Olds, Alberta is a well-established, livable, and steadily growing town located in central Alberta. As a designated community under the Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream (RES), it offers a welcoming environment for immigrant entrepreneurs seeking to build a business and settle in a supportive rural setting.
Convenient transportation and easy commuting
Only 45–50 minutes to the north of Calgary, about 1 hour to downtown
A 35-minute drive to Red Deer
Direct access via Highway 2 (QEII), conveniently connecting to work, study, shopping, healthcare, and the airport
In Olds, you can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of a small town while easily accessing the resources of a major city. This is an ideal choice for new immigrants interested in investing in a business and obtaining Canadian immigration status through the RES program.
2. Olds College — Renowned Canadian College of Agriculture & Technology
One of Olds’ most significant advantages is being home to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology.
Key programs include:
* Smart Agriculture
* Animal Science & Farm Management
* Horticulture & Greenhouse Production
* Veterinary Technical Assistant (VTA)
* Brewmaster Program
* Agricultural Mechanics & Agri-Business Courses
The college attracts a substantial number of domestic and international students. This creates a youthful demographic, active local consumption, and a stable rental market, making the area particularly suitable for rental property investments.
3. Designated RES Rural Entrepreneur Immigration Community – Low Entry Barriers and Supportive Policies
Olds is an officially recognized community under Alberta’s Rural Entrepreneur Stream (RES) immigration program. This means:
-
New immigrants can purchase or establish a small business in Olds.
-
The required investment threshold is relatively low.
-
The local economy is diverse, offering options in hospitality, retail, services, or agriculture-related businesses.
-
The community welcomes immigrant entrepreneurs and offers well-established support resources.
-
For many Chinese entrepreneurs seeking to immigrate to Alberta, Olds is considered one of the most promising small towns to evaluate.
4.Mature Town with Comprehensive Amenities and a Comfortable Lifestyle
Olds has a population of approximately 9,500+ and offers all essential amenities:
-
Walmart, Canadian Tire, and a large shopping centre.
-
Medical clinics, family doctors, and dental offices.
-
A modern sports complex, swimming pool, and library.
-
Multiple schools (K–12).
-
A variety of restaurants, cafes, and small shops.
-
The pace of life is relaxed, making it highly suitable for families or those seeking a semi-retired lifestyle.
We now have a comprehensive overview of the town. Let’s explore a current commercial opportunity there.
1. Commercial Property for Sale – $925,000 CAD
Address: 5303 50 Avenue, Olds, AB T4H 1P4
Property Description:
This is a high-quality, income-generating commercial property located on a prime section of Olds’s main street. The single-story building, constructed in 1998, offers approximately 6,000 square feet of space.
The property is configured into four independent commercial bays.
-
Current Status: Three of the four bays are leased to tenants across diverse industries, providing stable rental income and mitigating investment risk.
-
Opportunity: One bay is currently available.
Investment Highlights:
-
Prime Main Street Location: High visibility and foot traffic.
-
Diversified & Stable Income: Multiple tenants reduce vacancy risk.
-
Turnkey Investment: Immediate cash flow from existing leases.
-
Modern Building: Well-maintained, late-1990s construction.
Suitable Business Types & Uses:
Given its flexible layout, good ceiling height, and prominent storefront, the 6,000 sq ft space is ideal for a wide range of businesses, including but not limited to:
1. Retail
-
Boutique / Specialty Retail Store
-
Convenience Store / Small Grocery
-
Pet Supply Store
-
Home Decor / Gift Shop
2. Service-Based Businesses
-
Hair Salon / Barbershop, Nail Salon
-
Massage Therapy / Spa
-
Mobile Phone / Computer Repair
-
Dry Cleaning Pick-up/Drop-off Point
3. Light Food Service (subject to permitting)
-
Cafe
-
Bubble Tea Shop
-
Ice Cream Parlor
-
Deli / Take-out Counter
Return on Investment Analysis:
1. Projected Annual Rental Income
-
Bay 1: $2,000/month
-
Bay 2: $1,800/month
-
Bay 3: $2,200/month
-
Bay 4 (Vacant): Projected rent of $1,800/month
Current Leased Annual Income:
($2,000 + $1,800 + $2,200) * 12 = $72,000/year
Potential Full Occupancy Annual Income:
($72,000 / 12 + $1,800) * 12 = $93,600/year
2. Estimated Annual Operating Expenses
Includes property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and a vacancy reserve.
Estimated range: $15,000 – $20,000/year
Using $18,000/year for calculation:
Net Operating Income (NOI) – Current:
$72,000 – $18,000 = $54,000/year
Net Operating Income (NOI) – Full Occupancy:
$93,600 – $18,000 = $75,600/year
3. Return on Investment (ROI) Example
Assuming a purchase price of $850,000:
Current ROI (Based on Leased Status):
$54,000 ÷ $850,000 ≈ 6.4%
Potential ROI (Upon Full Occupancy):
$75,600 ÷ $850,000 ≈ 8.9%
2. Liquor Store for Sale in Olds – Asking Price: $279,000 CAD
An exceptional investment opportunity! This is a well-established liquor store with years of stable operation and a loyal customer base. Located within a busy commercial plaza alongside complementary businesses, it benefits from consistent, shared foot traffic.
The store boasts an excellent location with easy access to a main road, ample parking, and proximity to mixed residential areas, the town center, and several hotels—ensuring a steady stream of customers year-round.
The interior is spacious and well-lit, featuring an open layout across approximately 3,000 square feet, allowing for potential expansion of product categories. All equipment and furnishings required for daily operations are included in the sale, enabling a smooth and rapid transition for the new owner.
Property Highlights:
-
Area: Approximately 3,000 square feet.
-
Monthly Rent: $5,250 CAD.
-
Operational History: Multiple years of stable operation with a mature local customer base.
-
Location: Situated within a well-positioned shopping center, benefiting from steady vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
-
Condition: Fully equipped and ready for immediate operation (turnkey business).
Note: Prospective buyers wishing to review financial statements or obtain further business details will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to protect the seller’s operational privacy.
3. Downtown Retail Property for Sale – Asking Price: $275,000 CAD
This 2,500-square-foot retail property is situated in a prime downtown location in Olds. It is currently leased to a well-established local business and benefits from exceptional street visibility, consistent foot traffic, and a strong community customer base. Whether for investment or owner-operation, this property presents a rare, high-value commercial opportunity in the heart of Olds.
Using This Property for RES Entrepreneur Immigration Feasibility
A 2,500 sq ft downtown retail unit like 4912 50 Avenue is highly suitable for the following entrepreneurial paths under the RES program:
Viable RES Business Directions (Officially Approved)
Virtually any business type is acceptable, provided it is not a prohibited business (such as a casino, tobacco store, pure property rental, or licensed professional firm).
-
Retail: Small specialty store (e.g., gifts, home goods, unique retail). Note: A standard convenience store or tobacco shop may not be accepted as the primary business.
-
Service-Based: Beauty salon, nail salon, massage therapy, mobile phone repair, print shop.
-
Food & Beverage: Café, dessert/bakery, bubble tea shop, light food service.
-
Health & Wellness: Small health treatment or wellness center.
-
Education: Interest-based training center, children’s learning center (non-vocational school).
-
Integrated Community Service: A multi-purpose neighborhood service shop.
Thank you for reviewing the excellent investment opportunities in the Town of Olds. If you are interested in any of the listed properties or would like to learn more about the application process, eligibility criteria, points system, and selection standards for the Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream (RES) immigration program, please feel free to contact us. We are here to provide professional consultation and assistance.