Red Deer Minute: Issue 226

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

📅 This Week In Red Deer: 📅

• Public safety and the City’s dynamic staffing policy were the main topics at a Red Deer Firefighters Association forum on October 10th. Candidates debated the policy, which was introduced as a cost-saving measure to address the City’s high overtime costs. Mayoral candidates had differing views: Lawrence Lee criticized the model, emphasizing frontline expertise, while Cindy Jefferies highlighted the budget pressures that led to its adoption. Victor Doerksen said the next Council must carefully review staffing during budget discussions, and Gareth Scott pledged to eliminate the model if elected, citing safety concerns. Several Council candidates, including Calvin Goulet-Jones and Jaelene Tweedle, also called for ending the dynamic staffing approach, stressing the need for adequate personnel to protect both firefighters and the public. The forum included a full slate of Council candidates, and the discussion can be viewed on the Association’s Facebook page.
  
  
• Central Alberta post-secondary leaders praised recommendations from an expert panel aimed at modernizing Alberta’s post-secondary funding. The panel’s 11 recommendations cover funding frameworks, tuition and student aid, international students, governance, institutional autonomy, and reducing red tape. Red Deer Polytechnic President Stuart Cullum highlighted that the proposed performance-based, per-student funding model - especially clustering programs by cost - would support high-cost programs like apprenticeships and applied research, areas where RDP has seen significant growth. Cullum noted the model also considers teaching quality, student experience, research, and community impact, aligning with RDP’s priorities. The panel suggested a phased implementation to allow a smooth transition, which RDP supports. Olds College president Debbie Thompson echoed the importance of recognizing teaching, research, and community-building as central to provincial investment in post-secondary education. 
  
  
• Residential development in Capstone is accelerating, with groundwork underway for a roughly 100-unit multi-storey complex near The Alex, a five-storey, 62-unit rental building. Abbey Platinum Master Builder is also progressing on a 64-unit stacked townhouse project. The City has issued a development permit for the new building and is preparing the site with reclamation and infrastructure work. Additional lots near the river are under negotiation for future residential projects, reflecting strong developer interest. The growth responds to local housing demand, where average single-family home prices are around $470,000, and aims to provide more affordable multi-family and townhouse options. As residential density increases, the City expects this to attract commercial development, creating a mixed-use neighbourhood with shops, restaurants, and other amenities. 
  
  
• Heritage Ranch in Red Deer is temporarily closed while the City finalizes an agreement with a new operator. Indoor amenities ceased operations on October 6th, following the termination of the previous operator’s contract, though all outdoor facilities such as trails, playgrounds, and the fishing pond remain open, with temporary washrooms available. The City launched a public procurement process in April to select a new operator, which closed in July, and discussions are ongoing to finalize the agreement. The ranch spans 217 acres and offers recreational areas, event venues, a restaurant, and a horse ranch. The City says that Heritage Ranch is a valuable community asset and will provide updates once a new operator is confirmed.
  
  
• The City of Red Deer shared seasonal tips for dealing with Box Elder bugs, which are appearing in large numbers as temperatures drop. These black-and-red insects seek warm, dry shelter and often cluster on homes, but they are harmless - they don’t bite, sting, or damage wood - and their presence is temporary. The City recommends sealing entry points, removing outdoor hiding spots like wood piles and leaf debris, and avoiding crushing them to prevent stains and odour. Pest control can provide exterior barrier treatments, but full eradication is difficult since the bugs are common on local trees. Most importantly, they won’t survive long indoors or reproduce there, so the best approach is to wait them out until winter ends. Essentially, they’re unwelcome but short-lived guests.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

Advance voting for the 2025 municipal elections runs from October 14th to 18th, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

You can find all of the times, locations, and additional voter information online:

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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