interested in the quality of life offered by
Grande Prairie’s unique setting.
The population jumped 17.6 percent from
2006 to 2012, according to county-based
census figures, and it’s up 35.2 percent from
the nationwide census conducted in2001.
“We have a lot of growth already. We’ve had
a significant amount of industrial growth
and residential growth both in the county,”
King said. “Part of my focus is to try and
attract some things differently. I’m focusing
more on the commercial sector nowthanon
industrial. Industrial is happening and it’s
going to continue to happen and we’re very
busy on that front.”
King and his staff have reached out to the
International Council of Shopping Centers
(ICSC) and have a l so establ i shed
connections with brokers and property
management companies with an aim
toward letting them know of the county’s
h i g h hous eho l d- income s t a t i s t i c s
($106,483), alongside a lower cost of doing
business in Grand Prairie than they might
find elsewhere inCanada.
July-August 2014
| BusinessWorld | 27
Commitment to our people, our customers, our
vendo r s , ou r commun i t i es and ou r
businesses….this commitment is no less
important today than it was over 50 years ago
when the Side Group began in the Peace
Country with their industrial distribution
business- NorthernMetalic.
The scope of work they provide today through
their group of companies and affiliates spans
the western provinces and territories. And, the
evolution has taken them from industrial and
oilfield supply houses to supply chain
management and logistics, property and land
development, vehicle rentals and leasing, rail
trans-load, transportation and finance. Side
provides direct employment for over 400
people and guides movement of goods and
investments annually from this region in excess
of ½billion dollars.
The Side Group know all aspects and the make-
up of this very diverse regional economy and
recognize fully how important transportation to
and from the area is. They know buildings,
building sites and rail facilities from the dirt up
and that is why they are excited to have broken
ground on the Regional Logistics Park in the
County of Grande Prairie. “Our real strength lies
in the team we have built and the expertise and
focus that the members bring to each and every
project. We are committed to that.”
Ensuring inventory, service and supply to industry in Western Canada for 50years
206-10625 West Side Drive
Grande Prairie, AB T8V 8E6
GP Reload Inc.
Side Group of Companies
Side Group of Companies
