Invest in Whitecourt

Whitecourt: A Community Built for Opportunity

Welcome to Whitecourt, a vibrant and dynamic community, combines rural charm with urban amenities to create a pro-business climate, a thriving economy, and an exceptional quality of life. Whether you’re seeking investment opportunities, business growth, or a welcoming place to call home, Whitecourt has it all.

Strategically Positioned for Success

Whitecourt is strategically located 170 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, offering easy access to Alberta’s capital and its infrastructure. Just a two-hour drive from Edmonton International Airport, with over 60 domestic and international routes, Whitecourt ensures seamless connectivity. Positioned along Highway 43 and the Canamex Corridor, businesses benefit from major trade routes, a full-service local airport, and CN rail access, making it a logistics hub for diverse industries.

 

A Thriving Economy Built on Strength

Whitecourt’s dynamic economy is built on strong resource markets in forestry, oil and gas, and emerging technologies. Major companies like Millar Western, Canfor, and Alberta Newsprint support the forestry sector, while the town’s proximity to Alberta’s energy corridor positions it as a regional hub for oil and gas services. Emerging projects in renewable energy and technology, such as carbon capture and bio-energy initiatives, showcase Whitecourt’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

A Partner for Business Success

Whitecourt fosters a pro-business environment through strong municipal partnerships, incentive programs, and targeted support for new and existing businesses. Whitecourt’s economic development initiatives are designed to attract investment, encourage innovation, and ensure long-term success for all stakeholders.

A Young, Prosperous Community on the Rise

Whitecourt is a youthful and prosperous community, with a median age of 34.8 years, noticeably younger than Canada’s average. Home to 10,300 residents, over 65% are in their prime working years. A strong median family income of $117,000, significantly higher than the provincial average, highlights economic strength. With a growing population and family-friendly environment, Whitecourt offers the energy, opportunity, and stability to live, work, and succeed.

A Talent Pool for Today and Tomorrow

Whitecourt boasts a young and highly skilled workforce, with a median age of just 35. The community has seen a 44% increase in apprentice registrations over the past year, reflecting its commitment to professional development and training. Residents are employed across key sectors such as manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and hospitality, ensuring businesses have access to top talent.

A Regional Hub of Growth

As the largest commercial hub between Edmonton and Grande Prairie, Whitecourt serves a trading area of over 50,000 people and a broader market of one million within a 90-minute drive. Its strategic location and market access make it a vital player in Alberta’s economy.

Living Your Best Life in Whitecourt

Whitecourt offers a high quality of life with modern recreational facilities, cultural attractions, and excellent health and education services. The Allan & Jean Millar Centre provides fitness, aquatic, and sports facilities, making it a hub for family and community activities. Residents benefit from a variety of healthcare services at the Whitecourt Healthcare Centre and local clinics, along with exceptional education options through public and Catholic schools. Affordable housing, vibrant events, and extensive parks and trails enhance Whitecourt’s appeal as an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family.

Explore Alberta’s Outdoor Playground

For outdoor enthusiasts, Whitecourt is a paradise. Known as the “Snowmobile Capital of Alberta”, it features hundreds of kilometres of trails, including the iconic Golden Triangle Trail. Summer activities include hiking, mountain biking, and tubing on the McLeod River, while winter brings opportunities for skiing, ice fishing, and hunting. Parks like Carson Pegasus Provincial Park showcase the natural beauty of the region year-round.

Discover Your Future in Whitecourt

Experience Whitecourt’s exceptional blend of opportunity, connectivity, and quality of life. Whether you’re looking to invest, expand, or settle in, Whitecourt welcomes you to join its vibrant and thriving community. Contact our Economic Development Team at ecdev@whitecourt.ca or call the Town Office at 780-778-2273 to start your journey to success!

Invest in Whitecourt

Whitecourt has a reputation as the place to do business in northern Alberta. We offer a blend of rural and urban living, with a pro-business climate, and superior lifestyle opportunities. Whitecourt's key business advantages include our:

  • Central location between the urban centers of Edmonton and Grande Prairie;
  • Modern recreational facilities;
  • Countless outdoor leisure opportunities;
  • Dynamic and thriving economy;
  • Expanding health services;
  • Affordable housing and living;
  • Young and productive workforce;
  • Excellent transportation system (road, rail, and air);
  • Established telecommunication infrastructure.

The Whitecourt Advantage

 

There are numerous government incentives, support programs and funding available to help set up and grow your business. Check out the Investment Incentive Directory for more details.

Quick facts:

Population: 9,927 (2021 statistic)

  • Total Males: 53.4%
    Total Females: 46.6%
  • Average age: 32 years
  • 74% of the population is between the ages of 15 and 64 years (in the labour force).
  • Average number of people per household: 2.6.

Click here to view the Whitecourt Economic Development package.

For more information on Whitecourt contact the Economic Development Officer at 780-778-2273

 

The Economic Development Strategic Plan prioritizes economic development activities for the upcoming year, and identifies how resources will be allocated.

Responding to employer-expressed needs, the Town of Whitecourt recently commissioned a Community Training and Workforce Needs Analysis to quantify local labour force strengths, and identify gaps in occupational skills and training. The study is now complete, and we thank all those who contributed to the success of this project for their participation and input in the development of study. The Community Training Needs and Labour Force Analysis Report will be utilized to develop strategies and action plans to ensure that Whitecourt and area has the workforce to retain and attract employers both now and into the future.

Regional pre-feasibility scan of potential biomass supply in Whitecourt.

Whitecourt Biomass Study

Alberta Newsprint Company (ANC) is actively seeking project developers for Greenfield projects at its 500 acre site located only 10 kilometers outside the Town of Whitecourt.

Site Hosting Prospectus

Terrapin Geothermics completed a study for the Northern Alberta Development Council (NADC) that involved conducting temperature assessments for 42 municipalities, including Whitecourt and Woodlands County.  The study identified that Whitecourt – Woodlands County region has strong potential for direct-use applications and power generation. 

Terrapin Feasibility Study for Whitecourt and Woodlands County

As a result of the NADC findings, Whitecourt submitted an Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) Grant application to further explore and assess the potential of the geothermal resources for the Town of Whitecourt and the Woodlands County region. The application was successful and Borealis GeoPower was contracted to provide a detailed analysis on the economic viability for geothermal in the form of electricity and/or heat generation. The study identifies key findings for this region and provides detailed information for investment and diversification opportunities related to geothermal development.

Geothermal Development Feasibility Study

 

Do you have questions about investing in Whitecourt?
Contact our Economic Development Team or call the Town Office at 780-778-2273.