Red Deer Minute: More Physicians, Local Businesses, and Utility Governance Considered

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

This Week In Red Deer:

• This morning, at 10:30 am, there will be a meeting of City Council. The meeting begins with a closed session to discuss Utilities Governance, before opening up to the public at approximately 1:00 pm. There will also be a public discussion on future plans for the City's electric utility, including the potential creation of a Municipally Controlled Corporation (MCC). Council will consider three options - continuing the utility as a City department, establishing an MCC, or selling the utility. There will also be a Public Hearing at 5:00 pm to discuss amendments to the Zoning Bylaw.
  
  
• Red Deerians are questioning the role of their City government. Despite rising property taxes, complaints about core services like snow removal, pothole repairs, and basic maintenance persist. That's why we started a petition calling for City Hall to prioritize essential services, such as water, sanitation, and roads, which form the backbone of a functional city. Resources should be focused on these necessities, and all non-essential projects that do not benefit the majority of residents should immediately cease. If you agree, sign the petition today demanding that City Hall accept that Red Deer Must Get Back To Basics.
  
  
• To address food insecurity, Hope Mission Red Deer is running a summer lunch program for students. This initiative aims to support 70% of Red Deer schools with food for children when school-based supports are unavailable during the summer. Free bagged lunches are distributed to students and their families from Monday to Friday, between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm at Aspen Heights Elementary playground. The program is funded by community donations, with $2.70 providing a healthy meal and care for a student. Should you be so inclined, donations can be made online.

Last Week In Red Deer:

• The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta reported a notable increase in the number of physicians in Red Deer, with a net gain of 37 physicians from Q2 2023 to Q2 2024, raising the total to 360. The central Alberta zone also experienced growth, with specialists increasing to 617 from 574, and non-specialists rising to 231 from 215. Alberta's physician count grew by nearly 500, reaching a record 11,756, marking a 4.4% increase from the previous year. Recruitment efforts are ongoing to expand medical school spaces, residency positions, and training for international graduates.
  
  
• Paint of Interest was named the winner of the 2024 Saddle Up and Decorate Best Dressed Business competition for Westerner Days. The business impressed judges with its detailed and imaginative decorations, including historical scenes on its windows and a themed photo booth inside. Owner Shelly Buckland, along with her sister Kim Weber, dedicated over a week to creating the display, which highlighted Red Deer's heritage and the Westerner Exposition Association's history. The business won tickets to Westerner Days events, including a VIP reception and a Sawyer Brown concert.
  
  
• Speaking of winning awards, local business Bestea Chill Out Cafe celebrated a successful year at the Calgary Stampede, where it won both the Best International Food Award and the Best Beverage Award for the second consecutive year. The cafe, which first garnered attention in 2023, became a hit with visitors and has continued to attract loyal customers despite relocating within the Stampede grounds. Since starting at Westerner Days in 2021, Bestea has expanded its festival presence and plans to open a new branch in Edmonton while participating in various events throughout the summer.

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Common Sense Red Deer doesn't accept any government funding and never will. We think you should be free to choose, for yourself, which organizations to support. If you're in a position to contribute financially, you can make a donation here.

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