|
As early as 2000, The City began conducting a series of servicing and viability studies to determine the best locations for future industrial development. In addition to assessing servicing options, issues, and costs, the various studies also looked at the economic and growth impact industrial land development would have on the region. The results of all of this research was reviewed and amalgamated in the 2004 City of Red Deer Growth Study. It updated projections established in the 2000 City of Red Deer Growth Study, adjusting the vision and proposed direction for future growth and development within the city based on a future population level of 160,000.
During the last 10 years, the city has experienced significant population growth and economic development. The 10-year population growth rate is at 32 per cent and manufacturing jobs increased by 37 per cent between 2000 and 2004. This unprecedented growth far exceeds previous averages and has led industrial land to be absorbed much faster than anticipated:183 hectares of industrial land have been absorbed and developed since 1995. The 2004 City of Red Deer Growth Study determined there is less than a one-year supply of industrial land available within the city.
To meet the continuing supply for serviced industrial land, The City of Red Deer submitted an industrial annexation report to the Municipal Government Board at the end of December 2006. The City's application included a proposal to annex approximately 520 hectares or eight quarter sections of industrial land that lie west of the Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Highway 2) and south of Highway 11A from Red Deer County.
On November 28, 2007, the annexation application submitted by The City of Red Deer was approved by the provincial cabinet, effective November 1, 2007.
The following position statements provide more detailed background on the impact of industrial annexation on The City:
 Economic Benefits
Access and Services
Assessment and Taxation
City as a Developer
Future Development
| 
