Red Deer Minute: Upcoming Event, Local Documentary, and the Aquatic Centre Project

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

This Week In Red Deer:

• There will be a City Council meeting this morning at 10:30 am. The meeting begins with an in-camera (secret) session, during which time Council will receive an update on procuring an Integrity Commissioner. During the public portion of the meeting, Council will receive an update on the Multi-Use Aquatics Centre Project - specifically when the project could fit into the capital plan. (See below for more information!). Council will also receive a report on potential Waste to Energy Technology before giving second and third reading to an updated traffic bylaw which aims to add the new parking app. The meeting wraps up with a Public Hearing to discuss rezoning land in the Evergreen neighbourhood for new residential development.
  
  
• On Wednesday, at 1:00 pm, the Audit Committee will meet. The Committee will receive the July Operating Variance Report and the Electric Utility Revenue Variance and Situation Assessment before going into a closed session to discuss a legal matter.
  
  
• The Can’t Stop Alberta Tour is coming to Red Deer on Tuesday. The Common Sense Red Deer team will be joining the Alberta Institute for a fun evening at Westerner Park. We’ll be discussing some important, topical issues in provincial and municipal politics. You can RSVP by clicking here, and view the list of other events online. Hope to see you there!

Last Week In Red Deer:

• Red Deer Minor Hockey has altered its primary logo, which features an Indigenous Chief in a ceremonial headdress. Logo changes were made in consultation with Indigenous leaders in order to more accurately depict an Indigenous Chief of Treaty 6 and Treaty 7. The changes aim to make the logo more authentic and respectful while reaffirming the relationship with the Indigenous community. Chief Wilton Littlechild called it a “great act of reconciliation”. The team will also incorporate a land acknowledgment into their games going forward.
  
  
• City Administration has finished its report on the Aquatic Centre project. The short version - there’s no money for it. The longer version is that in 2021, Council set aside $6 million for a detailed design plan for the centre. Now, the proposed site for the facility, on what was the Michener Centre North land, could be sold to the City next year, and the design phase could begin as soon as the land is purchased. But, due to budget constraints, the $107 million project may not proceed until 2033. Council's self-imposed debt limit and reduced opportunities for provincial grants have hindered the project's timeline, but costs could change significantly if construction cannot commence within a decade. The net operating deficit for the Aquatic Centre is projected to be $3.7 million annually, requiring a tax increase of just over 2.5% to cover.
  
  
• A local journalist has released a documentary entitled ‘The Currency of Contribution’, highlighting Red Deer’s strong sense of community. Alessia Proietti moved to Red Deer two years ago and was struck by the stark difference between the city and her hometown of Montreal. Red Deer’s service clubs and their fundraising efforts made an impression on the filmmaker, and her aim was to showcase this spirit.  She hopes the film will offer insights into Red Deer's positive aspects and inspire others to make a difference in their communities. The six-part docuseries can be viewed on YouTube.

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