News Release: AfriCanada Expo 2026
News Release
For Immediate Release June 15, 2026
Town of Westlock Builds Connections for Future Growth through AfriCanada Expo 2026
Westlock, AB - The Town of Westlock is building new relationships and raising the community’s profile following its participation in AfriCanada Expo 2026, held June 10 to 12 in Edmonton.
The Town participated as a Governmental and Institutional Partner and Showcase Partner, connecting with business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, trade representatives and government partners interested in opportunities across Alberta.
For Westlock, participation in the Expo was part of a broader and deliberate effort to attract business, commercial and industrial growth to the community and surrounding region.
“We appreciated the interest delegates showed in learning more about Westlock and exploring where our opportunities and their goals may align,” said Mayor Jon Kramer. “There is growing global interest in the opportunities Alberta has to offer, and Westlock is at an important point in its own growth. We have spent years laying the groundwork by strengthening our infrastructure, planning for development and positioning our community to welcome new investment. We are ready to have these conversations and begin building relationships that can lead to meaningful opportunities.”
“The most successful partnerships are those where everyone brings something to the table, supports one another’s success and builds something that would not have been possible alone. We are hopeful these early conversations can grow into lasting relationships that create value for Westlock, our regional partners and everyone involved.”
Following the Expo, members of Town Council and Administration welcomed 22 delegates to Westlock on Saturday, June 13. The visit provided an opportunity to share more detailed information about local investment and development opportunities, continue discussions that began at the Expo and deepen the relationships formed throughout the week.
Delegates received a presentation highlighting available lands and development opportunities, including Eastgate Business Park, the Aspendale Area Structure Plan and Alberta’s Rural Entrepreneur Stream.
The visit also included lunch from local caterer C&S Catering, followed by presentations and tours of Westlock Terminals and the Port of Westlock, and Milwest Distillery. Hosted by Westlock Terminals and Port of Westlock CEO Clifford Bell, the tours gave delegates a closer look at local industry, entrepreneurship, transportation connections and value-added production already taking place in the community.
Bringing delegates directly to Westlock allowed them to experience the community and better understand the land, infrastructure and local partnerships available to support future investment.
The genuine interest shown by delegates throughout the Expo and during their visit reflected the kind of relationships the Town is working to build those based on openness, collaboration and a shared focus on creating opportunity.
The Town believes meaningful economic development begins with connections that can attract new investment, expand markets and support growth that benefits Westlock, the surrounding region and the businesses and entrepreneurs involved.
While careful budgeting and provincial and federal grants remain important, attracting new development will help broaden the tax base, share the costs of future infrastructure more sustainably and create employment, investment and opportunities for local businesses and residents.
“As costs continue to rise and significant infrastructure needs approach, growing our assessment and tax base is one of the most practical ways we can strengthen our community’s future,” said Mayor Kramer. “We are strategic with our budgeting, and we continue to pursue provincial and federal funding wherever possible, but grants and existing revenues can only take us so far. We need growth, and we want growth that creates lasting value for Westlock and the region.”
Westlock’s involvement in AfriCanada Expo and the subsequent delegate tour build on the Town’s ongoing work to gather data, identify economic opportunities and collaborate with regional partners to bring greater national and international attention to the community and region.
Westlock offers serviced commercial and industrial opportunities, access to regional transportation routes, proximity to the Edmonton metropolitan area and a strong role as a regional hub for agriculture, services, commerce and industry.
The Town will continue following up on the connections made through AfriCanada Expo and working with local, regional and international partners to position Westlock as a welcoming, collaborative and investment-ready community.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jon Kramer, Mayor
Town of Westlock
780-349-4444
Simone Wiley, Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Westlock
780-350-2100
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