Business Landscape

Agricultural Zones With 90% of the County’s land base zoned for agriculture, Rocky View County acknowledges the important role of the sector in contributing to the region’s historical and future economic prosperity. Agricultural land and uses vary across the County, and the agricultural community is active in areas throughout the County. To reflect the diverse nature of agriculture in Rocky View, this Economic Development Strategy identifies two distinct Agricultural Zones with unique characteristics and priorities. 

The two zones are intended to reflect the diversity in biophysical attributes, climate, historical and current agricultural land use between East and West as well as the potential for future economic activity in each of the zones. The aim is to focus similar types of land uses within a pattern that is consistent with the working agricultural landscape. The Agricultural Zones provide the foundation for the identification of Economic Zones that consider and align with the existing and future agricultural operations and land use in the region. 

Strategically positioned along the QEII Highway, and between the City of Calgary and Airdrie, development in the Balzac area (East and West) has seen significant growth over recent years, becoming a regional centre for transportation and logistics. With continued economic growth within the Calgary Economic Region, strong market demand exists for business and industrial development in the area. 

The focus of the Transportation, Logistics, and Intermodal Intensification Zone, which is centered around the Balzac area, remains on expansion of industries that require proximity to primary transportation corridors, intermodal facilities, and urban markets. 

The current and planned availability of water and sewer services, along with transportation accessibility and visibility, will continue to provide a strategic advantage for further development in the area. Strategically located to serve as a prime location for further commercial, industrial, and mixed-use development, this Zone is likely to produce the strongest concentration of new high-valued business development in the County.

Comprising the western-most region of the County, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the areas included in the Tourism and Hospitality Enhancement Zone have numerous scenic areas and trails for year-round outdoor activities making it an already established tourist destination. 

Preservation of the natural environment is a priority within the Zone and a key consideration of any development in the area. Future development in the Zone is focused on supporting and enhancing tourism while preserving environmental integrity. Opportunities exist to enhance overall tourism services and experiences and diversify year-round accommodation offerings that are on a scale and character that blend with and support the existing landscape. 

In the rurban centre of Bragg Creek, the County will focus on opportunities to expand unique retail and services that generate or extend tourism visits while celebrating the character and history of the community. 

Rocky View County has a strong manufacturing base across a breadth of sectors including food, fabrication, and machinery. Manufacturing businesses benefit from the County’s strategic location and access to market through the growing transportation, warehousing, and logistics sector. 

One of Canada’s most important economic sectors, the manufacturing industry is undergoing significant transformation with the adoption of smart technologies and automation creating opportunities for significant advancement and growth within the sector.