Business

Devon Economic Development Action Plan    

The discovery of oil and the subsequent oil and gas rush of Alberta literally put Devon on the map in 19471. More than a half century later, Devon again seems poised to remain a leader in the Province, with a strong commitment launched in 2015 to be Alberta’s first net-carbon-neutral community by 2050. Historical industry growth and development of different sectors has traditionally centred on Devon’s strengths in the oil and gas sector, but at its core is a strong and growing knowledge sector, representing the key to the future.

While Devon provides a range of services to its residents and the surrounding rural community, its commercial sectors have faced challenges from south Edmonton and Leduc, which have larger retail shopping opportunities. The industrial sector has also grown to its capacity, and the town faces challenges from existing business parks in Nisku and Acheson.

In thinking of community development, Devon has adopted a ‘slow and steady’ approach, with Council now exploring future residential and local commercial opportunities at the east end of the community. At the same time, interest has been expressed to increase the supply of industrial land, possibly to the west of Highway 60.

See the full Town of Devon Economic Development Action Plan here.

Downtown Vitalization Plan    

The Downtown area in Devon is and will always be the heart of the community.  In 2010, Town Council accepted a plan that provides guidance and a vision to create a space that will define community and set the stage for growth and development.

The Downtown Vitalization Plan is a document created by a dedicated group of businesses, community volunteers and Municipal Staff who wanted to bring their vision together. The plan focuses on such objectives as:

• Establishing downtown as the key commercial/mixed use community service centre - hence the "heart" of Devon
• Provide opportunities for increased residential development
• To provide opportunities for sustainable development in all aspects of development to lessen the ecological footprint of the area
• To build on the natural aspects of the River Valley and major amenities such as Voyageur Park
• To identify streetscaping concepts
• To prioritize the pedestrian and bicycle by providing connections and linkages to various areas of Town
• Provide a realistic implementation program to assist Council, administration, businesses, land owners and residents

 Since accepting the plan, the Town of Devon has been working through the implementation of many initiatives.  As of June 2011, successful projects were either completed or are being explored and scheduled.  These projects include:

• Completed the landscaping improvements to the Municipal Office
• Aesthetic improvements and signage at the Recycling Depot
• Downtown parking lot improvements started and will continue throughout the summer of 2011
• Removal of dated oil derrick signage on main street - the Town is working with the Chamber of Commerce to remove the signs and explore an alternate source of revenue for the organization.
• Removal of dated notice boards - scheduled to be complete in summer of 2011
• Replacement of "Welcome to Devon" sign - this is a part of the Brand Graphics Package that is being developed as part of Bike Town AB - a new sign should be in the design phase by late June of 2011.
• Streets and back lane clean up - at this time a number of cost estimates and feasibility studies are being undertaken to identify priory areas in the downtown.
• Continue the hanging basket program
• Detailed inventory of heritage sites and a historical tour program
•  Way finding signage and banners - this is part of the Brand Graphics Package that is being developed for our new Bike Town Brand
• Tree planting program - there will be a significant number of trees planted along Superior Street as idenitified in the plan
• Installation of street furniture throughout the Downtown - this is also a part of the Brand Graphics Packge which will be complete mid summer of 2011

The Downtown Vitalization Plan is very much a priority for Town Council and Administration. Every step is being taken and all initiatives within the plan are being considered for all new and ongoing projects.

If you have questions or would like further information about the Downtown Vitalization Program, we invite you to contact us at your convenience. We will continue to post progress reports and keep you informed on all upcoming or future downtown projects.