incentives and developed road infrastructure to accommodate their growth.”

CVR hosts five major industrial parks designed to cater to diverse business needs. Devonia Business Park is geared towards various industries with its well-connected infrastructure. At the same time, Reinhart Property Management operates Industrial Park 1, a business park equipped for light to heavy industrial operations. The Corridor Business Park, situated near key transportation routes, offers easy access to Highway 16 and the Canadian National Railway, facilitating efficient business logistics. The County Energy Park provides the necessary infrastructure for those in the energy sector to support oil, gas, and alternative energy projects. Meanwhile, Kam’s Industrial Park offers spaces for agriculture, energy, and manufacturing operations.

The County’s proactive approach extends to supporting innovative energy projects. “We have two substantial facilities under development,” Alan Parkin, the Chief Administrative Officer, reveals. These electrical generation facilities use waste natural gas from oil and gas operations to produce electricity, which will then be fed into the grid. In addition to facilitating commercial and industrial growth, CVR operates Alberta’s most significant rural natural gas utility. “It falls under the County of Vermilion River Natural Gas Utilities,” says Parkin. This utility continues to grow, with several projects currently underway.

Critical Infrastructure

The County of Vermilion River invests significantly in critical infrastructure, focusing on areas supporting residential expansion and commercial development. Regarding connectivity, Parkin notes that high-speed internet service is expanding across the County. “We have a provider called MCSnet that is upgrading high-speed internet services for many of our communities,” he explains, recognizing the importance of reliable digital infrastructure for residents and businesses.

Natural gas is another critical aspect of the County’s infrastructure network. “We do have a refueling station for public and commercial use just outside of Kitscoty,” Parkin mentions. Water and wastewater management are also at the forefront of the County’s infrastructure initiatives. In Blackfoot, a substantial wastewater project is underway to bolster the community’s capacity for residential growth. “We’ve got about 70 residential lots that will be available once that system gets upgraded,” he states. This $6 million investment is expected to significantly increase the hamlet’s growth potential, making it one of the most substantial infrastructure projects in progress.

Ace Water primarily manages the water supply across the County, which services most hamlets and supports commercial operations. “They are continuing to do upgrades in the northeast region of Alberta,” Parkin explains. The network reaches far beyond the County’s borders, stretching from west of CVR to the Saskatchewan border and extending over 100 kilometers north, ensuring a reliable water supply for residents and businesses throughout the region.

Residential Developments

The County of Vermilion River is witnessing steady residential growth, catering to various housing needs while closely monitoring market dynamics. Parkin emphasizes the ongoing efforts in Blackfoot, a hamlet situated just 10 kilometers outside Lloydminster, the County’s closest primary market. “We’ve got potentially 74 lots that will come on stream in the next year,” he says, pointing to the upcoming completion of a significant wastewater infrastructure project that will enable this expansion.

While the focus is on individual developments rather than clustered residential hubs, the County has a robust selection of properties across 18 residential subdivisions. “We consistently see individual developments of residential properties, being acreages or farmstead-type properties,” Parkin notes, adding that the demand for these properties has been increasing despite rising building costs. The area boasts 5,260 homes, with the majority being single-detached houses—approximately 4,595 units.

Looking ahead, Parkin acknowledges potential challenges on the horizon. With a surge of new residents flocking to Alberta—200,000 last year alone, with projections of 400,000 in the coming year—the strain on housing supply is inevitable. “We have local developers ready to do more,” he states, pointing out that area structure plans are already in place to accommodate future growth. However, he also raises a concern across the construction industry: “The challenge could be the availability of skilled labor and workforce to build those homes,” noting that this factor will likely influence how swiftly new housing can be developed.

Mutton Bustin

Workforce Development

The County of Vermilion River prioritizes workforce development through solid partnerships with educational institutions and local businesses. Lakeland College, with campuses in Vermilion and Lloydminster, plays a pivotal role in this effort. Established in 1913, the college offers certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees that align with the County’s economic drivers.

“Lakeland College really pushes hands-on learning,” Musterer says, noting how the college’s curriculum is tailored to meet the region’s workforce demands. The focus on applied research, especially in agriculture and industry, directly benefits students and local employers. “We’re fortunate to have the college within our region to keep our local talent here and also to train them for our needs in this area,” she adds.

The college’s approach is far from theoretical. Facilities like the G.N. Sweet Livestock Research Facility serves as testbeds for innovations in integrated renewable energy systems, livestock, and crop research. This practical environment prepares students for real-world challenges and supports the County’s industries with cutting-edge knowledge and practices. “Many of our businesses offer practicum positions for these students and employ them during the summer between semesters,” Musterer explains.

Beyond post-secondary education, the County supports lifelong learning and skill development. K-12 education is offered through several public and Catholic schools under the Buffalo Trails Public School Division and East Central Catholic Schools in communities such as Vermilion, Kitscoty, and Marwayne. Meanwhile, the Lakeland College Emergency Training Centre in Vermilion fills the gap for specialized training. Known for its comprehensive firefighting and emergency personnel programs, it trains individuals who often go on to serve in critical roles within the community and beyond.

Looking Ahead

As the County of Vermilion River looks toward the second financial quarter of 2025, its strategic priorities focus on sustainability and infrastructure projects. Musterer emphasizes the County’s pride in its natural gas operations, mainly promoting its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refueling station just north of Kitscoty.

“We currently have 19 natural gas vehicles within our fleet,” she says, pointing to the County’s use of more sustainable fuel sources. The refueling station is not just for the County’s use; several local businesses already utilize the facility, contributing to the broader adoption of cleaner energy alternatives. Musterer believes that educating residents about the benefits of natural gas is critical. “If we look to the future, there are many countries around the world utilizing natural gas more than Canada is,” she notes, highlighting an opportunity for CVR to lead by example in sustainable transportation.

Further balancing conservation and growth is the Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) program. “The County of Vermilion River is very proud that we are the first municipality in Alberta to adopt this program,” Musterer explains, highlighting its 14-year legacy in the region. ALUS allows farmers to identify environmentally sensitive farm areas and set them aside for conservation or restoration. “It’s a program that encourages sustainability and restoring habitat,” she says, showing how the County incentivizes farmers to engage in land stewardship while supporting agricultural productivity.

By focusing on economic expansion and sustainable practices, the County of Vermilion River is taking deliberate steps to build a prosperous future while being mindful of its natural resources. Whether through pioneering natural gas infrastructure, developing new residential communities, or promoting land conservation, CVR is crafting a path forward that meets today’s needs while planning responsibly for tomorrow.

AT A GLANCE

County of Vermilion River

What: A rural municipality focusing on sustainable growth, infrastructure, and workforce development

Where: Located 250 km east of Edmonton, Alberta

Website: www.vermilion-river.com