Our Region
The Battle River region has a burgeoning agriculture sector, skilled workforce and dozens of communities. All services are available to support schools, hospitals, professional services and a welcoming rural economy for investors and residents.
Living in Battle River means you have the luxury of choice. From small urban centers to countryside and acreage living, there’s something for every lifestyle. Experience a sense of belonging, safety and security with plenty of space to breathe. With direct access to nature, you’ll enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle.
Quick Facts
Six major health facilities serving Battle River communities
Ambulance and emergency services in all communities
Policing and fire services throughout the region
Five power delivery companies and seven telecommunications companies, fibre-optic in larger communities
Many faiths are represented throughout the region
Regional Services
Multiple health service modalities are available with universal access including acute care, long term care, and family practitioners. This ensures Albertans have the healthcare they need, and employers have lower overall health costs and improved productivity.
Our region is served by municipal and federal protective services. Policing services are mostly provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Successful collaborations throughout the region protect residents and businesses in case of fire or emergencies. The East Central 911 Call Answer Society provides dispatch services.
Most of the communities in the region host K-12 education. The region is situated within driving distance of the University of Alberta Augustana campus, Lakeland College and Red Deer Polytechnic.
Battle River’s infrastructure ensures your access to quality power and transportation. Most residents have a choice of which power delivery companies to use. There are also a wide range of high-speed internet service providers.
The Battle River region has extensive transportation options. These include well-maintained highways including access to the Eastern Trade Corridor with high-load capacity on highways 36 and 41 from the US border to Fort MacMurray. Several trucking companies operate in this region providing a variety of services from parcel to large loads.
CN Railways provides twinned line access to the Trans Canada Main Line, as well as VIA Rail passenger services. The region has proximity to a major international airport. View our transportation map
Spring/Summer: hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, boating, swimming, camping, scuba diving and golf
Winter: cross-country & downhill skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and snowshoeing
The Battle River region has a variety of attractions for residents and visitors alike. You can visit major parks, lakes, arts and culture, accommodations, events, shopping and more. There are plenty of places in our region for you to stay and play.
Local Amenities
Regional Communities
A short 30-minute drive from the outskirts of Edmonton, Beaver County is the home of Alberta’s unique Beaver Hills Biosphere, a UNESCO world heritage site. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, unveiling its secrets at every turn. Experience the essence of ag-tourism, a perfect blend of agricultural richness and captivating cultural attractions.
Discover the quaint charm of small towns, where friendly smiles greet you at every corner. Unearth local treasures that tell stories of the past and present.
Amidst this allure, witness the harmonious coexistence of oil and gas development, an emphasis on cutting edge waste management services, and two business parks ready for investment. Beaver County has a diversified tax base, paving the way for a prosperous future. The rural-base population and those living in the communities of the county are an active labour force with a strong cross section of skills in manufacturing, agriculture, and service industries. Beaver County is home to:
The Village of Ryley provides an idyllic setting for tranquil country living, fostering a family-oriented community with innovative opportunities and environmental leadership. Residents benefit from a full range of services and amenities, including access to an indoor swimming pool and wellness center, enhancing the quality of life in the village.
Flagstaff County provides an affordable cost of living, complemented by plentiful recreational opportunities amidst a tranquil rural setting. Agriculture serves as the backbone of the local economy, with 87% of the region’s land dedicated to crop production. Additionally, the region is home to an agri-food processor specializing in products such as meat snacks, pulse foods, and ready-made meals. The oil and gas industry flourishes, supported by the presence of the Hardisty Energy Hub, representing 11% of the labor force.
To enhance economic growth, the Economic Development Department actively supports businesses in their development endeavors.
The Town of Daysland serves as a hub for education, healthcare, and shopping, boasting two campgrounds within its boundaries. Situated in a productive agricultural area, it hosts a robust health care services sector. It is part of the idyllic Crocus Trail.
Farming, ranching, and oil and gas activities are integral components of the Village’s economic foundation, along with local businesses and numerous home-based activities. The village fosters a spirited community ethos, accentuated by a wide array of outdoor recreational activities including downhill skiing.
The village of Forestburg thrives as a vibrant and prosperous community, characterized by lush green spaces, and a diverse range of cultural and recreational opportunities. Agriculture services play a significant role in the village’s economy, alongside the presence of a prominent meat processor. Additionally, the city boasts a variety of health, education, and cultural facilities, enriching the lives of its residents.
The Village of Lougheed is home to agricultural farms and ranches of various sizes, thriving amidst natural gas and oil activity. Lougheed provides a wide range of offerings, including farm machinery, water well drilling companies, and other services, catering to the needs of its residents and businesses alike.
The Municipal District of Wainwright is nestled in the heart of the agriculture and oil industries, serves as a key partner with one of Canada’s largest military training bases. It offers residents a wide range of services and the advantage of low taxes. Additionally, the region boasts various recreational attractions, making it a desirable place to live and work.
The Town of Wainwright boasts a three-pillar economy driven by agriculture, oil and gas, and the military. With robust business and employment prospects, it prioritizes a business-friendly environment while maintaining a balance between quality of life and economic factors for entrepreneurs and corporate executives.
Serving as the major retail and service center in the east-central region, Wainwright caters to a trading area of approximately 51,500 residents. Additionally, it is home to CFB/ASU Wainwright, the Canadian Forces’ premier location for collective military training. Easy access to transportation routes and quality education further enhances the town’s appeal.
The Village of Chauvin is prominently associated with the oil and gas industry, with numerous oilfield companies situated throughout the village and its surrounding areas. Additionally, the region boasts major agricultural industries, including beef and dairy cattle, hogs, wheat, oats, canola, barley, and other mixed grains. Chauvin is also home to CEDDI, a digital economic development initiative to leverage the lifestyle, high speed connectivity and tax relief programs to attract high speed industries.
The Village of Edgerton has a strong agricultural sector, business community and oil and gas presence in addition to being proximate to CFB Wainwright. The sand hills to the east of the village offer a unique landscape and a perfect setting for picnics, hiking and cross-country skiing. Residents and visitors have access to three wonderful lakes of Clear, Arm and Shuster with a 10-minute drive. Amenities include K-12 public school, out of school care, golf course, skating arena and curling rink.
The Village of Irma is sustained by three primary industries: oil & gas, agriculture, and its proximity to the military base in Wainwright. Its rich local natural resources encompass clay, oil, natural gas, agriculture, and sand/gravel. Irma has a recently built a K-12 school that is enhanced by community investment to support a wide range of social activities, sports and services.
The economy of Paintearth County is centered on agriculture, oil and gas, and energy generation. Numerous oil and gas companies operate actively in the region, offering substantial employment opportunities and revenue. The area boasts impressive crop production capabilities and significant livestock capacity. Additionally, Paintearth features productive greenhouse and seed farm capabilities, further enhancing its agricultural output.
In response to the changes in the region's economic makeup, local governments created the Battle River Economic Opportunities Committee (BREOC). BREOC is a collaborative partnership with the County of Paintearth No.18, and Flagstaff County, and the Towns and villages located in these counties. They provide funding and support for unique economic development opportunities.
The Town of Coronation is an affordable community offering numerous services and programs designed to enrich the lifestyle of its residents. Benefitting from its strategic location and abundant resources, Coronation hosts a robust oil and gas industry, construction services, and a thriving agricultural sector, complemented by a variety of local businesses.
Castor is a tourist town located at the intersection of Highway 12 and 861. The town's main industries are agriculture, mining and oil and gas services. The village of Castor is a fully serviced community with schools, health services and natural gas service being provided by the village. Each year Castor's lake-like creek that wraps around the north-east end of the town, is a large drawing point for visitors.
The Town of Provost is located near the Saskatchewan border with excellent connectivity via Highway 13 to markets in that province plus the Eastern Alberta Trade Corridor.
Provost is the regional business service hub for a vibrant eastern Alberta agricultural production region and links to the oil and gas industries. There are multiple banks and financial institutions in town, as well as farm supply, transportation and personal service businesses.
The Town of Stettler is strategically situated between Edmonton, Red Deer, and Camrose with a trading area that extends to the Saskatchewan border on highway 12. Oil and gas manufacturing and agriculture are the core of the economy with support service industries. Agriculture products such as dairy products, straw, hay barley, canola, oats rye, honey, poultry hogs, and cattle are found in this region. Tourism is a strong driver in the Stettler economy with many attractions including the Alberta Prairie Steam Excursions and camping at Rochon Sands and White Sands parks.