Red Deer Minute: Issue 235

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

📅 This Week In Red Deer: 📅

• On Tuesday, at 5:00 pm, there will be a City Council meeting. There will be a Public Hearing for residents to weigh in on a rezoning application for 6850 - 52 Avenue from Industrial Business Service (I-1) to Industrial Commercial (Mixed-Use) (I-C). The change would allow a broader range of compatible commercial uses while maintaining existing industrial activity in an area that has been gradually transitioning from light industrial to commercial since the early 2000s. Administration notes the proposal aligns with the Municipal Development Plan and the City’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, particularly goals around economic diversification and a thriving business community. Several nearby properties have already been rezoned to commercial or mixed-use designations, and no objections were received from surrounding landowners. The site’s access to Gaetz Avenue and its size and configuration were cited as making it suitable for mixed-use industrial and commercial development.
  
  
• The 2026 budget has been approved. Council adopted a 3.97% property tax increase, well below the 7.36% hike initially proposed by Administration.. Council reduced the operating budget to $482.6 million by identifying $4 million in staffing-related savings through anticipated vacancies and efficiency measures. Business groups welcomed the lower tax rate, mentioning the importance of year-over-year stability for investment planning. The budget includes targeted funding adjustments, such as increasing the Community Culture Development Fund, creating ongoing support for Tourism Red Deer, and allocating resources for crime prevention and downtown beautification. 
  
  
• Council has rejected three proposed fire department studies, citing uncertainty around a controversial staffing policy and upcoming ambulance contract negotiations with the Province. While a $125,000 emergency services operational review is already approved, Council voted against additional reviews examining EMS operations, a 10-year fire service plan, and the costs of adopting a new national fire services standard. Councillors argued it would be premature to pursue further studies before the operational review is completed and before ambulance negotiations begin in early 2026. The decision comes amid ongoing debate over Red Deer Emergency Services’ dynamic staffing model, which the firefighters’ union says risks public and worker safety. City Administration noted that ambulance contract talks with the Province add further uncertainty, as the current agreement expires next September and provincial intentions remain unclear. Council ultimately agreed the operational review should be completed first, with deeper studies reconsidered afterward if needed.
  
  
• The Red Deer Downtown Business Association (DBA) will wind down operations in early 2026 after its board concluded it can no longer operate sustainably under the funding available for next year. The organization relies almost entirely on the Business Improvement Area Levy, which Council reduced from $297,000 to $200,000 for 2026. Council also approved a $100,000 grant, but the DBA said the combined funding level would require significant staff cuts and sharply reduced programs, limiting its ability to provide meaningful support to downtown businesses. The board stated that operating at this level would undermine advocacy, events, marketing and coordinated downtown services. Without an approved path to implement the Greater Downtown Governance Committee’s recommendations, the Association determined it could not continue in good faith. Beginning January 1st, 2026, the City of Red Deer will assume responsibility for downtown support, coordination, events and stakeholder engagement as the DBA transitions out of service.
  
  
• The City of Red Deer has opened 17 outdoor rinks across the community following weeks of ice preparation and a recent cold snap. City officials say conditions are good enough for skating, though some rink edges remain thin or rough after a warmer-than-usual season. Hockey nets and lighting systems were activated at all listed locations as of December 12th, and helmet use is strongly recommended. Parks crews are continuing work on additional rinks, with more expected to open soon if weather allows. Residents are encouraged to skate with caution and check rink status updates online.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

Did you watch the budget proceedings?

Were you pleased with Council's attempt to keep increases under 5% or should they have done more?

Reply to this email and let us know!

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