09/25/2025
EDITOR'S NOTE: Please take note that the original posting (and the printed version of today's Oyen Echo) has an "announcement of a new doctor in a couple of weeks" ... that has now been clarified to read a NEW DOCTOR'S CLINIC. We apologize for the misunderstanding and any inconvenience that we have caused. - Kate
Oyen launches innovative housing project to attract professionals
By Kate Winquist
OYEN – A major step toward easing Oyen’s housing shortage is underway as construction begins on a new 10-unit apartment development, a project designed to support workforce recruitment and strengthen community growth.
The need for additional housing was identified during the Town of Oyen’s recent strategic planning sessions. Local leaders noted that limited rental availability was a barrier to attracting essential professionals such as RCMP officers, teachers, nurses, and doctors, while also restricting local business expansion.
To address the issue, representatives from Prairie Rose School Division, RCMP, Big Country Medical Dental Board, Big Country Hospital, Special Areas & Oyen Development Corporation, Special Areas, the Town of Oyen, and the MD of Acadia came together to explore solutions.
The Special Areas and Oyen Development Corporation stepped forward after identifying a unique opportunity. Two prefabricated apartment buildings—originally built for another buyer—became available when a sale fell through. The corporation purchased the units and will install them on basements in Oyen, creating 10 new rental apartments.
The Town of Oyen and Special Areas are providing loan support, with the Town also contributing land. Once the buildings are sold, the municipalities will be reimbursed, along with interest, ensuring the project remains revenue-neutral.
This approach mirrors the success of the Oyen Railyard project, where public investment initially launched a vital initiative before transitioning to private ownership. Mayor Doug Jones emphasized that this “catalyst model” is helping Oyen address its most pressing needs.
Jones also clarified that the apartments are not intended as low-income housing, countering misconceptions that had circulated. “There are some landlords who were upset, thinking this was a low-income rental property which could negatively impact their property,” Jones said. “That is not the case. A one-bedroom apartment will start at approximately $1,300. We simply need more rental properties.”
The two buildings will include a mix of unit sizes: one three-bedroom apartment, three two-bedroom apartments, and five one-bedroom apartments. Located in a residential area near medical facilities and central to Oyen’s three schools, the apartments are expected to be completed and available for rent early in the new year.
“I’m very excited to have been able to help facilitate this project with the support of many others in our community,” Jones added.
The Special Areas & Oyen Development Corporation will also hire a property manager later this fall, with the position to be advertised in the Oyen Echo and on the Town of Oyen website.
Looking ahead, the town has more developments on the horizon, including the upcoming announcement of a new doctor's clinic in a couple of weeks and the addition of a 14-bed dementia wing at the seniors’ lodge, scheduled for January.
Pictured are (L-R): Darrin Newnham, Little Rock Consulting; Jenman Luk, Everlast Concrete Inc.; Tim Davey, Oyen Concrete & Vortrax Construction; Rodney Schmidt, Ramrod Construction Ltd.; Debbie Kovitch, Project manager, Town of Oyen; Doug Jones, Mayor, Town of Oyen; Kevin Dick, Kevin’s Plumbing & Heating Ltd.
