Cities Civil and Municipal November 2024

Edson, Alberta – Yellowhead County

November 26, 2024

Edson, Alberta

Rural living Surrounded by Breathtaking Beauty

A Thriving Hub of Industry, Recreation, and Opportunity in Western Canada

Situated along the Yellowhead Highway, halfway between the bustling city of Edmonton, and the unrivaled beauty of Jasper National Park, Edson embodies the charm and resilience of rural Alberta. With its welcoming, community-focused spirit, the town is home to just under 9,000 residents and is rich with potential.

“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, including access to high-speed fiber internet which is available throughout the town. Edson also offers comparably lower property costs in terms of rent and purchase prices, creating an affordable environment for those looking to invest and grow in the community. Zahara highlights the town’s enterprise recruitment measures, which include a tax incentive program, and ongoing efforts to streamline development.

“One of the strategies has been to completely redo our land use bylaw and simplify the process for doing development. That work was completed earlier this year, and that will help anybody looking to set up shop within Edson or develop a property, to do so in a less bureaucratic way,” he says.

A Destination of its Own

Edson’s proximity to Jasper National Park makes it a gateway for outdoor enthusiasts, while the town itself boasts numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities, ideal for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. “Edson is truly located in a beautiful part of the province,” says Mayor Zahara, pointing out the region’s appeal to ATV riders, campers, off-roaders, and snowmobilers.

He notes that Edson offers “some of the best snowmobile trails in all of Alberta,” maintained by the Edson Snow Seekers.

The town has also partnered with the Edson Cycling Association to develop an eight-acre skills bike park, attracting visitors from across the province. Events that showcase Indigenous culture are another part of the experience, including those put on through the Edson Friendship Centre at Willmore Park, which Zahara describes as, “a hidden gem.”

With additional amenities like a scenic 18-hole golf course and a robust trail system, the town offers something for everyone. “There’s lots to do out in Yellowhead County, which is our rural neighbor,” adds Zahara.

From comfortable hotels to scenic campsites that offer the chance to fully experience the natural beauty of the area, Edson has accommodations to suit any traveler. As a halfway point between Edmonton and Jasper Provincial Park, the town has strategically installed EV charging stations, creating a convenient stop along the route.

“Obviously, we’re very focused on oil and gas out in this area, but we’re also very environmentally conscious as well. We have a lot of high environmental standards within our community, and we take that very seriously,” Zahara conveys.

Investing in Growth

Infrastructure investment is at the forefront of the town’s growth strategy, as Zahara discloses, “We have a very ambitious infrastructure plan right now. Our capital budget for the town of Edson, which is just under 9000 people, is over $80 million this year.” This includes improvements to storm and sanitary sewer lines, bringing additional water wells online, and road paving projects. The revitalized Edson Public Library is another significant undertaking, made possible through a partnership with Yellowhead County, and the Province of Alberta. “It’s a facility that’s been in our community for 40 years, and this is the first major investment in it,” he details.

“With Yellowhead County, we also have the YCE Center, which is an expansion and renovation of our current leisure Center. It is going to have a brand new pool, a brand new ice rink, as well as a brand new gymnasium and walking track. This is a very big project in our community, and that will support our region for decades to come.”

As for housing inventory, Zahara acknowledges, “A lot of the major oil and gas projects have now been completed. So, we do have an excess supply of rental units as well as a number of homes available to be purchased and rented.” Along with existing options, phase two of the Hillendale subdivision offers 90 ample lots.

“People can build their own homes at a very affordable rate,” he expands. “Our lots are not like those that you would see in the city, where houses are built right next to each other. You actually have a nice large backyard for pets and for kids. It is a really great opportunity for those that are trying to get out of the city and relocate to rural Alberta.”

Small Town Charm and Big City Amenities

For people wanting to take advantage of Edson’s affordability and quaint rural ambiance, the town has amenities that contribute to a high quality of life. These include the newly constructed Edson Healthcare Center, top-notch schools, and the Parkland Seniors Lodge for aging residents who may need extra care. “All of those are a benefit for those looking to move here,” Zahara asserts.

The Edson Airport, conveniently located near downtown, is another advantage for businesses and residents. “Our airport is fairly busy,” says Zahara. “We do have a lot of private aircraft that come in for industry from either Calgary or Edmonton.” The facility also functions as an air tanker base for Alberta Wildfire and accommodates STARS air ambulance services, along with various private operators.

“A flight to Calgary is pretty quick, or Grand Prairie, or any of the surrounding cities. If you’re looking to charter a flight, it’s pretty easy,” the mayor depicts.

Edson boasts an abundance of green spaces and is continuously enhancing its recreational offerings. “We actually just revitalized our Glenwood Park with a year-round rink,” says Zahara.

This versatile space is used for activities like basketball, pickleball, and soccer during the summer and transforms into an outdoor ice surface in winter. The Kinsman Spray Park, centrally located just across from the library, is another popular summer destination, especially for the youngest residents. RCMP Centennial Park is a community hotspot, hosting various events, including concerts, outdoor movies, and Canada Day celebrations. The town is also working on revitalizing Vision Park, known for its ball diamonds, which have historically earned Edson the title of “slow pitch capital of Canada.” Zahara relays that new diamonds are being built, with ongoing improvements in the years ahead.

Looking Towards a Bright Future

Moving forward, Mayor Zahara envisions a continued focus on infrastructure improvements, local business support, and economic growth. “We will be working with our business community, the Chamber of Commerce, and Community Futures. Our economic development officer has been very busy connecting with local businesses, learning how we can better support our business community and really attract investments into our town.”

With projects like the YCE Center, along with revitalized parks, trails, and community facilities, Edson is dedicated to ensuring a high quality of life for current and future residents. Its vibrant economy, affordable housing, and wealth of recreational opportunities make Edson a welcoming and promising place for those seeking the charm and opportunities of rural Alberta.