In the heart of southeastern Alberta’s grasslands lies Special Areas 2, 3, and 4. Special Areas is made up of the communities of Consort, Empress, Hanna, Oyen, Veteran, and Youngstown, and many farmers and ranchers who live in the surrounding Special Areas. Just a couple of hours away from major urban centres, Special Areas offers all the amenities of big-city life without the inconveniences of traffic and crowds.
The Special Areas Board was set up under the Special Areas Act in response to the extreme hardship of the depression in the 1930s. This region was first populated by settlers who braved the weather and harsh living conditions to carve out lives for themselves.
Since then, the Special Areas Board has been providing rural municipal government services and public land management to residents and businesses. The Board looks after roads and parks, provides water and emergency services, manages public land and community pastures, and develops economic and conservation strategies.
Living in the Special Areas is a unique experience. With ample land and accessible real estate prices, there are endless opportunities to make your dreams a reality, while still leaving plenty of time to relax on the front porch or explore the great outdoors. Get to know our region and discover why it’s a great place to start a business, raise a family, visit, or retire.
Effective Thursday, May 28th, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. all loading restrictions are removed, with the exception of: a specific oiled road in Special Areas 2 restricting bus, truck and trailer traffic to Ninety percent (90%) of auth...
Special Areas roadside grass control (cutting ditches) for local roads will begin on June 8. Requests to hay your ditch must be submitted to your local District Office as soon as possible. This will allow our road crew to pla...
Tax and Assessment Notices for property held in the Special Areas were mailed May 15, 2026 in accordance with Sections 308 and 311 of the Municipal Government Act, being Chapter M-26, R.S.A. 2000. Any person who wishes to obj...
