Alberta’s Best Communities for Business |
Click to explore our entire online package for Alberta’s Best Communities for Business. Everything from databases and custom maps to features on all of our winners.
 A community, by any definition, is a gathering place for like-minded individuals who form an extended family of interests. There are a variety of factors that play a big role in what makes a community a good place to live, work and play. In making selections for Alberta Venture’s 2010 Best Communities for Business, we found an increased focus on factors beyond taxes, regulations and land availability. There is growing recognition that social factors, such as proximity to post-secondary institutions, recreational opportunities and lifestyle amenities are important too. The promise of a good job, lower taxes and a business-friendly municipality needs to strike a balance with where people want to invest their lives and families. Businesses need assurance that a community provides a stable climate for their investments. So in Best Communities for Business 2010, we expanded the criteria to examine what makes an individual community head-and-shoulders above its neighbours, in terms of both hard and soft costs. Below, we link to our 10 Best. We also link to Alberta’s top five communities for growth, affordability, lifestyle and communities to watch, as well as our Best Communities Online Map. To apply for consideration for the 10 Best Communities for Business 2011, email editor Paul Marck or call 780-990-0839 ext. 243. | ||
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 #1 Overall for 2010 |
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 10 Best Communities |
 5 Most Affordable Communities for Business |
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 All Communities |
 5 Growth Communities |
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 Best Communities Online Map |
 5 Communities to Watch |
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 2009 Best Communities |
 5 Great Lifestyle Communities |
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June 8th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
I was kind of surprised that Okotoks was not on the top ten towns list for business this year. They have been on the list in past years and I really do not know why they did not make the list this year but hope they restructure their policies and light a fire under their business efforts to get on the list again next year. I think it is very beneficial to be on investment lists as this assures taxes stay down and jobs are produced in the area. Okotoks is very focused on sustainability and to have local jobs means they can hold that mindset as people do not have to drive out of town for work. But I also think sustainability is a hard line as I am sure many businesses would rather move to areas with less stringent rules and lower taxes. I see that High River made the list and they are just down the road a little from Okotoks. I believe that this is happening because of incentives to encourage businesses to settle in the town.