Our Targets

Economic Development Survey

Seven Pillars of Action

  • Market industrial, commercial, and residential land to investors
  • Target agri-business, tech, and tech sectors
  • Develop Hwy 27 West Lands
  • Establish an industry task force
  • Regular business visits, networking events, and advisory and training support
  • Create an Uptowne Olds Revitalization Plan
  • Connect entrepreneurs to immigration and development resources
  • Engage power and gas providers for industrial-scale development
  • Create an SE Industrial Park Business Plan
  • Establish a Brownfield Redevelopment Plan
  • Action the Town’s Housing Strategy
  • Connect landowners, developers, and builders to accelerate projects
  • Market West Olds Lands
  • Work with Olds College and employers to close skill gaps
  • Build a talent attraction website with relocation resources
  • Retain post-secondary graduates
  • Connect businesses with banks, lenders, and venture capital
  • Provide grant writing, business planning, and lending support
  • Work with post-secondaries to build capacity

for digital transformation

  • Conduct AI and tech training for business
  • Promote digital programs and services
  • Position Olds as a regional hub for Ag-Tech, Education, Research, and Technology

Why Economic Development?

~70%

of our tax base is residential

Most property tax revenue comes from homes, not businesses. That puts more pressure on homeowners and limits what the Town can invest in services and infrastructure.

32%

of Olds employers say workers won't relocate here

That's nearly twice the regional rate. Without more housing and stronger amenities, attracting the workers our businesses need is an uphill battle.

$696M

in annual retail spending in our trade area

Our trade area draws from roughly 45,000 people. A significant share of that spending is leaving for larger centres. More local businesses means more dollars stay here.

33%

Reduction in provincial funding since 2019.

Despite rising needs and more cost transfers from the province, capital transfers to Olds have declined by 1/3rd since 2019, increasing reliance on local property tax dollars to fund municipal services and infrastructure.