Edmonton Energy and Technology Park

The City of Edmonton has begun land use and infrastructure planning for the development of an energy and technology industrial cluster in the northeast quadrant of the city, northwest of Manning Freeway.

Comprehensive studies have made the case for developing an industrial cluster in the area known locally as Horse Hill. Such a development would take advantage of the significant economic opportunities available to Edmonton and the surrounding region from the oil sand developments in the north.

The City of Edmonton, along with its partners in
Alberta's Industrial Heartland, recognize the huge potential for refining the by-products that are left over from oil sand production (known as residual feedstocks) into consumer and industrial products. Currently, much of the feedstock produced by existing upgraders gets exported elsewhere for production into marketable goods. An immense opportunity exists to attract companies that can use upgrader feedstock and in the process, add much value to the economy of the region.

Proximity to Industrial Heartland

The Edmonton Energy and Technology Park (formerly known as the Horsehills Energy and Technology Park) is being planned to take advantage of these significant economic opportunities that are coming to Edmonton and the surrounding region.

The Horse Hill area (located northwest of Manning Drive) is situated only 15 kilometres from existing and proposed upgrader sites. This makes it an ideal location for attracting companies that could use the feedstocks from the upgraders.

The site covers an area of approximately 12,000 acres or 4,857 hectares of largely vacant land on the northwest side of Manning Drive.

Eco-industrial development

Integral to the planning for this area is that it will use an “eco-industrial development” model. This means that companies will share utilities, use cleaner alternative energy sources, reduce water use and waste, preserve natural areas, and implement sustainable building practices. 

Eco-industrial development has been used as the basis for industrial projects worldwide and is gaining popularity in North America. The Edmonton Energy and Technology Park will integrate industry, nature and people.

Area Structure Plan (ASP)

The Area Structure Plan (ASP) for the Edmonton Energy and Technology Park will guide future land uses and identify the needed infrastructure, utilities, major roadways, transit, parks, natural areas, and trails.

Once developed, neighbouring communities can expect to see an energy and technology park. It is anticipated that development will occur over the next 40 years.

The land uses being developed will allow for an integrated cluster of industries to work together to refine chemicals into market products. The area will be divided into four primary land use precincts: petrochemical, manufacturing, logistics and research-development.  

The ASP is a culmination of expert opinion, technical studies, Edmonton City Council direction as well as input from key stakeholders, area landowners and municipal departments.

The Edmonton Energy and Technology Park Area Structure Plan provides a vision for a new kind of industrial area for the City of Edmonton.

Public Input and Process for Approval

There were three public meetings in the public consultation process for what was then called the Horsehills Energy and Technology Park Area Structure Plan. A public information session was held in June 2008. A second was held in October 2008. The third was held in October 2009.

On June 9, 2010, City Council gave third reading and final approval to the Area Structure Plan. 

On May 2, 2011, City Council amended the ASP to rename it: the Edmonton Energy and Technology Park Area Structure Plan (ASP). 

For more information:

George Matteotti, Project Manager

Ken Mamczasz