The County has 287,625 acres of arable farmland and 354,825 acres of pasture. A large density exists of horse farms, cattle ranches, floriculture, hay production, and other livestock. This sector is competitive and profitable for the region.

As a result of agriculture, value-added food processors have carved a niche in the region, including: Alberta Bison Ranch, Hog Wild Specialties, Onoway Custom Packers, Royal Elk Products, Sangudo Custom Meats, Alta Agri-Foods Ltd., and Country Fresh Water.

Did you know? Royal Elk Products manufactures 82% of the elk antler product produced in North America!

Mineral and Aggregate extraction is located in the upper Athabasca land use region, which the County is a part of, thereby creating a strong gravel supply. This extraction is the primary industrial activity in the County’s watersheds.

The sand and gravel are used in road construction, ground fill, backfill in mines, railway beds, ice control on roads, and exploration for silica sand is also increasing.

Tourism is also a booming opportunity in the County, as up to 30,000 people visit from all over North America just to visit the annual pilgrimage, and the multitude of lakes offer year-round fishing, boating, swimming, and other water activities in the summer.

Lac Ste. Anne boasts a collection of established hamlets that serve as important nodes for the surrounding rural areas. They are the primary locations for administrative, institutional and other services, as well as centres for residential, employment and commercial industries.

Each hamlet across our expansive region exudes a charm unique to their locality within the County. View them on the map below or explore our Community Spotlights.

The County has two industrial nodes designated for development – one industrial zoned private development bordering the Town of Onoway and one on the south border of the Town of Mayerthorpe.

Both localities have great major highway access and could be developed with full services. Some highlights include 21.87 acres of industrial zoned land around the Town of Onoway, including several 3-5 acre parcels and 144 acres currently zoned as urban reserve, but is quite suitable for commercial and industrial development.