Winkler's new industrial park, Clover Creek, is quickly expanding.

In the past year a number of lots have already been purchased and developed East of Eastview Drive. However, Winkler Mayor Martin Harder says even he was surprised at the speed of development.

"Once the rest of our industrial area was sold out the next move was Clover Creek, that was the only place we had to expand, but I did not expect it to go this quickly," Harder says. "It'll change the shape of what Winkler looks like again in the coming year with all the industrial properties going up."

With manufacturers leaving their former locations for a larger space in Clover Creek, the vacuum creates opportunities for small to medium businesses to take their place.

"It gives opportunities for individual businesses to start with one or two employees, and turn out to be a business of 25, 45 or 300," Harder says, adding many are local start-ups.

"Our businesses in Winkler, if you look at 95 percent of them, are people that have been from Winkler, who've invested in Winkler, and grown their businesses to a point where they need to expand," Harder says.

So far, 16 lots have been sold, the largest is just over 17 acres. Nearly a dozen lots are still for sale, with more room yet to expand the park.

In total, Harder says the city could've developed the entire industrial park for upwards of $50 million, but have instead built out the park in pieces, paving roads and ensuring hydro and gas services are available as lots are sold.

"The taxpayers don't need to worry about us subsidizing the industrial," he says. "The industrial pays for itself, we think that's the fair way to go."