Taking Charge of Our Future

The Smoky River Region is taking a deliberate approach to its future. Through a regional economic development strategy and a coordinated marketing and promotion plan, the region is working to support local businesses, attract investment, and strengthen long term opportunities for residents and communities.

Agricultural Hub of The Peace Region

The Smoky River Region in northern Alberta, part of the broader Peace Country agricultural zone, offers a compelling opportunity for agricultural producers and apiculture operations looking to expand or relocate. With fertile soils, large tracts of farmland, and a well-established farming culture, the region has become one of Alberta’s key agricultural areas.

Agricultural Hub of The Peace Region

The Smoky River Region in northern Alberta, part of the broader Peace Country agricultural zone, offers a compelling opportunity for agricultural producers and apiculture operations looking to expand or relocate. With fertile soils, large tracts of farmland, and a well-established farming culture, the region has become one of Alberta’s key agricultural areas.

Fertile Land and

Large Agricultural Base

Agriculture is the backbone of the Smoky River Region, with hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland and farming families everywhere you go. The region is widely regarded as one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the province of Alberta and beyond. This abundance of arable land allows producers to operate larger farms, scale operations, and diversify into mixed farming or specialty crops.

Scale

• 545,000+ acres of cultivated farmland
• 280+ farming families
• One of the largest agricultural regions in Northern Alberta

Production

• Wheat, canola, barley, oats, peas and beans
• Livestock and mixed farming operations

Apiculture

• 3.75 million pounds of honey produced annually
• One of Alberta’s leading honey producing regions

A Future in Hemp Production

Key regional partners have been investing in a hemp decortication facility to position the region for growth in industrial hemp processing and value added agriculture.

Growing Conditions

• Long summer daylight hours
• Strong and reliable growing season
• Fertile soils across the region

Economic Impact

• Agriculture drives the regional economy
• Supports transportation, services, and local business
• Creates opportunities for value added production
  

Opportunities here are connected to the region’s strengths and the needs of people and businesses across the area. 

Agriculture & Apiculture

The backbone of the economy, driven by large scale crop production and a strong beekeeping sector. Farming, honey production, and related businesses support jobs in production, transportation and services.

Education

Local schools provide stable employment while anchoring community life. French immersion opportunities strengthen the region’s Francophone heritage and support long term family settlement.

Healthcare & Services 

Clinics, continuing care, emergency services, and community supports provide care close to home. Regional centres nearby expand access to specialized services, supporting residents at every stage of life.

Doing Business Here

Doing business in the Smoky River Region is practical and accessible.

Clear relationships, manageable costs, and room to operate support steady, long term business activity.

Lower Land & Operating Costs

Land and development costs in the Smoky River Region can be 30 to 50 percent lower than in larger Alberta centres, creating more room for growth and long term profitability.

Access to Workforce 

A regional labour force of nearly 7,900 supports agriculture, trades, transportation, and services. When workforce needs are specialized, recruitment is possible, but it works best with localized training and a clear offer. The region can help connect businesses to partners and pathways that support hiring and retention. 

Proximity to Trade Corridors

Located within easy reach of Grande Prairie, the region offers access to supply chains, markets, healthcare, and transportation infrastructure without large city cost pressures.

Commercial Properties for Sale

We Can Help

Investors and entrepreneurs are supported through regional coordination and local partners. The region’s approach is simple: reduce friction, answer questions quickly, and connect businesses to the right people. Support can include introductions, site navigation, local context, and help understanding next steps.