Red Deer Minute: Empty Lots, Construction Season, and Taxi Discussion Tabled
Red Deer Minute: Empty Lots, Construction Season, and Taxi Discussion Tabled
Red Deer Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Red Deer politics
This Week In Red Deer:
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This morning, at 10:00 am, there will be a meeting of the Council Agenda Review Committee. The Committee will set the agenda for the May 13th Special Council Meeting and the May 13th Regular Council meeting. The Red Deer & District Family and Community Support Services Board will meet on Tuesday at 5:00 pm. The Committee will discuss allocating $52,130 in Emergent Funding for a fourth year of Reconnect Grants, which aim to establish connections and collaborations among diverse community-based groups and stakeholders. An agenda item entitled “Multi-Municipal Agreement Research” will be held in-camera (in secret) on the grounds that it could be “harmful to intergovernmental relations”.
- Construction season is here, and there are various projects underway, including major upgrades like the Grandview underground utility project and the 19 Street Improvement Project, as well as multi-year revitalization efforts in Riverside Meadows. Motorists and pedestrians should expect traffic pattern changes, road closures, and delays throughout the summer months due to these construction activities. Updates on specific projects and their impacts on traffic can be found on the City's website and the Traffic Disruptions Map.
- The vacant lots where the Buffalo Hotel and Club Cafe once stood are now available for booking as event spaces. Following community engagement, the City decided to repurpose the site temporarily for events while long-term redevelopment is being planned. Interested parties can apply for a Special Event Permit to utilize the space.
Last Week In Red Deer:
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The City has implemented voluntary outdoor water restrictions, marking the first stage of its water restrictions program. Residents are encouraged to limit lawn watering, use automatic car washes for vehicle cleaning, and fill water features only twice per week on designated days. Despite recent precipitation, the City is trying to remain proactive in preparing for drought conditions, including updating water restrictions, reviewing internal operations for water conservation, and signing water sharing agreements with the government and major water users in the region. More information about the City's response to drought can be found on their website. The City has also launched a rebate program for rain barrels, drought-tolerant plants, permeable mulch, and low-flow toilets. Full details are available online.
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Council tabled proposed updates to the Vehicles for Hire bylaw for further discussion. The City has historically imposed caps on taxi licenses, but Councillors are considering gradual increases to allow for more competition in the industry. Concerns were raised about what might happen if the cap is abruptly lifted, leading to a desire by Council for more information before making a final decision. In early April, taxi drivers protested outside City Hall concerned that too much competition would kill their businesses. Mayor Ken Johnston directed Administration to provide more insights by May 27th for further deliberation.
- Council agreed to the Central Alberta Humane Society’s request to defer two loan installments of $31,022 by one year. These payments were part of a $1-million loan provided by the City in 2007 for the construction of the Society's new facility, with approximately half of the loan already repaid. The Society, heavily reliant on community donations, has experienced a decline in adoptions and increased pet surrenders, leading to strained resources. Council encouraged community members to contribute through donations, attending fundraising events, or providing assistance such as pet foster homes and volunteering.
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