Even during a global pandemic, people need to eat, heat and light their homes and businesses and generally power their lives. The Palliser Economic Partnership (PEP), located in southeast Alberta with headquarters in Medicine Hat, is well-positioned to fill those needs.

In addition to its rich crop and pasture land, as well as livestock and poultry operations, the region also possesses a thriving agri-food processing industry. And agri-food producers can take advantage of an extensive network of agricultural research and development facilities to ensure farms and processing facilities are functioning at high levels of quality and efficiency.

The region is also a leader in developing alternative energy practices in the agri-food sector. According to Quentin Randall, business consultant with PEP, “With the impacts of COVID-19 and renewed efforts to decarbonize many industries, PEP is developing agri-food business cases to attract investments and working with partners to outline a regional hydrogen and carbon utilization strategy.” Renewable energy projects are also underway, including major solar and wind projects being proposed or under development.

The particular interest in the region’s wind power potential is a result not only of the steady wind supply, but also the region’s road infrastructure and rail access. Wind tower components can be transported via railway along Fort Mile Rail, Canada Pacific Rail, or Canadian National Rail. Combined with its position along the Eastern Alberta Trade Corridor, a major north/south transportation route, these capacities have been essential to maintaining the flow of commerce, despite recent supply-chain difficulties.

This level of food, energy and supply independence and commercial potential has enhanced the PEP’s economic resilience and opportunity, even in the face of pandemic limitations.