Red Deer Minute: Closed Meetings, Swimming Attire, and Potential Public Art

Red Deer Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Red Deer politics

This Week In Red Deer:

• Today, City Council will meet at 9:30 am. The meeting will begin with a closed (secret) portion in which Council will discuss “Utilities Governance”. Once the meeting opens up to the public, Council will discuss its Diversity and Inclusion Plan, as well as a Community Development Grant Policy Update. Next, there will be another closed session to hear a verbal update on the permanent homeless shelter. The meeting will end with a Public Hearing regarding rezoning 3937 50 Street from residential to commercial use.
  
  
• On Tuesday, the Housing and Homelessness Fund Adjudication Sub-Committee will meet at 5:00 pm. The entire meeting will be held in-camera (in secret) as they discuss funding decisions related to housing and homelessness supports.
  
  
• The Public Art Commission will meet on Wednesday at 5:00 pm. The Commission will discuss putting out an expression of interest for an art piece on the big gray wall just inside City Hall, as well as the relocation of the vandalized brick rabbit downtown to the north entrance of the Dawe Centre. Then, the Commission will head into a closed meeting (apparently, the theme of this week) and discuss some Taylor Bridge Murals.

Last Week In Red Deer:

• It was announced that Centennial Park won’t see any changes or upgrades until 2024. The wading pool has been empty since 2015 when people complained that it was being used as a bath by homeless people. This remains prime downtown land that currently serves no purpose, so it seems a shame to let it sit so long.
  
  
• The Red Deer Regional Airport received some national attention as the expansion is well under way. The first phase is set to be complete in the coming months, and the second phase will start this fall. The hope is that the airport can become a significant economic driver for the region.
  
  
• Changes to permitted swimming attire at Red Deer pools were announced, with the rationale of aligning with the Alberta Human Rights Act. Swim tops will now be optional for all swimmers, regardless of gender. The new guidelines also clarify the safety rules for people who wish to cover up more, noting that full-coverage attire must be suitable for general participation in aquatics and must not impair swimming skills. Swim bottoms are still required for all.

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