Yellowhead County Study

Urbanics was retained by Yellowhead County to undertake a market feasibility assessment for recreation and tourism development of the Node 9 lands, a 500-acre site strategically located at the eastern gateway to Jasper National Park along the Highway 16 corridor. The study evaluated the site’s potential to accommodate a four-season, nature-based tourism destination by examining regional economic and tourism trends, site conditions and accessibility, visitor demand, accommodation and recreation markets, and the existing supply of hotels, golf courses, trails, winter recreation, wellness and retreat facilities.

Urbanics identified opportunities for a diversified and phased tourism destination that could complement Jasper’s established visitor economy while capturing unmet regional demand. The study evaluated a range of potential uses, including lodge-style accommodations, cabins and four-season glamping, a premium golf course, wellness and spa facilities, conference and retreat space, cultural and Indigenous-led experiences, dining and retail, and supporting workforce housing. The assignment also included demand and market-share analysis, development programming, market strategy, preliminary financial feasibility and recommendations regarding implementation and potential private-sector partnerships. The study concluded that, subject to further site, engineering and financial analysis, Node 9 has the potential to become a significant four-season tourism destination and generate long-term economic value for Yellowhead County.