The Alberta Special Areas are populated with vibrant communities with your major amenities provided.
- Housing
- Education
- Health Services
- Rural Charm and more!

Alberta’s overall cost of living including housing, entertainment and taxes is one of the lowest in Canada, giving you more disposable income to enjoy.


Education in the Special Areas (2, 3, and 4) of Alberta is characterized by a strong commitment to providing a well-rounded and comprehensive educational experience. School divisions such as Prairie Rose, serving students in Oyen, Acadia Valley, New Brigden, Jenner, and communities within Special Areas 2, 3, and 4, alongside Prairieland School Division catering to Hanna, Youngstown, Cessford, Consort, Veteran, and Altario, and the Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools with a K-6 institution in Oyen, emphasize not only academic excellence but also the importance of extracurricular activities.
Many schools within these divisions offer themed schools of excellence, providing specialized instruction to foster both academic and extracurricular talents. Notably, sports academies, including ball academies that attract students from across Canada, demonstrate a commitment to developing athletic skills alongside academic growth. In these rural communities, small schools serve as incubators for exceptional talent, with individuals achieving world champion recognition in their respective sports—highlighting the potential of these communities to nurture athletes who compete on the global stage.
Beyond athletics, small class sizes and innovative learning programs create a unique educational experience. Programs like rodeo/equine academies in the north, agricultural academies, health care aide training, makerspaces, archery, greenhouses, and courses focused on innovation and technology allow students to pursue their passions and develop skills tailored to their interests. These programs offer students a comprehensive learning environment that prepares them for diverse career paths.
By following the Alberta curriculum and integrating these additional programs, schools in the Special Areas ensure students not only meet academic standards but also have opportunities to explore and excel in sports and other areas of personal interest, enriching their educational journey.
Sean Murphy from Altario School, Vance Laughlin from Youngstown School and Holly & Natalie Karg from JCC School in Hanna competed in Africa Genesis Archery World Tournament. Sean Murphy earned world championship in Archery.


In the Special Areas (2, 3, and 4) of Alberta, the health and safety of our residents stand as a testament to the community’s commitment to ensuring a high quality of life for everyone. We take immense pride in the comprehensive healthcare services provided by Alberta Health Services, which operates hospitals in Consort, Hanna, and Oyen. These facilities are staffed by dedicated healthcare professionals who deliver a wide range of medical services, from emergency care to routine health check-ups, ensuring that residents have access to essential healthcare close to home.
Within the region, three hospitals are available to serve your healthcare needs.


Consort once had two esteemed physicians, Dr. Day and Dr. Knight, providing residents with dedicated care around the clock, truly living up to their names with ‘day and night’ care.

Whether you’re in the market for a brand-new detached home, or prefer the charm of an older house, finding the perfect place in one of our communities is achievable. Similar to the rest of the country, housing is in high demand in our area. However, there are still properties available for those looking to move to our region. If you’re considering building, you have the opportunity to construct your dream home at a fraction of the cost compared to the urban jungle. In our region, housing lots start as low as $5,000, making it an incredibly affordable option for prospective homeowners.
Navigating around is a breeze, too, thanks to minimal traffic and essential amenities being just a short journey away. Without a driver’s license? No problem—our communities are designed with walkability in mind, making daily errands accessible on foot. However, for traveling between communities or venturing into the city, having a driver’s license and vehicle becomes necessary, as public transportation options are currently unavailable, and bus services have ceased.
Assisted living for seniors is available through Acadia Foundation Seniors Housing. They provide affordable room & board for senior citizens who are functionally independent with the assistance available through existing community-based services. Facilities in Consort, Hanna, and Oyen.