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 wellconnected 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 220 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
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