Red Deer Minute: Housing Starts, Chamber Advice, and Tax Increase Approved

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

This Week In Red Deer:

• This morning, at 10:00 am, there will be a meeting of the City Council Agenda Review Committee. On Tuesday, at 5:00 pm, there will be a meeting of the Housing and Homelessness Integration Committee. The meeting will begin with the election of a Chair and Vice-Chair, then discuss several items, including additional Reaching Home funding allocations and remaining 2024/25 funds.
  
  
• The Municipal Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday. No time or agenda is available for this meeting yet. Also on Wednesday, at 1:00 pm, there will be a meeting of the Audit Committee. The agenda includes a Year-End Financial Performance Summary as of September 30th, 2024, as well as a Cash Flow Forecast.
  
  
• The Festival of Trees is returning to Red Deer for its 31st year, running from November 29th to December 1st at Westerner Park. Hosted by the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, this year’s festival aims to raise funds for cardiac care equipment and resources at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, including bidding on up to 50 decorated trees, handcrafted wreaths, and silent auction items. Special events include the Festival of Wines & Spirits, Mistletoe Magic dinner and dance, and the Festival Pajama Breakfast. Tickets and details are available on the event’s official website.

Last Week In Red Deer:

• Council approved a 10.5% property tax increase. Despite intense debate and efforts to reduce an $18 million deficit, the motion passed by a 5-4 vote. Some Councillors expressed concerns about the impact of the tax hike on residents, while others highlighted the importance of focusing on maintaining assets and replenishing reserves. Notable items include reductions in parks maintenance and concrete rehabilitation, alongside increased funding for cultural initiatives like the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra. Stay tuned for our full analysis!
  
  
• The Red Deer District Chamber urged the City to reassess its financial priorities in light of a 10.5% tax increase and over 6% utility rate hike, which together place significant strain on businesses. Chamber CEO Scott Robinson expressed concerns about the impact on the local economy and emphasized the need for the City to identify core services and explore privatizing non-essential functions. The Chamber supported the City's decision to avoid using reserves for the 2024 budget but stressed the importance of finding cost efficiencies to prevent future steep tax hikes. Without changes in service delivery, they say Red Deer risks becoming less competitive and driving businesses elsewhere.
  
  
• Housing starts in Red Deer have surged by 93% from January to October 2024, reaching 327, up from 169 during the same period in 2023. This increase reflects a broader provincial trend, with Alberta's housing starts rising by 34% year-over-year. The Province attributes this growth to efforts aimed at reducing construction barriers, with support from initiatives like the Stop Housing Delays portal. Officials, including the CEO of BILD Alberta, continue to stress the importance of collaboration between industry and government to meet the growing demand for housing.

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