Overview

The Goal

The Town of Nanton is committed to encouraging and effectively managing residential, commercial and industrial growth and economic initiatives.

Our key focus is to broaden the commercial base of the town through the retention and expansion of existing businesses, while also attracting the establishment of new businesses, industries and tourism development.

Through the Alberta Main Street Programme, Nanton was able to revitalize its downtown area. A vision to attract new businesses and increase tourism was enabled by participation in the program to promote Nanton and its heritage. By restoring facades on buildings, downtown beautification and following effective guidelines for signage, lending to the “historic” theme, Nanton’s businesses promoted this community as a vibrant, charming place to live and visit. Although the Main Street Programme is no longer active in Nanton, the theme of “Where History Lives” is encouraged for new businesses to maintain a unified appearance in a diverse community.

Economic Base

Nanton is located in one of southern Alberta's prime farming and ranching areas. Thus, the local economy is based primarily on agriculture and related services. The tourism industry is also expanding, with local antique stores and other attractions bringing thousands of visitors to town each year. The oil and gas industry is very active in the surrounding area. Other industries that have established themselves here include food and beverage production, manufacturing, transportation and construction.

Local Businesses

Market Area (population)

The local trading area is constantly increasing in population, as areas south of Calgary, especially along the Highway #2, continue to develop.

Trading area (Nanton & District)	5,000
Regional Trading area	15,000

Access to Markets

Nanton is ideally located 75 km south of Calgary and 130 km north of Lethbridge on Highway #2, and 170 kms from the Alberta/US border. A second major highway, #533 provides east and west access to and from Nanton.

Cost Advantages

Besides being closely located to key markets providing transportation cost advantages, Nanton’s real estate prices are competitive to larger centers. Nanton has the existing infrastructure and land availability to sustain both commercial and industrial growth.

Land for Sale

Municipal Taxes

Community Profile

Nanton has joined forces with Albertafirst.com, a province-wide economic development website, to promote itself to potential developers and business prospects. The links attached below will connect you to the Nanton community profile used on that site. The Statistics information is particularly helpful for businesses or individuals seeking information regarding Nanton’s population, dwelling types, labour force, building permit values and other public data.

	Complete Profile
	Text Only
	Statistics Only

Economic Development Initiatives

Nanton has a long history of successfully generating community driven economic development initiatives.

Nanton’s “Where History Lives” motto is certainly evident within its main commercial core. The program helped to restore economic vitality, historic integrity, and architectural character, keeping our downtown area attractive to new businesses and customers.

The local Chamber of Commerce also works hard to draw increasing numbers of visitors to Nanton and to promote local shopping through a variety of events and initiatives. Contact information for the Nanton and District Chamber of Commerce can be found in Business Resource Links.

The Community Planning and Development Committee is a committee of Council whose mandate includes economic development and tourism. Their role is to consult with, support and partner with community stakeholders and investigate and provide recommendations to Council in regard to planning and managing the community’s growth.

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Permits, Licenses & Signs

Establishing your business in Nanton will require acquiring a business license and may also require other permits as well. A development permit will be required if you are intending to build, structurally renovate or change or add a use to your location, and most likely you will also require a sign permit.

Business Licenses

Development Permits and Appeals

Signs

Home Occupations

Under the Land Use Bylaw, a home occupation can mean any occupation, trade, profession or craft carried on by the occupant as a use secondary to the residential use of the lot, but does not have any exterior evidence of such secondary use.

In order to apply for a business license for a home occupation, the first step is to acquire a development permit. An application for home occupation must be completed and submitted to the Planning and Development Officer with the appropriate application fee. All home occupation applications are forwarded to the Municipal Planning Commission for a decision. In making its decision, the Municipal Planning Commission will evaluate what impact the home occupation will have on the surrounding neighbourhood. Applicants are advised to have their applications submitted at least 6-8 weeks prior to requiring a business license.

If the applicant wishes to have a sign located on the premises, a sign permit will also be required. Home occupation signs cannot exceed 0.37 m ² (4 sq. ft.).

Proposed changes to the Land Use Bylaw may change the way home occupations are classified and their applications processed. Contact the Planning and Development Officer prior to making an application to confirm what procedures are required.

Application for Home Occupation

Business License Registration or Renewal

Development Permit and Appeals

Signs

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