Red Deer Minute: Land Bylaws, Hospital Improvements, and a Non Profit Centre

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

This Week In Red Deer:

• The Audit Committee will meet on Wednesday at 1:00 pm. The Committee will receive the Accounts Receivable 2022 Annual Report showing that 2022 presented no major issue and no material or significant accounts of concern. The Committee will also review the City’s existing Reserve Policy - it has not had a revision since 2013. Administration is recommending a proposed update to the names on certain accounts so they can be consistent in reporting. Finally, there will be a closed session to discuss a financial matter and a legal matter.
  
  
• With warmer weather on the way, all of the outdoor rinks will be closed as of today. The Ice Oval at Setters Place will be closed as of Wednesday. Hopefully this is a sign of many wonderful spring days ahead!
  
  
• Friday is St. Patrick’s Day and there are a number of events going on around the city. There will be live music and free hot chocolate downtown on the Ross Street Patio from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, as well as concerts at The Vat and Bo’s Bar and Stage. 

Last Week In Red Deer:

• City Council spent some time discussing the Land Use Bylaw Review Project. The Project got started in 2021 with the aims of simplifying regulations, reducing red tape, providing affordable housing options, and allowing more flexibility for planning in terms of secondary suites and options for tiny homes within the city. Regulations were last reviewed and updated in 1996. An online survey option is available for residents who wish to provide feedback.
  
  
• Youth HQ announced a move into the Professional Building (across the street from City Hall) to establish the Center for Social Impact. The Centre will provide non-profits with access to a centrally located building with reduced rent, provide more opportunity for collaboration with other social services, and allow for efficiency in for organizations by the sharing of resources like IT. The property was donated by Maclab Properties Group having previously been used by the City.
  
  
• Alberta Health Services announced some changes at Red Deer hospital to boost efficiency and reduce strain on hospital staff, including creating specialized units, building a specialty program for outpatients, increasing day surgeries, adding additional ICU beds, and recruiting more support staff, anesthesiologists, and surgeons. However, frontline health workers at the hospital are demanding a comprehensive transition plan before the expansion is complete.

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