Business Retention & Attraction Strategies

With forecasts of increased conventional oil and gas production, increased oil sands ("oil-in-carbonate") development activity, and renewed strength in forestry and tourism and outdoor recreation, it certainly appears that the future for the Municipal District of Opportunity economy looks brighter by the day.

The challenge will likely be one of managing growth and working to ensure that the regional economy becomes a more diversified and value-added economy where residents, local businesses, suppliers and regional supply chains all reap the benefits of resource developments taking place in and around their home communities.

Still, it is important to recognize that there are factors that are simply beyond our ability to control or influence and that these can often have profound impacts on future growth projections – as we all witnessed during the recent global recession.

As with Alberta, the M.D. is not an island unto itself and national, international and global forces and economic trends are critically important.  Once again, these must be closely monitored as they can impact the level and type of economic activity occurring within our region, or within Alberta.