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September 22, 2005
(Red Deer, Alberta) – The City of Red Deer will take the next step in its industrial annexation process when it asks for Council's endorsement of the Notice of Intent to annex lands for industrial development at the September 26 Council meeting.
Council first endorsed moving forward with industrial annexation in March when it approved the 2004 City of Red Deer Growth Study which provides direction for where, when and how The City should develop land over the next 50 years to a population of 160,000. The Growth Study recommends that Red Deer’s short-term industrial growth be focused in the west.
"Our need for industrial land is becoming critical," said Bryon Jeffers, Director of Development Services, The City of Red Deer. "During the last 10 years, Red Deer has experienced significant population growth and economic development resulting in industrial land being absorbed much quicker than projected.”
Earlier this year, The City prepared a draft Notice of Intent to Annex and shared it with the Intermunicipal Affairs Committee and Red Deer County. The Notice of Intent outlines the specific area to be annexed as well as rationale, servicing details and the proposed public consultation process.
The City is proposing to annex eight quarter sections of land immediately west of Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Highway 2) and immediately south of Highway 11A. This area can be fully serviced by The City to provide a large inventory of serviced land for industrial development, bringing The City’s industrial reserve closer to the 20- to 30-year supply mandated by its Intermunicipal Development Plan. As annexation does not involve a change in land ownership, only a change in boundary, any lands annexed by The City remain under the ownership of private land owners.
Following Council’s endorsement, the official Notice of Intent will be sent to Red Deer County and the Municipal Government Board (MGB). Then further discussions with Red Deer County and a comprehensive public consultation process will occur. The City hopes to wrap up public consultation in November, with the final annexation application being filed with the MGB before Christmas. Ultimately, the MGB is responsible for approving the proposed annexation. Depending on whether a hearing is required, their final decision is anticipated by mid-2006.
“Our strong relationship and ongoing dialogue with Red Deer County remains critical as we move forward with the annexation to provide a continuing supply of serviced industrial land to the region,” said Jeffers. “While this annexation application focuses on our need for industrial land, we are also continuing to experience strong commercial and residential growth. Working together with the County to achieve mutually beneficial growth will continue to be one of our top priorities.”
Affected residents, landowners and agencies will be kept informed about the annexation process through direct mail outs and open houses. Information is also available in the Keeping you Informed section of The City Web site.
Q&A Background attached.
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For more information, please contact:
Howard Thompson Nancy Hackett
Land & Economic Development Manager Planner
The City of Red Deer Parkland Community Planning Services
403-342-8364 403-343-3394
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