Housing

Town of Olds Housing Strategy 

Housing Strategy Approved: Building a Stronger, More Inclusive Olds 

On July 14, 2025, Council approved the Town of Olds Housing Strategy—an important milestone in our efforts to ensure Olds can meet the housing needs of our community now and into the future. 

The Strategy sets a clear path for responsible growth by enabling and working with the private sector to increase housing options, protecting community character, and aligning development with infrastructure capacity. 

View the 2025 Olds Housing Strategy

More Details About The Housing Strategy

The 2025 Housing Needs Assessment confirmed four key priorities: 

1. Rental housing for students, workers, and young families 

2. Senior-friendly homes that support aging in place 

3. ‘Missing middle’ housing, such as duplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes 

4. Smaller, more affordable homes that respect the character of Olds 

More than 400 people participated in surveys, open houses, and interviews; more information can be found below. Their input directly shaped the priorities and actions in the Strategy. 

View the 2025 Olds Housing Needs Assessment Report

Learn More About The Housing Assessment Results

Current Housing Trends

Olds saw a record number of housing starts in 2024, with building permits being issued for 130 new dwellings. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the variety of housing types being developed in Olds – a need identified in the 2023 Housing Needs Assessment – with permits being issued for several detached houses, duplexes, rental apartments, mixed-use buildings, secondary suites, and multi-plexes.
While 2024 was as a successful year for new housing development, rental vacancy rates are still less than one percent and housing costs are unattainable for many. The Town hopes to continue this momentum by attracting more residential investment in the years to come through development incentives and promoting Olds as an attractive place to invest in.

Permit Processing Successes

Throughout 2024, changes in the Town’s permitting processes contributed to significant improvements in approval times. Currently, it takes fewer than two business days, on average, for applicants to receive a development permit for most new developments. As a result of our improved efficiency, some developers have been encouraged to apply for permits up to a year sooner than originally planned because they know they can get shovels in the ground sooner in Olds than would be possible elsewhere.

Learn More About Development Statistics

Develop or Legalize a Secondary Suite

The Town of Olds defines secondary suites as an additional dwelling unit subordinate to the principal dwelling unit on a parcel designated for a single-detached dwelling. The suites are independent units with their own kitchen, bathroom, and a private entrance and must comply with the Alberta Fire Code, Alberta Building Code and the Town's Land Use Bylaw.

Learn More About Secondary Suites