“Edson is at a strategic point along the Yellowhead highway, with a very robust economy,” boasts Mayor Kevin Zahara. “We are a regional hub for business in the area, supporting the surrounding Yellowhead County. There are a lot of opportunities here.” ECONOMIC GROWTH AND POSSIBILITY Edson’s economy is anchored by major industries such as the Weyerhaeuser OSB Mill, which has been in operation since the 1980s. “It provides a lot of jobs and opportunities, and many businesses benefit from having that mill within our community,” Zahara explains. Outside of town, the West Fraser mill supports the local forestry industry, while the recently established Pivotal, an NGL liquids gas facility, and the Cascade Power Plant, are strengthening the region’s industrial landscape.“Those are some of the primary industries within the community,” Zahara says. “Businesses that are located within the town of Edson support those industries and have done very well over the years. We have a lot of oil and gas, construction firms, and things of that nature.” He emphasizes the town’s commitment to economic growth, stating, “We’ve just hired our economic development officer and developed our first strategy for the community. We are really trying to strengthen relationships with our business community to better support them.” One of Edson’s priorities is to revitalize the downtown core. “We have taken some actions earlier this year, and we will be working with our business community to look at beautification programs and other ways in which we can assist in improving the look of our downtown,” he reports.“A lot of investment has been made over the years to improve the buildings but there’s still much more work to be done.” When it comes to business attraction Zahara stresses, “We are absolutely open for business, and our strategic plan very clearly defines that economic development is a key priority for the community and for the Town Council.” He points out the benefits for potential businesses, 75 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 EDSON, AB
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