Heritage Ranch Update

Update: The City of Red Deer and the current Heritage Ranch operator have reached a compromise that enables operations to continue through October 6, 2025. Heritage Ranch will comply with key conditions outlined in the contract, which will ensure continuity of service and allows planned events and activities to proceed as scheduled. 

What’s Next

Over the next several months, Heritage Ranch will remain operational through October 6, including:

  • Restaurant service
  • All existing bookings for weddings, anniversaries, corporate events, and community gatherings
  • Trail rides and horse experiences
  • Carriage rides and date night offerings
  • Ongoing care and presence of livestock at the site
  • Public access to trails, green spaces, and park areas

As always, The City remains committed to ensuring public amenities are managed in the best interest of the community.

The City continues to seek an operator through an open Request for Proposals (RFP) process, which closes on July 11, 2025. Following the evaluation of submissions, a new contract will be negotiated in accordance with the procurement process, with a transition to the selected operator planned after October 6, 2025.

A Request for Proposals (RFP) remains active until July 11, 2025.

View the Heritage Ranch - Park Operations RFP on Bids and Tenders. 

Frequently Asked Questions - Heritage Ranch Transition

Why is there now an extension to the contract for the current operator at Heritage Ranch?

The City of Red Deer and current Heritage Ranch operator reached a compromise that allows Heritage Ranch to remain open through October 6, 2025. Heritage Ranch will comply with key conditions outlined in the agreement, which will ensure continuity of service for residents and visitors and allows planned events and activities at the site to proceed as scheduled. Over the next several months, Heritage Ranch will remain operational, including:

  • Regular restaurant service
  • All existing bookings, including weddings, anniversaries, and corporate events
  • Trail rides and horse experiences
  • Carriage rides and date night offerings
  • Ongoing care and presence of horses at the site
Is The City proceeding with the Request for Proposal process for a new contract to operate Heritage Ranch, as planned?

Yes. The City of Red Deer is continuing to move forward with an open Request for Proposals (RFP) process to select a future operator for Heritage Ranch.

The RFP closes on July 11, 2025, and all qualified submissions will be evaluated in accordance with The City’s procurement process. A new operator is expected to be in place following the current operator’s term, which ends on October 6, 2025.

This process remains a priority to ensure the long-term operation of Heritage Ranch aligns with the needs and expectations of the community.

Will the new operator offer the same services?

The City values the unique character and offerings of Heritage Ranch. While some changes may occur, we will seek an operator whose services align with the long-term vision for this important community amenity.