Red Deer Minute: Issue 213

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

📅 This Week In Red Deer: 📅

• The Alberta Government’s Alberta Next Panel begins this week, with a sold-out event in Red Deer on July 15th. The meeting will take place at the Marquis Room in Westerner Park (4847A 19 Street, Red Deer, AB, T4R 2N7) from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with doors opening at 5:00 pm. Although tickets are sold out, overflow seating will be available, and attendees without tickets may still get into the main room on a first-come-first-served basis if space allows. Premier Danielle Smith says the initiative is aimed at addressing frustration with federal policies and exploring options like a provincial pension plan and police force.
  
  
• Plans to widen Highway 2 near Red Deer could impact a section of Maskepetoon Park, including some wetlands and trees, as well as a small portion of Heritage Ranch. The project proposes expanding the highway to six or eight lanes, with the most complex section involving realignment and new bridge construction over the Red Deer River. Alberta Transportation says the changes will improve safety, reduce congestion, and require less maintenance. To offset environmental impacts, a former gravel pit will be converted into a natural area with ponds and wetlands. A public information session is scheduled for July 15th at 7:00 pm at the iHOTEL & Conference Centre. The project design is ongoing and expected to be complete by 2027, though construction near Maskepetoon Park likely won’t begin until 2027 - 2031. 
  
  
• A federal affordable housing initiative in Red Deer remains controversial, with residents of Parkvale, Waskasoo, and Woodlea raising concerns about its impact on historic neighbourhoods. The City was approved for a $12-million grant through the Housing Accelerator Fund, but critics argue that the City has failed to properly inform the public. Fears are growing over provisions like “four-units-as-of-right,” which would allow up to four units on a single lot without rezoning or public consultation. Community associations worry this will lead to overdevelopment and the erosion of local character. A town hall has been scheduled for July 23rd at Festival Hall to discuss the program and its conditions. City staff say developments must still meet existing rules on height, parking, and setbacks, and that the City is not obligated to fund the additional $18-million portion of its original grant application. Council will hold a public hearing before deciding whether to accept the grant.
  
  
• According to Mayor Ken Johnston, Red Deer’s downtown revitalization could receive a significant financial boost if local residents spend just $5 weekly in the area, which would potentially generate $10 million annually. The Greater Downtown Governance Committee has proposed an initiative focused on creating a distinct neighbourhood identity, attracting investment, promoting activities, improving safety, and addressing parking challenges. The Committee recommends reducing red tape, offering incentives for businesses, and enhancing community events to draw more visitors downtown. Johnston emphasized that concerns about crime are exaggerated and highlighted the need to adapt to changes in shopping habits influenced by technology and the pandemic. The initiative also aims to make downtown more pedestrian-friendly with clearer signage. An implementation plan with detailed recommendations and funding requests will be presented to Council in March 2026. The Committee is a collaboration between the City and the Downtown Business Association.
  
  
• The City of Red Deer and Red Deer County have adopted a new Intermunicipal Development Plan, replacing the version last updated in 2007. Local leaders say the renewed plan sets a modern path for coordinated growth and stronger collaboration between the two municipalities. Mayor Ken Johnston called it a clear commitment to working together with trust and mutual respect, while Red Deer County Mayor Jim Wood says the plan balances land use, development, and environmental care, respecting each community’s unique character. Developed over three years by the Regional Collaboration Committee and municipal staff, the plan also includes input from residents, businesses, and Indigenous communities. It sets out joint goals for land use, transportation, economic development, and environmental stewardship. Both municipalities say this marks a major step toward building resilient communities that can grow sustainably, together. The full plan is available online.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

The federal Housing Accelerator Fund has provided $12 million to help speed up homebuilding, with a condition that zoning rules may change to allow up to four housing units on most residential lots. 

Community input is being sought to help shape how these changes might happen in Red Deer.

Residents can share their views through the City’s survey, which closes on July 18th.

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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