Yellowhead East · Alberta
A region where opportunity grows.
Nine municipalities. One coordinated regional approach. Discover the data, land and people behind Alberta's Yellowhead East and the supports waiting for the businesses, residents and visitors who choose to be here.
What is RIAMS?
A regional initiative, built for the long haul.
RIAMS is a regional initiative led by Community Futures Yellowhead East and supported by municipalities across the region to strengthen investment readiness, support local businesses and improve regional visibility.
Learn about RIAMSWhat this means for you
Five things a coordinated region delivers.
Explore the region
Nine communities. One coordinated region.
Town
Whitecourt
Forestry, energy and outdoor adventure converge.
County
Woodlands County
Working landscapes, room to grow.
Town
Swan Hills
Alberta's highest town, and one of its richest resource bases.
Town
Mayerthorpe
Where farmland meets the foothills.
Town
Town of Barrhead
The economic heart of the County of Barrhead.
County
County of Barrhead
Productive land, working communities.
County
Lac Ste. Anne County
Lakes, beaches and a year-round visitor economy.
Town
Onoway
The gateway to lake country.
Village
Alberta Beach
A lakeside village with a summer pulse.
Why people are moving here
The Yellowhead East story.
Affordability
Lower housing costs and operating expenses than urban Alberta | without giving up amenities.
Entrepreneurship
A region that backs its own | with mentors, funding and customers who show up.
Remote work
Reliable connectivity, quiet space and a lifestyle that beats the commute.
Outdoor lifestyle
Lakes, trails, forest and foothills out the back door, every season of the year.
Community connection
Small enough that your neighbours know your name | large enough to have what you need.
Work-life balance
Real time for family, recreation and the things that drew you here in the first place.
Regional opportunity sectors
A diversified economy with eight strong drivers.
Energy
Forestry
Agriculture
Tourism
Recreation
Transportation
Small Business
Manufacturing
Success stories
The people behind the region.
Featured
Local entrepreneurs
Founders building thriving businesses across forestry, food, trades and tourism, and the regional team behind them.
Profiles coming soon
Featured
Tourism operators
Outfitters, lodges and lake-country hosts welcoming visitors and reinvesting in their communities.
Profiles coming soon
Featured
Municipal collaboration
Nine councils working together on shared infrastructure, marketing and investment-readiness initiatives.
Profiles coming soon
Regional news & updates