Shape the Future of Housing in Olds
The Town of Olds is developing a Housing Strategy to guide how our community grows and responds to housing needs over the next several years.
Why is a Housing Strategy Needed?
This strategy will serve as a roadmap for creating a more diverse, inclusive, and attainable housing market; one that meets the needs of all residents, from first-time homebuyers to students and families, to seniors looking to downsize. It will also help ensure that we grow responsibly and sustainably; respecting the needs and wants of citizens and existing neighborhoods while recognizing the rapidly changing landscape of housing demand and economic pressures.
What Information will the Housing Strategy Use?
This work builds on significant community input already gathered:
- In 2023, a community-wide housing survey informed a 3rd party Housing Needs Assessment provided valuable insights into housing challenges, including affordability, availability, and the types of housing people need most.
- In early 2024, residents continued to share their perspectives through the Town’s
- 2025 Budget Survey, where respondents said the Town has a role to play in reducing barriers to housing development.
- The Commercial Gap Analysis, released in early 2025, highlighted the strong linkage between residential development near Uptowne Olds and business revitalization in our core.
- Informal but frequent discussions have occurred with local builders and developers about the barriers they face in bringing new housing options to market.
Now, we’re taking the next step, and we want to hear from you again!
How Can I Get Involved?
The Housing Strategy Survey will be open until April 21, 2025.
Whether you rent or own, are new to Olds or have lived here your whole life, your voice matters. Your feedback will help shape future policies and actions that support more housing choice, affordability, and livability in Olds.
Visit http://www.olds.ca/engagement or scan the QR code to take the survey. It only takes a few minutes—and your input will make a lasting difference. Together, we can ensure that Olds continues to be a welcoming, vibrant place for everyone to call home.
Share your Thoughts on Housing in Olds
The town of Olds wants to hear about your housing needs. Your feedback will help us plan for housing over the next 10 to 20 years. Your input is important to us. The survey will be open from March 31 to April 21.
Coming This Summer: Land Use Bylaw Review
Following the finalization of the Town’s Housing Strategy this spring, the Town of Olds will begin a full review of its Land Use Bylaw (LUB) in the summer of 2025. This important document guides how land is used and developed in our community; from where homes, businesses, and parks are located, to how tall buildings can be and how much parking is required.
What is a Land Use Bylaw?
“Land use planning” or “bylaw review” can sometimes feel technical or even raise concerns. But in simple terms, the LUB is a tool that helps turn the community’s shared vision into reality. Every
municipality is required by the Province of Alberta to have one and keep it regularly updated. It ensures growth happens in a way that’s organized, safe, and aligned with what people want for the future of Olds.
Why is the LUB Getting Reviewed?
Our current LUB is almost 25 years old, has been amended nearly 200 times, and has never been comprehensively reviewed. Over the past few years, residents have told us that housing choice, affordability, walkability, and revitalizing underused spaces are important priorities. Residents have also said we need to revitalize Uptowne Olds, increase business activity in Town, and work more closely with Olds College. The upcoming LUB review is a chance to ensure our regulations support those goals and more. It will also build directly on the feedback received through the Housing Strategy.
How Can I Express My Opinion?
We want this to be a collaborative and transparent process, and there will be multiple opportunities for public input as the LUB review gets underway. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, business owner, developer, or community advocate, your perspective will help shape how Olds grows.
Stay tuned to www.olds.ca/engagement and the Town’s social media channels for updates on
how to get involved. Let’s work together to make sure Olds remains a thriving, inclusive, and
well-planned community for years to come.
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?
If you have any questions or concerns about the Land Use Bylaw Reivew or the Housing Survey and Strategy, please contact:
• Phone: 403-556-6981
• Email: planning@olds.ca
• Website: www.olds.ca/engagement
Thank you for your cooperation as we work to use feedback from the people of Olds improve our community and how it develops into the future.