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The major economic base of Taber is food processing, oil and gas well servicing and agricultural services. The Town also boasts a strong retail sector as it acts as a service centre for the surrounding rural areas.
The Town of Taber is lies within the center of a rich irrigated diversified farmland belt, high in heat units and frost free days, with transportation links to major markets. Taber is located only 60 miles (98 km) north of the United States border and is situated 32 miles (50 km) east of Lethbridge and 169 miles (272 km) southeast of Calgary.
Evidence of economic growth can be found in Taber’s value added processing industries. Taber and district is home to a number of companies such as:
• Roger’s Sugar
• Lucerne Foods
• McCains
• Alberta Pool Bean Business Unit
• Hostess Frito-Lay
• Lamb Weston
• Gouw Quality Onions
• Chin Ridge Seed Processors
The Town of Taber experienced record high development in 2007 and 2008 saw new records set in total building permit values. There is no sign of an economic slow down in south central Alberta. People are looking to Taber not only as a retirement destination with great community facilities and shopping but also for the jobs available right now. This is an attractive community to all ages because there is a strong sense of community, great school systems, and a safe community. The Town of Taber not only has a tremendous indoor swimming facility (Aquafun Centre) but also boasts a challenging 18 hole golf course along with many other sports facilities. Other community facilities include a hospital, churches, curling club, skateboard park, Seniors’ Centre, ped/bike trails, and many neighbourhood parks.
To summarize growth related activity in 2008, more subdivision applications were made (19) and more residential lots were registered (109) in 2008 than in any other previous year. There was no sign of a slowdown in 2008 as 139 development permit applications were received after a record year in 2007 when 162 applications were submitted.
In addition to new areas for residential growth, the Town continues to experience a revitalizing of its older residential areas as new housing stock is constructed to replace older buildings. The Town modified its Land Use Bylaw in 2006 to encourage this form of redevelopment and the local building industry has responded well to the opportunity. The new bylaw also allows new apartment buildings in the downtown and one project is already underway in response to this new opportunity.
In addition to the volume of activity, the value of this activity reached a record high of over $22 million, surpassing 2005 (over $17 million) when Wal-Mart, Boston Pizza, and Tim Horton’s began construction on their new buildings in Taber. In 2009, permits have already been issued for a new Frito Lay expansion and preliminary inquiries have been received from another local food processor regarding an addition at their plant. Another new residential subdivision (in addition to the three already offering lots for sale) is also expected to get underway sometime in 2009. Confidence remains high for continued success in the Taber economy despite troubling global economic news. Taber is well positioned for continued long term economic success as it continues to invest in and upgrade its infrastructure to accommodate existing and new needs while maintaining its already strong position as a centre for agricultural services, food processing, and oil and gas.
Looking ahead to 2009, continued activity in the residential sector is assured and more businesses continue to inquire about development opportunities in the Town of Taber. The Town anticipates that 2009 will be another strong year.
The Town of Taber has a number of choice industrial and commercial parcels available after its 2008 completion of the latest phase of fully serviced industrial lots in the Eureka Industrial Park near Hwy #36.
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