Located in south-central Alberta, the Municipal District of Taber is strategically positioned within a network of six neighbouring rural municipalities. The region is anchored by major water resources, with the Oldman River flowing through the area and converging with the Bow River along the eastern boundary. Natural assets such as the Chin Lakes and Chin Coulee help define the southern landscape, contributing to both environmental quality and recreational appeal.
The Municipal District of Taber has experienced steady and meaningful population growth, even as a predominantly rural region. Between 2007 and 2017, the population increased by 13%, reflecting strong regional stability and opportunity. The community is notably young, with a median age of 27.6 years, providing a vibrant and available workforce well below the provincial median. Approximately 44% of the local labour force is employed in agriculture, making it the dominant sector and the backbone of local business activity.
The Municipal District of Taber encompasses five unique and well-positioned hamlets:
Grassy Lake – approximately 4 kilometres from the eastern boundary along Highway 3
Hays – at the intersection of Highways 875 and 524
Enchant – located in the northwest corner of the MD along Highway 526
Johnsons Addition – adjacent to the western boundary of the Town of Taber
Purple Springs – approximately 16 kilometres east of the Town of Taber along Highway 3
The region’s fertile soils, ranging from clay to medium-textured sandy loams, combined with relatively level terrain, make it exceptionally well-suited for large-scale irrigated agriculture. Continued improvements to water infrastructure through the Bow River and St. Mary River Irrigation Districts have enabled more intensive and diversified crop production. This has supported the growth of value-added industries, including sugar beet and vegetable processing, as well as livestock operations dependent on reliable feed production.
In 2021, the Government of Alberta announced historic irrigation investments totaling more than $800 million, designed to modernize infrastructure and expand irrigated land across southern Alberta by nearly 200,000 acres. An estimated 80,000 acres of this expansion is expected to occur within the Municipal District of Taber, creating significant opportunities for agri-processing, logistics, manufacturing, and supporting services.
Beyond its strong agricultural foundation, the Municipal District of Taber offers a high quality of life supported by unique community and recreational assets, including a well-known shooting range, multiple campgrounds, and access to rivers and reservoirs that support tourism and outdoor recreation.
Economic growth in the region is guided by the “Growing Our Economic Future – Taber Regional Economic Development Strategy.” This strategy was developed through extensive research and stakeholder consultation and represents a collaborative partnership between the Municipal District of Taber, the Town of Taber, and the Town of Vauxhall. It provides a clear framework for attracting investment, supporting industry, and building long-term regional prosperity.
