An in-person vote will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, to gather input from eligible Business Improvement Area (BIA) levy payers on the potential disestablishment of the BIA and Downtown Business Association (DBA).
The vote is a required step in the legislated process after City Council gave first reading to a bylaw that would disestablish the Business Improvement Area. In December, the DBA board formally requested that The City initiate disestablishment proceedings. Provincial legislation requires that affected levy payers be given the opportunity to vote on whether disestablishment proceeds.
Voting dates and location
Eligible voters may cast a ballot in person at the following times and location:
- Advance voting: Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Voting day: Monday, March 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Location: Boardroom, Servus Arena, 4725 43 Street, Red Deer, AB T4N 6Z3
Who can vote
Each BIA taxpayer is eligible for one vote. A taxpayer is a person who operates a business in the BIA and is liable to pay the BIA tax. The businesses will designate their voting representative.
Identification requirements
All voters must provide identification which demonstrates both their identity and their authority to represent the eligible business. More information regarding eligibility and identification requirements can be found at reddeer.ca/downtownbusiness.
Results and next steps
Results of the vote will be announced on Monday, March 16, 2026, once all ballots have been counted and verified. The outcome of the vote will determine if disestablishment proceeds:
- A majority vote which supports BIA disestablishment means City Council must proceed with adopting the disestablishment bylaw.
- A majority vote which opposes BIA disestablishment means City Council cannot proceed. First reading of the bylaw will be rescinded, the BIA and DBA will remain legally in place, and City Council will be prevented from passing another BIA disestablishment bylaw for two years.
All eligible businesses are encouraged to learn about the vote and make a plan to participate.
For more information and to sign up for email updates, visit reddeer.ca/downtownbusiness.