When most investors think about commercial property in Alberta, their eyes go straight to downtown Calgary towers or Edmonton’s industrial corridors. But in 2025, the real growth story is taking place just outside Calgary’s borders, in towns like Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Chestermere, and Strathmore.
These communities are no longer sleepy satellites. With booming populations, rising household incomes, and growing local economies, they are becoming self-sufficient hubs that demand new commercial spaces, from retail centers and office parks to warehouses and mixed-use developments. For investors, this creates a golden opportunity.
Why the Towns Around Calgary Are Commercial Gold
- Explosive Population Growth
Alberta welcomed over 200,000 new residents in 2023, and Calgary absorbed a huge share. But as the city fills up, more people are settling just beyond its limits.- Airdrie has grown by over 40% in the past decade and is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities.
- Cochrane attracts families and professionals with its mountain lifestyle and proximity to Calgary.
- Okotoks and Chestermere are drawing in young families looking for affordability and community.
- Strathmore appeals with larger lots and open space.
- Shift to Local Living
Post-pandemic, residents are choosing to live, work, and shop closer to home. Instead of commuting daily to Calgary, more are working remotely or running small businesses locally. This is driving demand for office, industrial, and retail spaces right in these towns. - Business-Friendly Climate
Alberta’s lack of provincial sales tax, land transfer tax, and restrictive rent controls makes commercial property ownership more profitable here than in Ontario or B.C. Municipal governments in these towns are also zoning proactively for growth, welcoming new developments to keep up with demand.
Commercial Property Types Thriving Outside Calgary
- Retail & Mixed-Use Developments – As populations grow, strip malls, plazas, and mixed-use complexes with ground-floor retail and upper-floor apartments are becoming essential.
- Light Industrial & Warehousing – With e-commerce booming, distribution hubs and storage facilities in Airdrie and Strathmore are attracting attention.
- Healthcare & Community Services – Medical centers, dental clinics, and care facilities are in high demand in family-oriented towns like Okotoks and Chestermere.
- Office & Co-Working Spaces – Professionals working remotely want collaborative spaces closer to home, driving demand in Cochrane and Airdrie.
The Asset Management Advantage
Buying commercial property is only half the equation; managing it well is what ensures steady returns.
At Green Casa, our approach to asset management goes beyond collecting rent. It’s about:
- Tenant Stability: Long-term leases with reliable businesses reduce turnover.
- Property Optimization: Ensuring spaces are well-maintained, modern, and energy-efficient to attract quality tenants.
- Financial Performance: Regular market reviews to adjust rents and maximize ROI without compromising tenant relationships.
- Community Value: Supporting local businesses that strengthen the very communities where the properties are located.
Well-managed commercial properties become anchors of growth, attracting more businesses and residents to the towns they serve.
Why Investors Should Pay Attention Now
- Entry costs for commercial properties in towns like Airdrie or Okotoks are significantly lower than in inner-city Calgary.
- Tenant demand is rising fast, supported by population spillover and local economic diversification.
- Alberta’s investor-friendly tax policies make holding and managing assets more profitable compared to other provinces.
- The towns surrounding Calgary are not just bedroom communities anymore; they are becoming economic engines of their own.
Final Word
Commercial property investments in Calgary’s surrounding towns are no longer speculative; they’re strategic. With strong growth, high demand, and a favorable business environment, these communities are creating fertile ground for retail, industrial, office, and mixed-use opportunities.
When paired with strong asset management, these investments don’t just generate income; they help shape thriving local economies.
At Green Casa, we believe commercial property isn’t just about square footage; it’s about building sustainable value for investors, tenants, and communities alike.
