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.
The Special Areas Board is requesting proposals for the provision of janitorial services at the Special Areas Consort Office. Duties to commence January 1, 2027 and will be for a 12 month term, with the potential for a renewa...
#DYK? From October 16 to April 15 each year, maintenance services on highways in the Special Areas are managed by Alberta Transportation. This includes things like snowplowing, sanding, and other winter maintenance work on bo...
It’s Fire Prevention Week (October 4-10, 2026) and our Special Areas Fire Chief Rob Palmer has some tips on staying safe. This year’s theme is: Safe Charging Is a Superpower. “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Supe...
