Businesses are integral to the success of our region. Understanding this, the Harvest Sky Regional Economic Development Corporation puts the needs of our businesses and investors first and offers strong, collaborative support. Whether you’re interested in agriculture or energy or anything in between, we’re committed to helping you start and grow your business in a place where you can achieve true work/life balance.
Hanna (2016 pop 2,559) is the agricultural service centre for a trading area population estimated at over 10,000 people. The Harvest Sky trading area includes areas east along Highway 9 to the Saskatchewan border, south to the Red Deer River, north to the Halkirk area, and west to Drumheller.
Other major industry in the area includes electricity generation (Heartland Generation), mining, and oil and gas. The major industrial facility is the Sheerness Generating Station.
Natural resources in the area include thermal coal, clay, sand/gravel, oil, natural gas, and bentonite.
Agriculture
Hanna’s vibrant business community is well known for its large agricultural sector. Agricultural products produced in Hanna include wheat, barley, rye, tame hay, oats, flax, canola, beef cattle, hogs, poultry, sheep, and lamb.
The average annual growth rate for the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industry in Hanna from 2001 to 2006 was -0.6%, below the towns’ industry average of 1.9%.
As an agricultural center, Hanna is home to: Cervus Equipment, UFA Farm Supply, the Agricultural Financial Services Corporation, West View Co-op, CoreAg Inputs, and Fox Lake Agro.
Oil and Gas
The emergence of oil and gas activity and the construction of a coal-powered electricity generating station in the area have had a hugely beneficial impact on the town, diversifying its economic base.
The oil and gas industry is now a major contributor to the Hanna’s economy, and the town is home to a number of businesses related to energy extraction, as well as businesses in the oil and gas service sector.
Manufacturing and Fabrication
While Hanna has traditionally been known for its large agricultural sector, other major industries operating in the town include manufacturing and fabrication. The main manufactured goods are agricultural products and manufactured homes.
The Harvest Sky Region as a whole has a sizable manufacturing base, concentrating mostly on food products.
Commercial and Retail
Hanna has a strong commercial and retail sector for a town of its size. Some key commercial/retail businesses in Hanna include A&W, CanAlta Hotels, The Brick, Freson Bros., Pharmasave, Co-op Building Centre, and Warwicks Home Hardware Building Centre.