Located at the center of the Montney Play, one of the largest gas reserves in the world.

 Graphic: The five major gas formations in North America

Montney Play - Facts

One of the largest known gas reserves in the world

• 12,719 billion m3 of marketable natural gas* 
• 2,308 million m3 of marketable NGLs
• 179 million m3 of marketable oil

* 145 years of Canada’s 2012 consumption

**Source: Canada Energy Regulator

Pipelines

TC Energy

TC Energy Corporation , based in Calgary, Alberta, develops and operates energy infrastructure in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company operates three core businesses: Natural Gas Pipelines, Liquids Pipelines and Energy.

The Natural Gas Pipeline network includes 92,600 kilometres (57,539 miles) of gas pipeline, which transports more than 25% of North American natural gas demand.  

"Approximately 7,300 people strong, TC Energy is a vital part of modern life. Thanks to a safe, stable network of natural gas and crude oil pipelines, along with nuclear power facilities, wherever life happens — we’re there."

*Sources: Wikipedia and TC Energy. Map source: (interactive) TC Energy.

Coastal Gaslink

The Coastal GasLink pipeline is a TC Energy natural gas pipeline under construction in British Columbia, Canada. Starting in Dawson Creek, the pipeline's route crosses through the Canadian Rockies and other mountain ranges to Kitimat, where the gas will be exported to Asian customers. 

 Sources: Wikipedia and Coastal Gaslink

The Region

The larger region, including Dawson Creek and Ft. St. John, BC, Grande Prairie, and Fairview AB, represents a diverse economic environment which includes:

• agriculture
• manufacturing and warehousing
• transportation and logistics
• oil and gas

With many strategic advantages, Saddle Hills County is well-equipped to provide opportunities for oil, gas and petrochemical manufacturing.

The Central Peace Water Project

In September of 2020, Saddle Hills County announced the Central Peace Regional Water Project (Phase 1 & 2) which includes the construction of a new raw water supply intake on the Peace River as well as approximately 36 km of new raw water pipeline.

The $40 million project announced in September includes $16 million in funding from the Federal Government and $20 million from the Provincial Government with Saddle Hills County providing the balance.

Highlights & Features

Economy

• A key element of a robust local and regional economy
• A strong and reliable tax base
• Thriving oil and gas industry
• Access to national and international markets

Infrastructure

• Ideally located at the geographic center of the Montney Gas Formation
• Easy access to airports at Grande Prairie, Dawson Creek and Fort St. John
• Connected by major road networks such as Highways 2  and 49 (AB) and Hwy 97 (BC)
• Rail service by CN in Dawson Creek, Rycroft and Woking
• Water infrastructure

See also: Central Peace Regional Water Project

Business Advantages

• No business tax or licensing fees
• Low provincial and local taxes
• Cost-competitiveness

Demographics

The larger region* offers a population of some 42,445 with of workforce of approximately 30, 772. The sectors served by this large workforce include: Agriculture, Oil & Gas, Forestry and construction of the huge Site C Dam Project near Ft. St. John, BC.

*The larger region includes: cities of Grande Prairie (Pop 63,166), Dawson Creek (Pop. 12, 978) and Fort St. John (20,155) as well as the municipalities of Fairview (Pop 2,998) and those of the Central Peace Region (Pop 6,085).

Investment Opportunities

Saddle Hills Economic Development Strategy identifies a number of targeted growth opportunities.

• Agriculture
• Export
• Petrochemical Manufacturing
• Tourism
• Water and Sewer Infrastructure development
• Housing

See also: Area Structure Plans

Our Community

In addition to our long history of working with the oil and gas industry, Saddle Hills County is home to a diverse agricultural community which produces crops which include: pulses, cereals, canola, legumes as well as bison, elk, goats and sheep. The most common livestock is cattle with an estimated of 26,429 head.

We are hard-working people with a strong sense of community and, true to our motto, ‘The Wilderness is our Back Yard’ we offer a tremendous number of opportunities for those who enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, kayaking, boating or camping.

*Photo from 2020 harvest by Anna Richard.

See also:

Saddle Hills County – A Regional History

Census Profile, 2016 Census, Saddle Hills County

Townfolio Profile – Saddle Hills County

Saddle Hills County Annual Reports and Newsletters  

*Photo by Reese Dolen

Email | communications@saddlehills.ab.ca        | Phone 1-888-864-3760     | Mailing Address RR#1 Spirit River, AB, T0H 3G0

Contact Us

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