While the DBA Board has signaled its intent, the organization cannot dissolve independently. Under Alberta’s Municipal Government Act and the Business Improvement Area (BIA) Regulation, any formal disestablishment requires a City Council–led process, including defined steps and opportunities for taxpayers to provide input. Until that legislated process is complete, the DBA remains legally in place and responsible for delivering services.
The City is committed to service continuity, stability, and transparency. Downtown programming, marketing, and business support services are expected to continue without interruption. We are working closely with the DBA Board to ensure legislative compliance, continuity of operations, and clear communication with the businesses we serve.
In accordance with provincial legislation, the Downtown Business Association (DBA) is required to submit an annual BIA budget to City Council for approval. Prior to Council’s consideration of the budget, members of the Association are provided an opportunity to share their comments.
The proposed 2026 Downtown Business Association budget has been circulated to BIA members via email and mail for review.
City Council will consider the budget at its meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in Council Chambers.
If you wish to provide comments regarding the budget, you may do so in one of the following ways:
1. Submit Written Comments
Written submissions must be received by Monday, January 12, 2026, and may be sent by:
Mail:
Red Deer City Council
c/o Legislative Services Manager
Box 5008, Red Deer, AB T4N 3T4
Email:
legislativeservices@reddeer.ca
2. Speak at the Council Meeting
You may attend the Council meeting and, with the permission of Council, speak to the budget. To register to speak, please email legislativeservices@reddeer.ca in advance or register in person at the meeting.
For additional information, or should you have questions, please contact:
To support downtown businesses with accurate and consolidated information, we want to share the following:
A formal update outlining:
December 10, 2025: Download the letter to downtown businesses (pdf)
On December 11, 2025, the DBA submitted a formal request to Red Deer City Council via The City of Red Deer to initiate disestablishment of the Business Improvement Area (BIA), which if approved by City Council, would see the process for disestablishment initiated. With the formal request now submitted by the DBA, City Council will consider this request at its regular Council meeting on January 13, 2026.
DBA Request to Initiate Disestablishment Proceedings (pdf)
In the coming days and weeks, The City of Red Deer will work to determine specific disestablishment steps and timelines, working to prepare the necessary report and information to come before City Council at its meeting on January 13.
The City of Red Deer continues to work directly with the Downtown Business Association (DBA) to share information about current and next steps in the process.
The City will continue providing updates as soon as new information becomes available.
To stay informed, sign up for email updates by filling in the form below:
A detailed resource responding to the most common questions, including:
December 10, 2025: Download the Downtown Business FAQ (pdf)
If you have immediate questions, please contact:
Safe & Healthy Communities
403-342-8111