Alberta’s Special Areas is a unique rural municipal area covering approximately 2.1 million hectares in southeastern part of the province.  Special Areas No. 3 is a rural municipality with a number of hamlets, surrounds the Town of Oyen and has a strong agricultural economy, successful petroleum industry and a growing tourism industry.  Many small businesses flourish in the district and access the world using technology. Special Areas No. 3 encourages innovative ideas to enhance and facilitate a great business environment for residents and continues to build recreational opportunities throughout the area.  Special Areas No. 3 is:

• Supporting and facilitating the creation of wireless high-speed internet network available throughout the region.
• A member of SAMDA Economic Partnership which works in conjunction with the MD of Acadia No. 34, Village of Empress, Village of Cereal, and Town of Oyen to promote economic development for all of its members.
• A member of the Canadian Badlands Ltd. and Alberta’s Special Area.
• A member of the Henry Kroeger Regional Water Services Commission.

Special Areas No. 3 is located in southeastern Alberta and is governed by the Special Areas Board.  This rural municipality encompasses the communities of Benton, Cereal, Chinook, Esther,  Excel, Lanfine, Oyen, Sedalia, Sibbald, New Brigden and Youngstown. 

This unique municipality is located within the SAMDA (Special Areas and MD of Acadia No. 34) region and shares governance with Special Areas No. 2 and Special Areas No. 4