Primary Industry
Lethbridge’s economy benefits from the healthy mix of businesses that are anchored to our community. The primary industries in our city can be clustered into key sectors which continue to thrive and grow. The industry diversity in our city fosters a healthy business environment and also allows creates potential for future enhancement and development opportunities.
Lethbridge has a long history of being an agricultural production, distribution and service centre. Our proximity to producers, markets and water has resulted in the phenomenal growth of some important value added processing facilities. In addition to the current staples – meat, grains, sugar beets, potatoes – new niche products or new global markets for existing products could become the next "big thing."
The Lethbridge County Airport has a significant amount of available land for expanded industrial use. A current initiative is in place to facilitate the addition of more frequent flights and the addition of other related businesses (hospitality and aircraft maintenance). This has the potential to increase the connection that Lethbridge has with the rest of the world by allowing for more accessible, competitive business and personal travel.
Wind turbines, solar heating, geothermal technology and biofuels have had a history of development in southern Alberta. While sustainable energy is part of the equation, solutions for other renewable and non-renewable resources like water, forest products, and metals are also required. Partnerships within this sector create opportunity to build on our leadership in providing these solutions.
For more information about environmental initiatives in Lethbridge, visit the alternative energy section of our website.
Supply Chain and Logistics
Located at the junction of the CANAMEX corridor expansion (by 2027); there is great opportunity for Lethbridge to become a major logistics or distribution centre. Key industries such as Agri-food processing, have benefited from recent expansion of cold storage facilities and packaging manufacturers.
Manufacturing
Made in Lethbridge. From specialized trailers to aircraft engines, Lethbridge is home to a range of small to medium sized manufacturers. Oil and gas equipment, and home manufacturers also benefit from cost-effective manufacturing of products and supplies. Automation and robotics, Lean manufacturing and Kaizen practices contribute to the continued success of these businesses and our highly diversified local economy.
Information and Communications Technology
With two post-secondary institutions, Lethbridge is a smart city. We have a highly-talented workforce fostering the development of new ideas. Economic Development Lethbridge is facilitating the creation of a Technology Commercialization Centre in collaboration with Western Economic Diversification, the City of Lethbridge and Iunctus Geomatics Corporation. As a result of this collective investment, we will be creating an attractive framework and facility to support the development of new high-tech ventures and enhancement of existing opportunities.
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