The Town of Rocky Mountain House & Clearwater County
Housing Needs Assessments
Read the overall snapshot of housing for both communities below!
Planning for the Future of Housing
The Town of Rocky Mountain House and Clearwater County are working together to better understand current and future housing needs across the region.
While the Town of Rocky Mountain House is undertaking a comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment to examine housing needs for residents of all ages and household types, Clearwater County is focusing specifically on a Seniors Housing Needs Assessment. This targeted approach recognizes that many County seniors rely on Rocky Mountain House for housing, healthcare, and other essential services, making the two studies closely interconnected. Understanding the unique housing needs of seniors within the County, alongside broader regional housing trends, will help identify opportunities to better support aging in place and strengthen the region’s overall housing system.
Together, this project will help identify housing challenges, opportunities, and priorities to ensure residents have access to safe, affordable, and suitable housing options now and into the future. The findings will help guide future planning, attract investment, strengthen grant applications, and support long-term decision-making.
Why Do We Need Housing Needs Assessments?
Communities across Alberta are experiencing increasing housing pressures, and Rocky Mountain House and Clearwater County are no exception.
Population growth, changing demographics, and an aging population are creating new demands on the housing market. Residents are looking for more housing choices that support different stages of life, from young families entering the market to seniors wishing to remain close to their communities and support networks.
By understanding these needs today, we can proactively plan for the future and build stronger, more resilient communities.
Some of the challenges we want to understand include:
- Limited rental availability and increasing demand for housing
- Fewer options for young families, workers, and newcomers
- A growing need for accessible and age-friendly housing
- Seniors requiring more options to age in place
- Aging housing stock in need of renewal or replacement
- The need to balance growth while protecting agricultural land
What is a Housing Needs Assessment?
A Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) is a study that takes a clear, evidence-based look at the housing situation in a community. It answers questions like:
Who lives here today, and who will live here in the next 5 to 10 years?
What types of housing are available and what types are missing?
Are homes affordable for the people who live and work in our community?
Are seniors able to age in place with the right supports?
Where are the gaps in the housing continuum, from emergency shelter through to home ownership?
Our Goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Why get involved?
Data tells us what is happening, your experiences tell us why. Whether you’re a renter, a young family, a senior, or an employer, your voice helps shape recommendations that reflect what our community really needs.
Why is Clearwater County only completing a Housing Needs Assessment for Seniors?
Each community faces different pressures. Rocky Mountain House needs a broad look at housing for all ages, while the County’s most urgent challenge is seniors housing. Many County seniors, including those in Caroline, Leslieville, and rural areas, rely on Rocky Mountain House for housing, healthcare, and support services. Focusing the County’s study on seniors lets us dig deeper into those needs while connecting seamlessly with the Town’s broader work.
Why is this project including two different communities?
The Town of Rocky Mountain House and Clearwater County share more than a border, they share a housing system. Residents move between the Town and County to live, work, and access services. Because housing decisions in one directly affect the other, studying them together leads to better planning, coordinated investment, and stronger grant applications.
What can I expect to see happen with these reports after this project is complete?
These reports aren’t meant to sit on a shelf. Once complete, the findings will be shared publicly and used to guide planning decisions, attract investment, strengthen funding applications, and support Council and community partners. You’ll also see a summary of what we heard and how your feedback shaped the final recommendations.