In the Know: Red Deer Hot Topics

Looking for the facts on the issues everyone’s talking about? This page is your go-to source for clear, accurate, and up-to-date information on important City topics - giving you a quick snapshot of the facts and background you need to understand what’s happening – and why it matters.

Hot Topics

Shelter Services in Red Deer: Rezoning 7740 40 Avenue

February 27, 2026

Red Deer City Council has approved a rezoning application for the property located at 7740 40 Avenue, following two days of public hearings that drew significant community interest and participation.

The application was submitted by the Red Deer Homeless Foundation, with City Council approving an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw that changes the zoning of the site from Industrial (I2) to a Direct Control Zone. City Council also passed an amendment to change it from a permitted to discretionary use, allowing Council to more closely regulate how the site could be used in the future.

This rezoning does not approve the construction or operation of a shelter. Instead, it establishes the land use framework required for a shelter to be considered at this location in the future. Any proposal would still require development permit approval from Council.

With approval of the amendment today, City Council emphasized the importance of establishing appropriate requirements at the development permit stage. As the Development Authority for this Direct Control District, City Council will be responsible for reviewing and making decisions on any future development permit applications for the site. Nearly all members of Council spoke to their commitment to carefully consider the feedback shared during the public hearing and to carry those perspectives forward should a development permit application come forward for consideration.

What Council decided 

Council's decision was limited to land use only. Specifically, Council approved: 

  • Creating a new Direct Control zoning district (DC(36)), and 
  • Rezoning the property from Heavy Industrial (I2) to DC(36). 

What this decision does not do 

  • Does not approve a shelter to open 
  • Does not approve building renovations or site design 
  • Does not approve shelter operations 
  • Does not approve staffing, programming, or security plans 

Those matters would be considered later, through separate Development Permit and operational approval processes. 

Why zoning is considered first

Under Alberta’s Municipal Government Act, Council must first determine whether a proposed land use is appropriate for a site before reviewing any development or operational details. Rezoning establishes the range of uses that may be considered, not the specifics of how a use would function. 

Council’s role 

In considering these bylaws, Council is required to focus on: 

  • Land-use compatibility 
  • Planning principles 
  • Compliance with statutory process 

Council is also the Development Authority for this site, meaning any future development applications would return to Council for consideration. 

More information

Residents and media are encouraged to review the FAQ and visit the Shelters Services in Red Deer page for the most up-to-date information on:

Questions and comments related specifically to the rezoning process may be directed to shelter@reddeer.ca 

Resources

Downtown Business Association (DBA)

In December 2025, the Downtown Business Association (DBA) formally requested that The City of Red Deer begin the legislated process to disestablish the Business Improvement Area (BIA).

In response, The City is following the required provincial process, which includes opportunities for BIA taxpayers to receive information and provide input by participating in a vote.

For more information and to sign up for email updates, visit reddeer.ca/downtownbusiness.

Highway 2 Widening Project

The Province of Alberta is leading a project to widen Highway 2 between 32 Street and Highway 11 to improve safety on one of the province’s most collision-prone corridors. This is a Provincial project, not a City-led initiative. For full project details or media inquiries, please contact the Government of Alberta or visit alberta.ca/highway-2-improvements-in-the-red-deer-area. 

Key Facts:

  • This is a Provincial highway safety project designed to reduce collisions. 
  • Minor pre-construction impacts are expected in portions of Maskepetoon Park, Heritage Ranch, and the Red Deer River. 
  • The City of Red Deer continues to work with the Province to protect the Waskasoo Park System. 
  • Environmental and Indigenous considerations are being addressed by the Province.
Fibre optics installation: Red Deer

F3 Networks Canada Inc. (F3) is constructing a new fibre-optic infrastructure across Red Deer. TELUS has partnered with F3 to deliver its PureFibre services over this network, promising faster, more reliable internet speeds. Importantly, this is a project led by F3 - not The City of Red Deer. All questions or concerns should be directed to F3.

Additional information

Key Facts:

Project Lead: F3 Networks Canada Inc. (registered telecommunications carrier with the CRTC), partnered with TELUS for PureFibre service.
Timeline: Construction is taking place in 2025 and will continue into 2026.
Construction Zones: Work occurs along streets - typically in boulevards (between sidewalk and property) and within utility right-of-ways. Up to 10 neighbourhoods may be active at once.
Installation Techniques: Directional drilling is used to minimize surface disruption. Hydrovac and small excavations are common, followed by backfilling and later surface restoration (topsoil, grass seed, asphalt/concrete repair as needed).
Connection to Homes: Main fibre lines alongside streets and stubs at each property (no permission required there). Individual service lines into private property (requires homeowner permission). F3 reps will go door-to-door: First visit to gather homeowner interest (sign-up form), later visit to determine specific connection location and obtain formal permission. Before construction, utility locates are done to mark underground services. Hydrovac excavations are flagged and secured. Directional drills install conduits and leave a coil (in a green container) at each lot’s boundary; service boxes (approximately one per eight homes) are placed in the right-of-way. After conduit installation and backfilling, crews return to restore lawns, asphalt, and concrete surfaces.

What residents need to know?

  • Direct installation questions or concerns: Contact F3 Networks Canada Inc. directly - they’re fully responsible for all fibre-related activity.
  • Notice damage to City infrastructure or disruptions: Report it using the Report a Problem tool, or call the main City line at 403-342-8111. The City will route it to the proper department - whether Public Works, Utilities, or Engineering - to investigate and respond.
  • Road safety hazards or settling ground after excavation: These fall under the City’s Construction & Maintenance teams. You can report these to Environmental Services (for water, sewer, or storm concerns) or Parks & Public Works (for concrete, asphalt, landscaping) via Report a Problem.

Contact Info:

Direct inquiries to F3 Networks
Email: Customerservice@F3Networks.ca
Phone: 778-200-9100