This is a remarkable time for The City of Red Deer with strong growth continuing and exciting opportunities ahead. I am pleased to lead this vibrant and progressive community as together we move forward. On behalf of our citizens, welcome to our city. We invite you to enjoy the area's natural beauty, take part in our recreational opportunities and benefit from the many services and advantages that continue to draw people to our region.
Located midway between Alberta's two largest cities (Calgary and Edmonton), the Red Deer area continues to be one of the fastest growing markets in Canada. Low operating costs, advanced infrastructure, a young and educated workforce, as well as access to national and international transportation systems and a trade area of more than 200,000 people are just some of the factors that have fuelled Red Deer's strong and diversified economy. Key sectors include oil and gas, petrochemicals, agriculture, tourism and a number of broad-based services. (See The Red Deer Corridor…Canada's Economic Capital for more details.)
Over 85,000 citizens make Red Deer their home and enjoy the city's many amenities. These include extensive health services and advanced emergency and protective services. Our first-rate education system offers both public and private schooling opportunities, and Red Deer's acclaimed community college continues to provide numerous post-secondary options.
Along with metropolitan comforts, Red Deer offers a strong sense of community. In 2003, Red Deer was named a "Cultural Capital of Canada," a tribute to the community's support for local art, theatre, dance and symphony. Recreation and sports also characterize our community as citizens enjoy nearby lakes, Red Deer's parks and trails and more than 50 outdoor community skating rinks in the winter to name just a few. Special events, which range from the city's annual street festival to home games for Red Deer's Western Hockey League team, continue to bring our community together. (See Red Deer's Community Events Calendar for information on upcoming events.)
It is our people who have made this community great and it is our people who make me proud to serve as Mayor of The City of Red Deer. I invite you to further explore our Web site to discover all that we have to offer. The future is looking bright and we have only just begun!
Thank you for visiting,
Mayor Morris Flewwelling
