Red Deer Minute: DBA Budget, Shelter Extension, and Zoning Bylaw Feedback

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

This Week In Red Deer:

• The Council Agenda Review Committee will meet this morning at 10:00 am to draft the agenda for the December 16th meeting of Council.
  
  
• On Wednesday, at 9:00 am, the Municipal Planning Commission will meet. The Committee will consider a development permit for 4309 45A Avenue. Also on Wednesday, at 5:00 pm, the Public Art Commission will meet. Much of the meeting will be held in-camera, out of the public eye.
  
  
• The Red Deer Christmas Light Tour is back, offering a festive drive through the city's best holiday displays. This year’s route is shorter, lasting about 90 minutes, but still features many of the top highlights. The tour, a tradition for co-organizer Jim Elliott and his son, A.J., covers popular areas like City Hall, Glendale, and Oriole Park. Despite the shortened route, Elliott assures that the displays are impressive and sure to bring holiday cheer. Full directions are on the Red Deer Community Events website.

Last Week In Red Deer:

• The City said it is seeking public feedback on the latest proposed changes to the Zoning Bylaw, aiming to simplify the document and improve the approval process for applicants. The update will allow for more uses in each zone, reduce red tape, and clarify complex regulations. This second phase focuses on areas like parks, natural spaces, and public service zones, which will now be divided into specific categories for clearer guidance. While the proposed changes are still in draft form, City officials plan to incorporate public input before presenting them to Council in late 2025. Public comments will be collected until January 6th. For more information, and to submit comments, take a look at this link.
  
  
• Council approved zoning bylaw amendments to extend the operation of Safe Harbour Society's temporary shelter until May 2027. This decision allows for the continued use of the site and the addition of a warming space, but removes permission for a supervised consumption site at a nearby location. While some community members, including local business owners, voiced concerns about the shelter's location, others supported the changes, emphasizing the need for services to support vulnerable individuals. Safe Harbour Society plans to further expand its programs over the next two years.
  
  
• Council approved the Downtown Business Association's (DBA) 2025 budget, which includes a 7%  levy increase for businesses. The increase, totalling $19,275, brings the levy to $297,000 and will fund the Business Improvement Area (BIA). The Executive Director of the DBA highlighted the introduction of a downtown Red Deer gift card as a key initiative to boost local revenue. Despite the tough economic outlook, the DBA remains optimistic about the downtown area.

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