Built With Business: Stony Plain Business Retention and Expansion Survey Report Released

STONY PLAIN, AB: The Town of Stony Plain has released its Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) Survey Report, marking the next step in the BR+E Program's ongoing cycle of engagement, insight, and action. Built with business, the report provides a snapshot of local business conditions, opportunities, challenges, and growth expectations.  

The report reflects input from 89 businesses representing a broad cross-section of Stony Plain's economy. Findings were further enriched through a business workshop that brought together 42 participants, including local business owners, business resource network partners, Town staff, and members of the Growth and Commerce Committee to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping local business growth. Together, the survey and workshop findings provide an evidence-based understanding of the factors influencing business retention, expansion, and future growth in the community. 

Key findings include: 

• Participants represented a broad cross-section of Stony Plain's economy, including retail, professional and business services, health and education, personal services, hospitality, arts and recreation, agriculture, and goods-producing sectors. The vast majority were locally owned businesses, and more than 90 percent employed fewer than 20 people. 
• Nearly two-thirds of participating businesses expect sales growth over the next two years, while almost half intend to expand their operations. 
• 83 percent of respondents rate Stony Plain as a good or excellent place to do business. 
• Rising operating costs, workforce recruitment challenges, and the availability of commercial and industrial space were identified as factors influencing future business growth and expansion. 
• Business experiences and outlooks varied across sectors, locations, and business types, highlighting the importance of evidence-based decision-making and targeted responses. 

“When we launched the BR+E Program, we committed to listening to local businesses and sharing back what we learned,” said Mayor William Choy. “This report delivers on that commitment. The findings strengthen our understanding of the opportunities businesses see, the challenges they face, and the conditions needed to support future growth. Most importantly, this business intelligence is helping ensure the BR+E Action Plan reflects local business needs and opportunities.” 

“The survey findings paint a picture of a business community that is optimistic about its future and committed to growth,” said Kaleb Brink, Economic Development Specialist. “At the same time, the analysis highlights important considerations related to workforce availability, rising operating costs, and access to commercial and industrial space. These findings provide an evidence-based foundation for future action and continued collaboration among businesses, the Town, and community and regional partners.” 

The Town partnered with the University of Alberta's Cities Institute to independently analyze survey results and facilitate the Business Workshop. The findings are now informing the development of the BR+E Action Plan, which will identify practical actions to support business retention, encourage expansion, and strengthen the local business environment. The Action Plan is anticipated to be released later this month. 

Businesses, partners, and community stakeholders are encouraged to review the BR+E Survey Report and learn more about the BR+E Program. The report is available on the BR+E page.