Cypress County Council explores economic growth and infrastructure improvements 

Posted on September 4, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Cypress County Council’s meeting on August 19 discussed several initiatives aimed at strengthening the region’s economic future and addressing critical infrastructure needs.

Representatives from the Palliser Economic Partnership presented their vision for creating “creative and diverse communities growing together in Southeast Alberta.” The organization’s mission focuses on facilitating regional cooperation to position Southeast Alberta as an ideal location for business investment.

The delegation highlighted several major initiatives currently on their radar, including the Eastern Alberta Trade Corridor Local to Global Conference, the Foremost UAS Test Range, and the Oyen Rail & Logistics Park. They also discussed CIB Infrastructure Funding opportunities and the Agri-Food Readiness Plan. For local businesses and community members, the Partnership outlined nine key benefits of membership. These range from networking opportunities and business support services to advocacy representation and access to international markets. The organization also provides training workshops, community engagement opportunities, and support for collaborative projects that individual communities couldn’t tackle alone.

Deloitte LLP presented their Southeast Alberta Economic Opportunity Strategy, a comprehensive 10-year investment attraction plan developed specifically for Cypress County and the surrounding region. The consulting firm completed their analysis at the beginning of 2025, providing deep insights into the local economy.

Their research revealed some impressive numbers. Employment in the region grew by 22 per cent between 2020 and 2024, adding over 700 new jobs. The workforce shows strong concentration in agriculture—about five times the Alberta average—along with significant representation in public administration and arts and recreation sectors.

Education levels in the area are high, with more than 60 per cent of adults holding post-secondary credentials. The workforce particularly excels in trades, health, and business fields. Nearly half of all local businesses operate in agriculture and related sectors, with many focused on export markets.

The strategy identifies both strengths and areas for improvement. Strong business engagement, clear land use documentation, and robust retention programs stand out as regional advantages. However, the analysis also flagged limited commercial and industrial site space, lack of property inventory, and some utility constraints as challenges to address.

Two significant road projects were up for discussion.

The Robinson Coulee Road Project focuses on a 4.80-kilometer stretch from Range Road 61 (Black and White Trail) to Range Road 63. This collector road serves as a crucial east-west connection between Seven Persons and the Black and White Trail. The agenda included discussions about grading work to raise the existing low road profile, improve side slopes, enhance roadside drainage, and address snow drifting issues in problem areas.

Current winter conditions require additional equipment and resources to clear snow from both the road surface and ditch areas. The proposed improvements aim to reduce operational costs, enhance safety, and strengthen the road for all traffic types. However, recent bidding results showed the project would need additional funding.

The second infrastructure item involved Township Road 202. The discussion centered on a section that begins at the intersection of Highway 41 and extends east before returning to a gravel surface. This road currently serves the agricultural community and energy industry, including oil, gas, and solar operations. 

The existing oil-surfaced section has deteriorated significantly, requiring substantial annual maintenance including repairs to rutting, potholes, and other damage. Traffic counts show approximately 50 vehicles per day use this route, with no residences along the affected section. Returning that section to a gravel surface would reduce maintenance costs.

Another agenda item focused on Cypress County’s own Investment Attraction Strategy, a comprehensive 10-year plan developed with funding from CanExport and NRED programs. This locally developed strategy aims to foster economic growth, diversification, and long-term sustainability throughout the region.

Key components of the strategy emphasize infrastructure development, business support services, and workforce attraction initiatives. The plan includes stakeholder engagement results to ensure alignment with community needs and expectations. Expected outcomes include increased investment in key industries, improved business retention and expansion, strengthened partnerships with regional stakeholders, and enhanced capacity to attract and retain skilled workers.

From road improvements that address daily transportation challenges to comprehensive strategies for attracting new investment, the council continues to work on multiple fronts to strengthen the region’s future.