An update on all current Town of Oyen projects is coming soon! Stay tuned!
Airport Upgrades
In 2023, requirements were identified by AHS pilots in order to resume dark hour air ambulance service:
- AWOS System - completed in the fall of 2023, this real-time weather station can be used by both pilots and the public. Airport Weather Advisor® AWOS Live | CED3
- Instrument Landing Approach (APV) - installation is underway.
- Wind Turbine Light - a wind tower in the flight path required a light, and was installed in the fall of 2023.
Funding Breakdown:
- MD of Acadia $20,000.00
- Town of Oyen Operating Budget: $20,047.00
- Special Areas: $160,344.00
Area East Logistic Park
Funding Breakdown:
- Cares Grant $80,000.00
- Community/Business Partners $79,000.00
- Town of Oyen MSI Grant $10,000.00
= $169,000.00
Asset Management Study
Evaluation of building and other town owned infrastructure.
Funding Breakdown:
- ACP Grant: $200,000.00
Community Development Strategy
Town administration has now completed a multi-faceted project entitled ‘Building a Community Development Strategy for Oyen’ with Natalie Gibson of InnoVisions & Associates. InnoVisions is a consulting firm that specializes in helping rural communities with community and economic development.
“Our town needs a coordinated plan that helps our businesses to thrive and grow as a key part of a vibrant community” says Mayor Jones. “Our community depends on the success of our businesses to ensure a good quality of life for the residents. It is incumbent upon us to do what we can to foster their success.”
The Town hosted the first of a series of ‘community café’ discussions on November 22, 2022 and the second session took place February 16, 2023 with 54 participants. These café events were an opportunity for residents, business owners, rural citizens, student families, seniors, etc. to identify existing assets in Oyen & area, then create opportunities that will provide long-term prosperity for residents and businesses alike. Session #2 working groups viewed the opportunities identified by the public through public café sessions and over 100 online surveys receive and discussed. From the discussions and feedback, four core priorities that require strategic effort to improve and develop: |  |
1. Business Community - strive to support local businesses; focus on business retention; investment attraction; and workforce development
2. Education - Provide more education opportunities for youth and adults that lead to local employment
3. Agriculture - Increase agriculture collaboration and innovation; add more value-added products and services produced locally
4. Medical - secure additional medical services and continue to support the local hospital
During the process, council added a fifth priority..
5. Good Governance
If you are passionate about one these priorities, please reach out to the Town CAO to be added to the committee of champions and make a difference for your community!
We look forward to hearing from you!
| GOVERNANCE | EDUCATION | AGRICULTURE | MEDICAL | BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT | INDUSTRY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WINS ✓ Reduce residential tax rate ✓ Recreation Board created ✓ Committees of Council and created to ensure ongoing management of recreation facilities Current Situation
| WINS ✓ Health Care Aide program at SCHS ✓ A Job Fair for students with local professionals, entrepreneurs, and trades ✓ Marketing Campaign "Have a Career & Build a Life in Oyen, AB" ✓ Two vacant teaching positions filled Current Situation
Goals
Strategies
| WINS ✓ Committee created with volunteers from CARA, Special Areas, and local farmers/ranchers ✓ Promoting Chinook Applied Research Association (CARA) initiatives and workshops Current Situation
Goals
Strategies
| WINS ✓ BCH's Emergency Dept. and all acute care beds reopened 24/7 ✓ Fixed wing air ambulance service resumed 24/7 ✓ Increased patient load for new doctors ✓ FCSS launched seniors transportation program ✓ Marketing Campaign "Have a Career & Build a Life in Oyen, AB" ✓ Local Site manager hired, Shelaine Woods ✓ Land purchased for a new doctors' clinic ✓ Elected Officials meet with AHS once per month Current Situation
| WINS ✓a designated community for the Rural Renewal Stream ✓ A designated region for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program ✓ Employer and Employee needs survey completed ✓ Business Directory (marketing) on Town website and Social Media "Spotlight Sundays" ✓ Return 2 Rural Workforce Strategy and Action Plan has been completed ✓ Demolition and reclamation of the Old Hotel Lot ✓ Housing needs survey completed for our area Current Situation
| WINS ✓ Oyen East Central Rail Project Feasibility Study completed ✓ Oyen East Industrial Area Structure Plan has been approved by Council ✓ Newcomers’ page on the Oyen website with tools and resources to integrate newcomers to our community. ✓ Welcoming Communities Committee was created launched in December of 2023 Current Situation
Goals
Strategies
|
“At the end of this project, we will have some clear strategies and plans on where we are going, how we are going to get there and who’s going to do what to ensure a dynamic business community” says Debbie Ross , Town CAO.
Fire Buggy
Funding Breakdown:
- Fire reserves: $70,000.00
- Volunteer Fire Department: $60,000.00
- Town of Oyen MSI Grant: $54,677
= $184,677.00
Hospital Sewer Lift Station Upgrades
Funding Breakdown:
- Total Project Budget: $730,924.95
Lagoon Expansion
Expanding 3rd stage at lagoon to meet Environment regulations
Funding Breakdown:
- AMWWP Grant: $1,507,070.00
- MSI: $300,000.00
- GTF: $216,930.00
Land Use Bylaw Review
The Town of Oyen is working with Palliser Regional Municipal Services (PRMS) to update the Town’s Land Use Bylaw (LUB) in collaboration with the Town Council and its residents. The new LUB will replace the current version of the Oyen LUB Bylaw 826-13 with an entirely new bylaw.
What is a LUB?
A Land Use Bylaw directs the use and development of lands and buildings. By establishing land use districts (zoning), the LUB regulates the types of activities and buildings that can occur on any specific property. It also contains regulations, such as building height, maximum parcel coverage and building setbacks from property lines. The LUB is the tool that the long-term vision and goals of the Oyen Municipal Development Plan (Bylaw 890-22) are implemented on a day-to-day basis. The purpose of the LUB is to enable development, while minimizing the potential impacts on adjacent neighbours.
What is the review process and timelines?
The proposed new Land Use Bylaw will be drafted by PRMS and Town Administration during the summer. The draft LUB will be presented to the public at an open house in fall 2024. A survey will be conducted to obtain feedback on the draft. The bylaw must be approved by bylaw, and a public hearing held before second reading of the bylaw. It is anticipated the new Land Use Bylaw could be approved and come into effect by winter 2024.
How will the new Land Use Bylaw be approved?
Council is responsible to approve the new Land Use Bylaw by bylaw. The draft LUB will be presented to Council for the first of three readings of a bylaw and a public hearing will be held prior to second reading. Council can make changes to the draft bylaw at any of the three readings to address any concerns expressed at the public hearing or concerns of Council.
How can the public provide input to the draft Land Use Bylaw?
Residents, business and landowners are invited to provide feedback to Oyen Council at the open house this fall and the public hearing, likely to be held early this winter. The public hearing date will be advertised a few weeks in advance of the public hearing. The Communications and Engagement Plan provides details of how the residents, businesses and Council of the Town will be engaged through the process.
New Doctors Clinic
Preliminary Design
Funding Breakdown:
- ACP Grant: $350,000.00
Oyen East Industrial Area
Oyen East Industrial Area Structure Plan - Final
The Council of the Town of Oyen gave first reading to Bylaw No. 904-23 on February 14, 2023 at a Special Council Meeting. A Public Hearing was formally held on March 14th, 2023 commencing at 6:00pm. No formal complaints were received by the Council.
Bylaw 904-23 can be viewed on our website under Government - Bylaws, or copies may be pick up at the Town Office Monday thru Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm.
The Open House was held on March 1, 2023 at 6:00pm in the Town Council Chambers. Eighteen members from the public attended, along with representatives from the Town of Oyen, Palliser Regional Municipal Services and the Special Areas Board. A presentation was given by Palliser, then the floor was opened up to questions and comments from the public. Conversation was constructive and respectful. We would like to thank all of those who attended!
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Kindly contact Debbie Ross, CAO, at (403)664-3511 for further information.
Old Hotel Demolition
Funding Breakdown:
MSI Grant $398,000.00
On November 25th, 2005, the Hotel in Oyen started on fire. Since then, the property was handed to the Town of Oyen through Tax forfeiture. The town has been awarded the Municipal Sustainability Initiative Grant and directed towards the demolition of the condemned building and lot reclamation. This corner lot on main street is now available for purchase.
See Town Property for more information.
Oyen Railyard
The Oyen Railyard project has been developing over the past several years. The Canadian National Railway (CNR) has certified the Oyen Railyard "rail ready" (click here to view CNs document). This certification adds Economic Benefit to the Town of Oyen and area as it is now a desirable placement for industries to build/expand.
For more information, view the following documents or contact Doug Jones.
06/12/2020 - Notice of Annexation
Provincial Building Condo Agreement
Upgrades to roof, HVAC System, Windows
Funding Breakdown:
- Province: $509,000.00
- Condo reserves: $40,000.00
- Town MSI Grant: $121,040.00
= $671,000.00
Water Pump Station Upgrades
- PLC Upgrade
- Automated Reservoir Bypass
- Remote Monitoring SCADA
- Pump Station Temperature Monitoring
- Lift Station Monitoring
Funding Breakdown:
- Oyen Operating Budget: $120,000.00
