The town of Altona has taken a big step forward in its plans for business and industrial expansion into the future.

The town announced on Wednesday the purchase of 117 acres of land from Grand West Farms.

Mayor Al Friesen says he's excited to see this process move forward, noting it was the right time to make this kind of purchase.

"Town council thinks this is a big deal. With the increased demand in the current industrial park where we are running out of space along with user-friendly interest rates and an amenable landowner, we felt now was the time to take that step."

The property is located north of 14th Ave. NW along Highway 30 and represents the next phase of the community's industrial park.

Friesen says the land purchase is just one part of the town's strategy to create a business-friendly environment.

"The formation of SEED, the regional economic development group with Rhineland Municipality is part of that, our three-year municipal tax incentive program for businesses and our participation in the Rural-Northern Immigration program to attract qualified skilled labour was another part of that. With all of these things in place, we feel local business operators who have the ideas and energy will pick it up and run with it."

In a news release, the town says there are positive signs that these recently implemented strategic initiatives are helping local businesses open an exciting new chapter in Atlona's history.