
The Municipal District of Wainwright is located in the Battle River Alliance for Economic Development (BRAED) region. We are situated in the heart of the agriculture and oil region and are a major partner with one of Canada’s largest military training bases. This makes the M.D. of Wainwright an area of diverse wealth, both socially and economically, and allows us to provide our residents with many services and the benefit of low taxes. In addition, the region offers various historical and recreational attractions for residents and visitors. The M.D. of Wainwright is a progressive community that is a great place to live, work and raise a family. We are glad to welcome you.

The M.D. of Wainwright Economy
The M.D. of Wainwright has a diverse economy featuring agriculture, oil and gas and one of Canada’s largest military training bases at CFB Wainwright. Although these are the backbone of our economy, we continue to strive toward new ventures within the region. From the smaller family-run businesses to larger companies that call the M.D. of Wainwright home, our desire to develop and expand all that our municipality offers, remains strong.
The agriculture industry within the M.D. of Wainwright is an integral part of the success of our area. As with much of Alberta, agriculture is a key industry within the municipal district, making up approximately 40% of our work force. Throughout the M.D. of Wainwright are numerous grain farming and livestock operations, as well as some specialized crops and dairy farming.
Labour Snapshot
Totals | % | |
---|---|---|
In the labour force | 2,340 | 76.80% |
Participation rate | 76.80% | |
Unemployment rate | 3.40% | |
Management occupations | 530 | 22.75% |
Business, finance and administration occupations | 385 | 16.52% |
Natural and applied sciences and related occupations | 35 | 1.50% |
Health occupations | 105 | 4.51% |
Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services | 285 | 12.23% |
Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport | 15 | 0.64% |
Sales and service occupations | 300 | 12.88% |
Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations | 375 | 16.09% |
Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations | 235 | 10.09% |
Occupations in manufacturing and utilities | 65 | 2.79% |
Oil and Gas
Highway 41, a main corridor to the oil and gas fields in northeastern Alberta, runs through the M.D. of Wainwright. In addition, Highway 14, a High Load Corridor for major oil development products, also runs through the district. Reasonable land costs, developed infrastructure, a large labour force and direct access to markets make the area a wise choice for investment and opportunity in the oil and gas industry.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the primary regional industry in the M.D. of Wainwright. Local municipalities in the region provide effective service centres with support by grain elevators, machinery agents, farm supply distributors, veterinary and government services. Livestock is also vital, with increased activity in the rearing of hogs in ultra-modern facilities and improved pastures to support larger herds of dairy and beef cattle..
Military
CFB Wainwright is one of the busiest Army bases in Canada. It is home to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, and it is the preferred training ground for the Army’s field force units based in Edmonton. The military population averages between 500 and 1,000 members and the operations of the base provide many opportunities to serve the base’s procurement needs.
Transportation
The M.D. of Wainwright is a rural municipality in East Central Alberta located southwest of Lloydminster. Major provincial shipping routes within the region include Highways 14 and 41. The Wainwright airport has all-weather facilities, night service; and the nearest commercial air service is in Lloydminster. Wainwright is served by the CN Railways Trans Canada Main Line and passenger service is available with VIA Rail.
Business Taxes
The non-residential municipal tax rate in M.D. of Wainwright is: 17.8440
Alberta general corporate tax rate: 12%
Alberta small business tax rate: 2%
Annual Business Limit (ABL)/Small Business Threshold: $500,000
Canadian general corporate tax rate: 15%
Canada small business tax rate: 10%
Making M.D. of Wainwright Home
Totals | % | |
---|---|---|
Population | 4,479 | |
Median age of the population | 36.2 | |
Total number of census families in private households | 1,220 | |
Total number of private households by tenure | 1,460 | |
Owner | 1,200 | 82.19% |
Renter | 260 | 17.81% |
Average value of dwellings ($) | $407,087 | |
Residential municipal tax rate | 3.0438% |
Housing
There are a variety of housing options within the M.D. of Wainwright. When Searching for a house in the M.D. of Wainwright you will notice that our friendly, active community also features very affordable housing options compared to larger, urban centres. There are a number of Realtors in the M.D. of Wainwright.
Education
Education is a vital part of our community. M.D. of Wainwright schools are part of the Buffalo Trails Public Schools Division, East Central Catholic Schools, and Ecole Saint-Christophe.
According to the 2016 Statistics Canada Census on Education, almost 50% of M.D. of Wainwright residents have a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. Nearby post-secondary and training options include:
- University Alberta’s Augustana Campus
- Lakeland College
- Portage College
- Flagstaff Community Adult Learning
- Alberta Learning Information Service
Recreation
Our picturesque countryside provides for many outdoor activities. There are many parks & attractions within the M.D. of Wainwright. Hunting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, water sports, golfing, fishing and much more can be experienced in the area and on the lakes that are in the municipality. We have something to offer everyone and the M.D. of Wainwright blends urban and rural life perfectly for its residents.
Contact M.D. of Wainwright
Municipal District of Wainwright No.61
717-14th Ave
Wainwright, AB, T9W 1B3
Phone: (780) 336-3466
www.mdwainwright.ca