Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion

Red Deer is a welcoming, inclusive city that celebrates diversity. Individuals, community groups, and organizations all contribute to our diverse community. Read on to learn about how to become involved in making Red Deer a more equitable, accessible, and inclusive city.

Group of diverse children demonstrating inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion Community Plan

Red Deer's community informed Diversity & Inclusion Community Plan celebrates diversity and provides recommendations for inclusive practices and equitable access across our city.

Accessibility in City of Red Deer recreation facilities

We're committed to making our spaces welcoming, safe and accessible to all visitors. Learn more

Leading by Example

The City of Red Deer has made it a priority to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion. Efforts include:‌

Incorporated diversity and inclusion into The City's Strategic Plan, under the priority area of Community Health & Wellbeing
2017 Year in Review Report. (pdf)
Launched the Welcoming & Inclusive Communities (WIC) Network
Hosted the 2016 Fostering Diverse Communities Conference. 2016 Fostering Diverse Communities Conference Report (pdf)
Introduced a Text with 9-1-1 program
Became a member of Alberta Municipalities Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Initiative
Became a signatory to the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities

Calendar of Events and Dates of Recognition

In 2024, The City of Red Deer is deepening its dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are intentionally celebrating cultural events and days that reflect the vibrant diversity of our community. Through these initiatives, we aim to foster opportunities for learning, understanding, and connection among all residents. Our efforts include honouring traditional Canadian holidays alongside many cultural events and days of recognition that are important to the diverse people who call Red Deer home. Our goal is to ensure every resident feels valued, welcomed, and proud to be part of Red Deer.

Proclamations for special events and important days, if requested by community members, are published here.

January

International Holocaust Remembrance Day - January 27

February

March

International Women's Day - March 8
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - March 21
Ramadan - Starts March 10, 2024
International Transgender Day of Visibility - March 31

April

Sikh Heritage Month
International Day of Pink - Second Wednesday
Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) - April 9-10, 2024

May

Asian Heritage Month
Canadian Jewish Heritage Month
Red Dress Day - May 5
Moose Hide Campaign Day - May 16, 2024
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia - May 17

June

National Indigenous History Month
Pride Month
Filipino Heritage Month
Italian Heritage Month
Portuguese Heritage Month
Remembering the Children Day - June 11
National Indigenous Peoples Day - June 21
Saint-Jean Baptiste Day - June 24, 2024
Canadian Multiculturalism Day - June 27

July

Canada Day - July 1

August

Central Alberta Pride Week
Public Service Pride Week

September

Welcome Newcomers Week (First week in September)
Orange Ribbon Campaign
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day - September 30
Recovery Day - September 30

October

German Heritage Month
Canadian Islamic History Month
Latin American Heritage Month
Diwali - October 31, 2024

November

Hindu Heritage Month
Veterans' Week - November 5-11
Indigenous Veterans Day - November 8
Remembrance Day - November 11
Metis Week - November 12-18
Transgender Day of Remembrance - November 20
Holodomor Memorial Day - Fourth Saturday in November

December

International Day of Persons with Disabilities - December 3
Human Rights Day - December 10

The City of Red Deer