4512-46 Street, Olds, AB
T4H 1R5
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Monday to Friday
4512-46 Street, Olds, AB
T4H 1R5
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Monday to Friday
Other Features

Comprehensive Research & Studies for Property Investment Opportunities

Housing Needs Assessment

HNA Overview:

  • The HNA aims to address the town’s evolving housing needs, with a focus on introducing a broader range of housing types.
  • There’s a marked emphasis on multi-family housing solutions, including duplexes, townhouses, apartments, and condos.
  • The study encompasses the entire municipal boundary of the Town of Olds, home to an estimated 9,200 residents.

Population & Growth Dynamics:

  • The Town of Olds has witnessed consistent population growth, with forecasts indicating a continued upward trend.
  • This growth underscores the pressing need for diversified housing options.

Demographic Insights:

  • The town is experiencing a demographic shift with a rising percentage of residents aged 65 and older.
  • This trend emphasizes the demand for senior-friendly housing solutions.

Current Housing Landscape:

  • The predominant housing type in the Town of Olds is single-detached homes, making up 61% of all dwellings.
  • Notably, average home prices in the town are on the higher side when compared to similar Alberta municipalities, pinpointing a potential gap in affordable housing options.

Key Takeaways:

  • Housing Needs: A clear demand for diverse housing forms to cater to the town’s growing and aging population.
  • Housing Priorities: Addressing the need for both senior-specific and affordable housing options.

Dive Deeper: Download the full Housing Needs Assessment for a comprehensive understanding of the housing landscape and future opportunities in the Town of Olds

Olds Housing Needs Assessment 2023
Commercial Gap Analysis 

CGA Overview:

  • Location: Strategically located in central Alberta along the Calgary-Edmonton corridor
  • Trade Area Population:  Olds serves a trade area population of approximately 45,000 to 50,000 people, far exceeding its resident population of 9,720.
  • Trad Area Population Growth: By 2034, the trade area population is expected to grow to 48,050.
  • 2024 Retail Inventory: totals 800,000 square feet,
  • Retail Space-per-Capita Ratio: of 17.6 square feet. Future projections suggest the need for an additional 250,000–300,000 square feet by 2034 to meet growing demand.
  • Retail Spending: projected to increase from $696 million in 2024 (excluding automotive and healthcare) to $893 million by 2034.
  • Top Consumer Spending Categories: include grocery and convenience items (31%) and comparison merchandise (30%).

Commercial Node Growth:

  • Highway 27 West: Boasts the highest growth and lowest vacancy rate (<1%), making it a key area for new retail entrants.
  • Highway 27 East: Acts as a transitional area, with a 7.9% vacancy rate and potential for revitalization through redevelopment.
  • Uptowne Olds: While the historical retail core, it faces higher vacancy rates (7.7%) and requires investment in housing diversity and infrastructure to remain competitive.

Target Retail Prospects:

  • General Merchandise
  • Home and Garden
  • Fashion 
  • Quick service food and beverage

Dive Deeper: Download the full Commercial Gap Analysis result for a comprehensive understanding about the retail growth and market potential, strengthening local businesses, opportunities and next steps for housing strategy and storefornt improvement in the Town of Olds.

Commercial Gap Analysis (Jan 2025)

FAQ

There are many things to consider when building in the Town of Olds. The following are a list of frequently asked questions and answers, however, to apply for permits and obtained further details please visit https://www.olds.ca/permit-licence-applications

The Interactive Development Map (GIS Map) is a great tool for realtors, property buyers, developers, etc., to help them find what utility lines, land use, Area structure plans, and so much more.

1. Fill out the application forms and submit all required plans to the Planning Department.

2. If you will be digging, request locates. Locates must be available on-site while work is being done.

3. If the project is commercial, complete a fire safety plan. This is not required for residential projects.

4. An invoice will be e-mailed to you for permit fees and security deposits. All fees must be paid before the permit is issued.

5. Depending on your project, it will be reviewed either by staff or by the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC).

6. If the permit requires a decision from the MPC, there is a 21-day appeal period.

7. If your permits have been approved, you will receive them along with a Plan Review. This is an overview of what has been approved and will describe when an inspection is needed.

8. Inspections will be performed by our certified Safety Codes Officer.

9. After work is completed to Town standards, any security deposits will be returned to you.

In some cases, a Development Officer or the Municipal Planning Commission may be able to grant a relaxation. You will need to fill out a Relaxation / Variance Form.

Once the Approval Authority makes a decision, there is a 21-day appeal period. Appeals can also be made to the regional Appeals Board. This is a separate group serving 18 different municipalities in Central Alberta.

Simple permits can be approved in a week by Planning & Development department staff. If your permit needs to be reviewed by the MCP, meetings are held once a month (on the third Tuesday of the month).

You have one year from the day your Development Permit is issued to complete the work.

Check the Town Of Olds – Land Use District (zoning) MAP.

An off-site levy is a fee charged by the Town to help pay for expanding municipal services, such as water, sewer, and roads.

Town Of Olds bylaw – Offsite Levies Schedule

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