Grande Prairie’s optimal location provides easy access to a strong natural gas input and output market industry with an extensive transportation network. As the major oil field service centre supporting both the Montney and the Duvernay, the City presents considerable investment opportunities that take advantage of this prime location with access to an abundant feedstock, services, and labour force.
Investment Opportunities Include:
- Natural gas
- Technology innovation
- Pesticide manufacturing
- Cleaning compounds
- Lubricating oils & greases
- Dyes & coatings
Economic Highlights
- Growing demand for sustainable, bio-based and multifunctional products
- Innovation in chemical formulation and materials
- Environmental regulation driving green product development
Advantages
Access to Resources
Grande Prairie sits at the heart of the Montney and Duvernay plays - two of North America’s most significant natural gas reserves. Output from the Montney alone now accounts for a third of Western Canada’s production and is projected to exceed half by 2040. This energy hub fuels opportunities in petrochemical processes such as methanol, urea/ammonia, formaldehyde, hydrogen, helium, and sulfur processing. The nearby Greenview Industrial Gateway further positions the region for large-scale industrial development and spin-off growth.
Availability of Land
With recently annexed land, over 2,000 acres of industrial land and an existing industrial inventory of 6.1 million square feet, there is a wealth of land and real estate available that is easily accessible by major infrastructure.
Hughes Lake
Hughes Lake is the largest opportunity for greenfield development which includes approximately 19 quarter sections (1,200 ha) of land ranging from full agricultural quarter sections to small concentrations of country residential lots. Hughes Lake is situated between Highway 43 and Highway 43 Bypass, which allows for convenient access to truck routes, proximity to the airport and access to urban centre. Development opportunities include industries such as agriculture, manufacturing and general industrial.
Synergies with Local Industries
Alberta’s petrochemical industry utilizes natural gas liquids and ethane to be used in products such as flexile packing material, textiles and anti-freeze. The region hosts multiple leaders in the production of natural gas liquids such as Arc Resources, Paramount Resources, Halliburton, Encana Natural Gas, Canadian Natural Resources, ATCO Group, Schlumberger, TRICAN, CalFrac Services, Ferus and Tervita.
Availability of Skilled Labour
Alberta’s Peace Region is the province’s largest producer of natural gas and conventional crude oil. The region boasts over 8,600 workers that are employed in the oil and gas industry or related field, such as engineering, utility system construction and technical services with 2,007 in extraction and 4,218 in support activities.