Remote country properties in the RM of Piney have, to many peoples' surprise, become attractive real-estate since COVID-19 first hit the province.

Piney Chief Administrative Officer Martin Van Osch says his municipality has sold an unprecedented number of properties in the past few months, and he feels this new trend is directly related to the ongoing pandemic.

“We’ve seen an increased interest in residential lots out here in Piney,” he comments. “Our municipality has a lot to offer and I think in these times people are realizing how fortunate we are to live in this beautiful area.”

As provincial social-distancing recommendations continue to popularize simple pass-times like gardening and nature walks, Van Osch expects Piney’s allure will only grow.

“COVID-19 is certainly a catalyst for generating interest in the rural lifestyle,” he says.

As a result of their land’s sudden appeal, Piney Council has expedited the development of two neighborhoods already planned in the region. He says the paperwork for a 121 acre, 40 lot subdivision in Sandilands should be finished by fall, meanwhile, the initial construction of a 130 acre, 49 lot subdivision in Woodridge has already begun.

Van Osch admits that both developments have been in the works for several years now, but says Piney’s newfound celebrity seems to have stimulated progress.