Red Deer Minute: Issue 209

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

📅 This Week In Red Deer: 📅

• The City of Red Deer and Red Deer County Councils will hold a joint public hearing this afternoon at 3:00 pm to discuss a new Intermunicipal Development Plan. The Plan was informed by public engagement done in 2024. Key themes from the community included strong support for protecting agricultural lands, river valleys, and natural areas, along with a focus on sustainable, long-term growth to prevent urban sprawl. Residents emphasized the need for coordinated economic development and infrastructure, including improved transportation options like ring roads and pedestrian connectivity. Concerns were raised about maintaining Red Deer’s small-city feel and thoughtfully managing urban expansion. Following the hearing, the Councils will consider the bylaw at their regular meetings in early July.
  
  
• Council overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to offer free downtown parking for seniors, voting 7-1 against it. The motion was introduced due to concerns that some seniors struggle with the HotSpot parking payment system, which has reportedly discouraged them from visiting downtown shops. While Council agreed unanimously to receive annual financial and performance reports on parking starting in late 2025, they declined to form a committee for a Strategic Downtown Parking Plan, preferring to wait for the report. Supporters of free parking argued it would show appreciation for seniors and encourage their return to downtown. However, opponents, including Councillor Kraymer Barnstable, felt the proposal was unfair and bordered on ageism, noting many seniors are comfortable with technology.
  
  
• The City is adjusting its mowing program in 2025 to increase the frequency of mowing in key visible areas, despite earlier budget cuts. The municipal budget reduced Parks and Public Works funding by nearly $1 million, with $268,000 specifically cut from parks, turf, trees, and trails, which initially led to expectations of less frequent mowing. However, the City is reallocating funds from other operational savings to enhance mowing in high-visibility locations like berms. City Manager Tara Lodewyk emphasized the need for flexibility in delivering services within financial limits while responding to seasonal and operational realities. Mowing crews have already started focusing on priority areas.
  
  
• Residents of Red Deer’s historic neighbourhoods gathered in large numbers to voice concerns about proposed zoning changes that would allow more secondary suites and up to four housing units per lot without rezoning or public input. Many urged limits on the size and height of backyard suites, fearing that large, multi-unit developments could alter the character of their communities. Some attendees supported requiring property owners to live on-site where garden suites are built. While the four-unit-as-of-right rule aims to increase housing density and secure federal funding, many residents worry it will enable unchecked development by builders. Criticism also focused on the City’s lack of detailed information and the feeling that public feedback had already been overlooked. Upcoming open houses aim to further gather community input on these housing changes and the associated Housing Affordability Fund conditions. (More info in this week’s Action Item!).
  
  
• TELUS will invest $8 million in Red Deer this year as part of a $13.5-billion province-wide initiative to expand network infrastructure across Alberta. The 2025 investment includes upgrades to both wireless and wireline services, replacing older copper lines with fibre, and supporting local community programs. This builds on a previously announced $10-million commitment to wireless services in Red Deer over three years. Part of that total is included in the new $8-million figure. City officials welcomed the announcement, calling reliable connectivity essential for growth, business, and daily life. The wider provincial plan includes bringing fibre to more homes and businesses, enhancing 5G and LTE at dozens of sites, and expanding charitable grants. Since 2018, local Telus programs have already contributed over $7.6 million to youth-focused causes. Projects will continue through 2029, aiming to boost both urban and rural infrastructure across Alberta.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

The City is preparing to hold two community meetings to gather public input on a proposed affordable housing initiative and potential changes to the Zoning Bylaw. 

The initiative involves using a $12 million federal Housing Accelerator Fund grant, which requires zoning changes to allow up to four housing units per lot without needing rezoning or public consultation.

The engagement sessions are being held in the Heartland Room at Westerner Park on June 17th and 19th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and you can RSVP at the link below:

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

This week's sponsor is you! We don't have big corporate backers, so if you like what you're reading, please consider making a donation or signing up as a monthly member.

Having said that, if you are a local business and are interested in being a sponsor, send us an email and we'll talk!