A small village northeast of Calgary is trying to entice new residents to move to the community by offering land at discount prices.
Delia is home to about 200 residents and those who live there say they like living in the close-knit community and enjoy the fresh air that comes with a rural lifestyle.
“I love this big piece of property I have, I know it’s a lot of work for me but I enjoy doing it, I could spend days just doing my yard work that’s something I enjoy,” said Kathleen Pentony. “You can go away and leave your doors open, you don't have to worry about anything here in the little town and it has banks and it has restaurants and the school.”
Village officials want more city dwellers to move to the area so they are sweeting the real estate pot.
Residential lots usually go for up to $10,000 each but now those who are willing to relocate to the rural area can snap up the same land for just $10.
“We thought if we could offer people a place to build at a very reasonable price, it would be an incentive to come to town,” said resident Dennis Thordarson.
The village is tucked between Hanna and Drumheller and is celebrating its centennial this year.
Residents say it’s the perfect home-base for truckers, off-shore oil workers and anyone whose job takes them on the road and offers a safe, stable community to raise a family in.
“As far as we're concerned, if we get the people to move in, we win in a lot of ways, we get more people in town, we get a bigger tax base, our school grows. Lots of things can come from that,” said Mayor Dawn Bancroft. “What we’re finding is younger people are moving back with their families. They want to be closer to their roots and other people are looking for the small town feel and the safety that a small town offers.”
Delia also has a library, an arena and offers a popular curling camp in the summer.
The scenic settlement even attracted Hollywood to make a film there a few years ago but Mayor Bancroft says its people are its biggest asset.
“Kids can play in front of their house instead of the back of the house. Parents don't have to worry about them, they can ride their bikes anywhere. The quality of life is just so good because it's a little bit slower paced and you can just sit back and relax,” said the mayor.
The plan is to start with a few lots in the Highland Subdivision and the town says it has another 25 to 30 lots it can open up if all those sites sell out.
For more information on the village of Delia, click HERE.
(With files from Chris Epp)