Red Deer Minute: Federal Election, Mayoral Address, and a New Downtown Committee

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

This Week In Red Deer:

• On Tuesday, at 10:00 am, there will be a meeting of the City Council Agenda Review Committee Meeting. The Committee will set the agenda for the February 20th Committee of the Whole Meeting and the February 24th Regular Council Meeting.
  
  
• The Municipal Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday at 9:00 am. The agenda includes a Development Permit Consideration for 4613 46 Street. Also on Wednesday, the Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee will meet. No time or agenda is available yet.
  
  
• The Committee of the Whole will meet on Thursday. No time has been made available yet. The agenda will be available after the Agenda Review Committee sets it. (See above).

Last Week In Red Deer:

• Three candidates have emerged to replace Earl Dreeshen as the Conservative candidate for the new Red Deer riding: Mike Yargeau, Burton Bailey, and Nicole Buchanan. Yargeau, the current mayor of Penhold, has deep roots in Conservative politics and emphasizes the need for strong voices in the community. Bailey, a local businessperson and assistant to MLA Adriana LaGrange, is focused on affordable housing and changes to Canada’s Health Act. Buchanan, a long-time police officer, is motivated by personal experience with the opioid crisis and is committed to building safer, thriving communities. Nominations are open until February 25th.
  
  
• In his final State of the City address, Red Deer Mayor Ken Johnston discussed the City's financial challenges, particularly the unsustainable nature of this year’s double-digit tax and utility increases. He acknowledged the need for balanced growth, with a focus on promoting economic development and evaluating the City's role in areas like housing and parking. Johnston highlighted the city's affordability and the positive signs of growth, including a surge in building permits and housing developments. He also emphasized the importance of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre as an economic driver and discussed potential plans for a law school to address the city’s legal brain drain.
  
  
• A new Downtown Governance Collaboration Committee has been formed to support the broader downtown area, including Capstone, Railyards, Parkvale, and Historic Downtown. The Committee aims to improve coordination, leadership, and sustainable funding for the needs of businesses, residents, and the community. The group includes members such as business owners from different neighbourhoods, residents, and representatives from local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Board. The Committee will address immediate issues, such as crime, while also discussing long-term goals for the downtown's future. An update will be presented to Council in the coming months.

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