A Joint Development Feasibility Study near the Highway 519 and Highway 23 intersection has received a $100,000 grant from the Government of Alberta.
According to the Town of Nobleford and Lethbridge County, the study will explore the area’s potential for future commercial and industrial development.
Located within Nobleford and the County’s Intermunicipal Development Plan boundary, the site is well positioned near key transportation routes, municipal servicing and agri-food processors.
While the area has strong development potential, there are current barriers to investment, including uncertainty around infrastructure capacity, land servicing, and market demand. The study will help both municipalities better understand what is needed to support coordinated, investment-ready growth.
The joint study will:
- Evaluate current infrastructure capacity and identify opportunities for shared servicing strategies.
- Assess land suitability for development.
- Conduct a market demand analysis to understand regional economic potential.
- Complete a financial analysis to assess the viability of infrastructure investment and long-term servicing models.
- Explore governance and cost-sharing models for future growth coordination.
It’s anticipated work on the study will begin in June and be completed by spring 2027.
Nobleford and the County see value in pursuing joint development opportunities that maximize infrastructure investment and position the region as a competitive, collaborative destination for economic growth.
Nobleford Mayor Joan Boeder said development like this does not happen in isolation. “We’re excited to work alongside the County to understand what this area could become. When neighbouring municipalities collaborate, everyone benefits.”
County Reeve Tory Campbell added this study opens the door to cost-effective, scalable servicing solutions that can benefit both municipalities. “When we plan for the future together, we can build on our shared strengths, remove barriers to investment, and create long-term opportunities for our region.”
Campbell noted the most exciting thing about the study is the County starting to find meaningful ways to work together with urban partners. “To try and spur on economic development within the region.”
According to Campbell, the County is always looking at ways to grow and diversify the County’s tax base.
“If there’s opportunities discovered through this process, where it shows maybe we can work on some joint development, it’s appealing to Council to generate more revenue and diversify,” Campbell pointed out.
Campbell explained agriculture is the backbone of the region. “We talk a lot about agri-food processing. I think there’s always an appetite if we can try and find ways to add value to our producers, to the crops being grown here.”
“At the same time, I think it’s all the things that go into production, and all those support industries that help producers grow their crops, market their crops, store their crops — all those different types of things. I think more important than anything is with our location, our proximity to the border and the proximity to Calgary, I think there’s a lot of other opportunities, too. I think we just need to open our eyes and broaden the horizon of opportunity,” Campbell said. “I’m excited to see what the study shows us and uncover some opportunity.”
