Red Deer Minute: Issue 202

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

📅 This Week In Red Deer: 📅

• On Tuesday, at 10:30 am, there will be a Special Meeting of City Council. On the agenda is the 2024 Annual Financial Report. The report highlights modest improvement despite ongoing fiscal challenges. Through expense management, the City performed better than its adjusted 2024 budget, though operating reserves still finished in a negative position. A planned 10.5% tax increase and $3 million in expense cuts are expected to stabilize finances in 2025. Major concerns include the City’s reserve levels, The Westerner’s precarious financial situation, and short-term liquidity issues, with only 51% of deferred revenue covered by cash and short-term investments. Capital spending exceeded projections by 24.8%, largely funded by internal reserves as capital grant revenue declined. On a positive note, the City's debt and debt service limits have improved slightly, falling to 47% and 29%, respectively.
  
  
• Council will also consider a Development Permit application from Safe Harbour for the continuation of an Emergency Shelter at 4-5239 53 Avenue (Cannery Row). The shelter, which provides services such as day and night sleeping, health assessments, and addiction support, has been operating since 2020 under temporary approvals. The proposed permit would extend its operation until May 1st, 2027, with conditions including site maintenance, security, and repairs to public property. Safe Harbour is also planning improvements to the site, including a new entrance, layout changes, and enhanced security.
  
  
• The Downtown Business Association (DBA) is advocating for a new funding model, expressing that the current levy-based system, in place for over 40 years, no longer meets the modern needs of the downtown economy. The DBA believes that the financial responsibility for promoting downtown should not rest solely on businesses within the Business Improvement Area (BIA), especially as the area's vibrancy extends beyond the BIA to hubs like Capstone and Railyards. Over the past three years, the DBA has pushed for a more equitable and sustainable model, including lobbying City Hall and advocating for better representation for businesses outside the BIA. On April 22nd, Council supported exploring alternative funding models and governance structures, including the potential disestablishment of the BIA.
  
  
• Council is reviewing regulations around backyard suites following an increase in applications, some of which have generated neighbourhood opposition due to large variances. Since the City's zoning bylaw overhaul in June 2024, which made housing options more flexible, 10 applications have been submitted. While six were approved without variances, others requested significant changes to size limits, leading to disputes and a few appeals. As a result, the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) has asked Council to re-evaluate regulations concerning height, lot size, and coverage, and to consider special rules for historic neighborhoods like Parkvale, Waskasoo, and Woodlea. Proposed amendments to the zoning regulations will be presented to Council by the end of September.
  
  
• Council unanimously approved a resolution that will be introduced at the Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) conference, urging the provincial government to advocate for municipal carbon tax exemptions. The resolution calls for the federal government to extend carbon tax rebates to municipalities and ensure they are exempt from future carbon taxes. In 2023, Red Deer faced a $1.5 million carbon tax bill, equating to a 1% tax increase, and the City hopes to secure retroactive rebates like those offered to individuals and small businesses. While the carbon tax has been temporarily suspended, the City is seeking clarity and long-term relief, emphasizing the financial strain carbon taxes place on municipalities despite their environmental leadership. The resolution will be discussed at the ABmunis conference in November.
  
  
• Council also approved the allocation of up to $4.3 million over the next three years in its capital budget to support the development of an Indigenous Cultures Centre. Although an initial $250,000 was previously approved for consultations and planning, it was returned unused due to delays, but momentum has since grown. The centre is envisioned as a space for preserving and promoting Indigenous culture, language, and traditions, while also supporting reconciliation efforts. Planned funding includes concept design work in 2025 and potential land acquisition and construction funding between 2026 and 2027.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

It’s Election Day! Voters from coast to coast are casting their ballots to decide who will form the next government. Make sure you take the opportunity to have your voice heard.

Need details on where to vote, what ID to bring, or who’s running in your riding? Visit the Elections Canada website for everything you need to know:

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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