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June 5, 2007
(Red Deer , Alberta) – A revised Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) received first reading at both The City of Red Deer and Red Deer County Council meetings today. The revised IDP provides enough land for The City to accommodate more than 300,000 people, a need identified in Future Directions: Red Deer at 300,000, while maintaining Red Deer County’s own growth area south of the city.
This revised IDP sets out proposed growth areas adjacent to the boundaries of The City of Red Deer and within The County and reflects the intent of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March, 2007 between the two municipalities.
Before each council adopts the revised IDP, future steps include open houses and a public hearing. The Open Houses and a public hearing are scheduled for the following dates at the Red Deer County Centre (38106 Range Road 275, Red Deer County)
Open Houses
Wednesday, June 20 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Thursday, July 5 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Detailed information and municipal staff will be available at the open houses to answer questions.
Public Hearing
Thursday July 5 4:00 pm
At this public hearing, The City Council and County Council will hear from any person claiming to be affected by the IDP.
“Both The City and The County are committed to public consultation throughout the process,” said Mayor Morris Flewwelling, The City of Red Deer. “This revised IDP shows the commitment both The City and County have to developing good solutions for the benefit of our respective municipalities and the Central Alberta region and we want to give ample opportunity for our respective publics to provide input.”
Reeve Earl Kinsella, Red Deer County, agreed, “Now that we have a revised IDP, it’s important to receive feedback from our residents and stakeholders, while demonstrating how our joint planning efforts allow us to establish patterns of land use benefiting both municipalities and supporting appropriate growth and development. It is allowing us to plan for a much broader, long term strategy for future County and City growth.”
Individuals can put forward a letter or petition for The City and County Council agendas if submitted to the Legislative & Administrative Services Manager of either The City or County by June 26, 2007. Alternatively, a letter, petition or verbal submission can be put forward at the public hearing. Any submission will be public information.
“This revised IDP represents the first step towards a shared alternative of the individual work of the two municipalities over the past few years,” added Reeve Kinsella. “It represents significant cooperation between the two Councils and municipalities to forge a strong relationship with a strong commitment to the future of the respective municipalities as well as for Central Alberta.”
Mayor Flewwelling explained that after further discussions between the two municipalities, it was agreed that Gasoline Alley would remain as a County growth area. “With cooperative planning, a defined population and growth area as well as a better understanding of The County’s plans, it is understood that Gasoline Alley can become a unique area of the greater Red Deer region,” said Flewwelling. “The revised IDP positions The City and County as being strategically and fiscally responsible in planning for the future together.”
Both Red Deer County and The City of Red Deer agree that a strong relationship and ongoing dialogue remains critical as they move forward with planning for each municipality. They are committed to make this a top priority to ensure the region is investment ready.
The revised IDP and the Memorandum of Agreement can be viewed by the public at the City’s Legislative & Administrative Services Department or at the Red Deer County Office during regular office hours or online at www.reddeer.ca or www.reddeercounty.ab.ca.
Backgrounder attached as well as a  copy of the revised IDP.
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For more information, please contact:
Morris Flewwelling Craig Curtis
Mayor City Manager
The City of Red Deer The City of Red Deer
403-342-8154 403-342-8156
Earl Kinsella Ric Henderson
Reeve Acting County Manager
Red Deer County Red Deer County
403-350-2150 403-350-2150
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