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 Application – 7740 40 Avenue

January 8, 2026

The City has received a rezoning application for the property located at 7740 40 Avenue requesting a change to the following:

  • A change to the Land Use Bylaw to redesignate the property from Industrial (I2) to a Direct Control (DC) District, which if approved, would allow a shelter use on the site in the future.

The application has been submitted by the Red Deer Homeless Foundation, and it will come before City Council on February 3, 2026.

What is being considered

At this stage, City Council is being asked to decide only whether the rezoning application should move forward to a Public Hearing.

This is an early land-use decision that looks solely at whether a shelter could be allowed on this site under the Land Use Bylaw.

“City Council is being asked to decide whether a shelter campus with all the supports could be allowed on this property in the future. It is an early step that looks only at land use. It is not The City's decision to approve how this new concept of a community-led integrated solution will operate,” said City Manager Tara Lodewyk.

What is not being decided

No decision will be made at First Reading about:

  • Building a shelter
  • Relocating an existing shelter
  • How a shelter would operate or be managed
  • Who would operate a shelter
  • When or if a shelter would open

If Council chooses to move the application forward, additional reviews, approvals, and public input would still be required before anything could happen on the site.

The City’s role

The City of Red Deer is responsible for land use and development approvals only.

Shelter operations, funding, and service delivery are the responsibility of the Province of Alberta, including decisions related to service models and shelter operators.

“While the City isn’t responsible for operating shelters, we do have a role in land use decisions,” said Lodewyk. “Our responsibility is to consider the land uses that are proposed for this site based on the new concept in the application put forward by the Red Deer Homeless Foundation and decide what’s best for the community as a whole. The process involves gathering information, engaging and being transparent in the decision making process.”

Public input and next steps

Public input is a required part of the rezoning process.

If City Council advances the application beyond First Reading, a Public Hearing is expected to be scheduled for February 25, 2026. Details on how to participate will be shared following First Reading.

Recognizing the high level of community interest in shelter-related matters, The City is taking a proactive approach to sharing clear, accurate information about:

  • What is being considered
  • What is not being considered
  • How residents can participate

A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (pdf) document is being released alongside this notice, and information will continue to be updated as the process moves forward.

How will this be communicated?

The City intends to communicate the rezoning application in the following ways:

  • A notification letter (Shelter Rezoning Notification Letter (pdf))will be mailed to all property owners located within 100 metres of the site where the rezoning is being considered;
  • An email will be distributed to individuals who have signed up through The City’s website to receive updates related to the future permanent shelter;
  • A media release will be distributed to local media outlets and posted on The City’s website;
  • Notice advertising will be published in the Red Deer Advocate; and
  • The City will continue to provide updates on its website as the process progresses.

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)

Update – January 9, 2026

On January 13, 2026, City Council will consider two items related to the Downtown Business Association.

  1. Disestablishment of the Downtown Business Association
    • City Council is asked to complete first reading of a bylaw which would disestablish the Business Improvement Area (BIA) and Downtown Business Association (DBA). This follows previous Council direction for administration to prepare such a bylaw no later than April 30, 2026, and the formal request to initiate disestablishment received by The City from the DBA Board of Directors on December 11, 2025. More information is available on The City’s website, reddeer.ca/DowntownBusiness. 
  2. Downtown Business Association 2026 Budget
    • City Council is asked to consider a revised budget from the Downtown Business Association (DBA) which aligns with the intention to disestablish the BIA.

Update - December 11, 2025, 4 p.m.

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. 

Background

The Downtown Business Association (DBA) has indicated its intention to dissolve and discontinue services effective February 1, 2026. We understand this announcement may create uncertainty for downtown business owners, and we want to update you on the process as it unfolds.

Key Facts:

  1. The DBA Board has signaled its intention to wind down and discontinue services effective February 1, 2026, citing an unsustainable funding model for 2026.
  2. The DBA cannot dissolve on its own. Any formal disestablishment of the Business Improvement Area (BIA) must be done through a City Council–led process, with defined legislative steps and opportunities for affected taxpayers to provide input.
  3. Until that formal Council process is complete, the DBA legally remains in place and is still responsible for operating within its approved budget and delivering contracted services to downtown businesses.
  4. The City expects services, such as downtown programming, marketing, and business support, to continue until formal arrangements are made. We know that predictable service delivery is essential for downtown businesses, and we are committed to ensuring continuity throughout any transition.
    • No immediate changes to services as a result of the DBA’s announcement.
    • A coordinated and orderly approach to any future transitions.
    • Ongoing communication from The City as more information becomes available.
    1. You can expect:

December 10, 2025 - Download the letter to downtown businesses (pdf)

December 10, 2025 - Download the Downtown Business FAQ (pdf)

The City will continue providing updates as soon as new information becomes available.

To stay informed, sign up for email updates at reddeer.ca/downtownbusiness

More information can be found at 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