A new dawn of opportunities is rising, as the full potential of living in the town of Westlock begins to materialize.

Under the bright, blue skies of Central Alberta, under an hour north of Edmonton, Westlock promises not just a lifetime of cool sunrises and prairie sunsets, but a lifestyle filled with opportunities for growth.

“Westlock is a place where community and connectivity are at the forefront of our values,” says Westlock’s Director of Planning & Development, Danielle Pougher.

“We believe in fostering strong relationships among our residents, ensuring everyone feels included and supported.”

Pougher adds the community prides itself in creating a network of friends and neighbours who look out for one another. ‘We offer a balanced lifestyle, affordable living, a full-service healthcare centre, excellent schools, and various amenities catering to families, professionals, and retirees.”

Growth on the horizon

This tight knit nature of the community may be its biggest draw, as the town’s many and varied local events, community programs, and volunteer opportunities bring people together. But soon there will be even more.

New employment opportunities have opened up, as the municipality continues to attract industrial and commercial investments, and new residential opportunities are sprouting up too.

“Westlock has experienced steady growth in both its commercial and industrial sectors,” Pougher says. “As a regional service hub, Westlock is a prime destination for investment. The Town is actively working with its regional partners in the Westlock Economic Region to pursue investment and growth. “

A couple of notable recent developments include the Westlock Seed Cleaning Co-op expansion, the relocation and redevelopment of Westlock Powersports & Marine, and the newly opened Pembina West Co-op Cardlock.

“The Town offers competitive incentives, a streamlined, expediated permitting process, and a partnership approach to encourage growth.”

New home bonanza

Affordability of new homes is also touted in Westlock – more so than anywhere else in the Edmonton region.

“Westlock’s housing stock is affordable, and options can be found in all price points,” Pougher says. “The median home price in the 2021 census was $250,000. Westlock’s cost of living is also reasonable, with tax rates below the provincial median, and a variety of programs available to help with affordability.”

It will get even better, as the Town recently opened forsale 18 lots in its new Southview subdivision, located in one of Westlock’s most popular neighbourhoods. “We offer competitive incentives, including per-unit grants, tax incentives, and build now-pay later agreements for builders,” Pougher adds.

“Westlock offers a unique blend of low vacancy rates and limited lot inventory, creating a high demand for new housing projects. Coupled with a strong rental market and the availability of generous local, provincial, and federal incentives, Westlock provides a cost-effective and appealing environment for homeowners and developers alike.”

A ready-made lifestyle

Westlock is a rapidly growing municipality just an hour north of Edmonton. It combines a quiet rural lifestyle with the easy-living amenities of a progressive and welcoming town.

It is home to the Westlock Health Care Centre that provides 24-hour emergency care, there are more than 400 thriving business in town, with public and private schools.

Recreational activities are easy to find, as Westlock offers so many options, including the Westlock Rotary Spirit Centre, Westlock Aquatic Centre, eight playgrounds, 10.2 kms in its Rotary Trail network, 98.65 acres of parks and greenspaces, a community garden, ball diamonds, tennis courts, a skatepark, and more in the surrounding region (like Tawatinaw Valley Ski Hill and Long Island Lake).

Pougher says all the wants and needs of a modern lifestyle are found in town. “We offer full services, including banking, retail, healthcare, at more. For entertainment, take part in the multiple community events are offered year-round, enjoy a performance at the Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre (CATs), or visit the Canadian Tractor Museum. Visit our Downtown, home to the much-loved Kerri’s Cafe & Bakery and wonderful locally-owned stores. For dinner, try Apollo Pizza, one of the Town’s most-established restaurants.”

Visit Westlock.ca for more.