Wheatland County

Wheatland County is a municipal district located East of Calgary. Covering over 4,500 km², more than 8700 people call Wheatland County home. Twelve of the twenty-four distinct communities in the County are officially recognized as hamlets. The hamlets are overseen by the County while the Villages of Hussar, Standard and Rockyford, and the Town of Strathmore are self-governed. In terms of population, Carseland is the County’s largest hamlet with 525 residents (2016). As the name suggests, Wheatland County’s largest industry is agriculture. Beef and grain production make up the largest agricultural activity with many other agri-businesses emerging, such as agri-tourism and seed cleaning. In addition to agriculture, construction and mineral extraction also contribute largely to the local economy. While some communities are growing, Wheatland County is still very much a rural municipality. A land area of 4,545 km² places the County’s population density at just under 2 people per km². Wheatland County is governed by an elected County Council, made up of six councillors and one Reeve. Council provides direction, while the county operations are conducted by a team of employees, led by a Chief Administrative Officer. Together, Council and administration work towards the mission and vision of Wheatland County.