Situated in the Central Peace Region of Northwestern Alberta along the southern banks of the Peace River, we offer a significant source of raw solar power for the solar energy sector. The average solar power system in Saddle Hills County is estimated to produce between approximately 1200 and 1250 kWh of energy per kW per year. With nearly 400 farms representing some 535,000 acres, the County offers a wide array of available land in a variety of sizes.
The Region
The larger region, including Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, BC, Grande Prairie and Fairview, AB, represents a diverse economic environment which includes: - manufacturing and warehousing - transportation and logistics - oil and gas
The Central Peace Water Project
Saddle Hills County is in the process of constructing a new raw water supply intake on the Peace River as well as approximately 36km 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
The larger region offers population of some 42,445 with a workforce of approximately 30,772. We are home to a thriving oil and gas industry with access to national and international markets.
Infrastructure
Saddle Hills County is connected by major road networks such as Highways 2 and 49 (AB) and Highway 97 (BC) to the major ports and centres of western Canada. Additionally, rail service by CN is close by in Dawson Creek, Rycroft and Woking. Water and wastewater infrastructure is in place to serve the local population and we have the ability and desire to invest and expand to meet the needs of industry. We are a short distance from airports at Grande Prairie, Dawson Creek and Fort St. John.
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