Thirteen businesses have officially joined Gasoline Alley West as tenants of Gasoline Alley West Centre I.
Located by the south-end traffic circle on Leva Avenue near the off ramp from Highway 2, the centre boosts a variety of businesses — from retail stores, health, financial, and legal services to craft beer.
Reg Kinch, one of the owners of Gasoline Alley Properties that owns the centre, said the variety of businesses are a good combination, and should attract an even larger assortment of businesses to Gasoline Alley in the future.
He said attractive tax rates, ample parking, improved access from the highway, and highway exposure drew businesses to the 56,500 square-foot centre which is now completely full.
“There’s 30,000 vehicles that go by every day. People notice their names,” Kinch said.
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Construction began in 2018 and most tenants have been on site for about two years. The grand opening for the Gasoline Alley West Centre I was scheduled for 4 to 8 p.m. on July 29.
He said business and residential growth has made Gasoline Alley an appealing location.
“That whole combination. It’s just not a gas stop. It’s become bigger than that. There’s eight accounting firms out here now,” Kinch said.
Tara Logan, business development officer with Red Deer County’s economic development services, said diversification is a focus for the hamlet of Gasoline Alley as it evolves into a more of a community than a transportation node.
“Traditionally it kind of just catered to the travelling public, whereas now we see it as more of a destination,” Logan said.
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She said residential growth has been substantial with quite a few housing starts this year which is amazing considering the pandemic and the economy in general.
The county has also focused on reducing red tape for business, and attractions like Gasoline Alley Farmers’ Market and The Dome sports facility have helped to attract visitors, she added.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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