Downtown Red Deer is entering an exciting period of change, and Red Deer City Council has approved a new governance approach to support its continued growth, vibrancy, and long-term success.
As the Downtown Business Association (DBA) moves through its disestablishment process, The City of Red Deer is taking steps to ensure downtown businesses, events, and public spaces continue to be supported. Council has approved the creation of a Committee of Council focused specifically on downtown Red Deer, providing a new forum to strengthen collaboration, bring forward ideas, and help guide downtown into the future.
“This decision reflects Council’s commitment to ensuring downtown continues to thrive,” said Bobby-Jo Stannard, Safe and Healthy Communities Manager. “Creating a Committee of Council focused on downtown provides a dedicated space for conversation, collaboration, and advice, helping ensure downtown businesses, public spaces, and events remain supported as we move forward.”
This approval comes at a time of positive momentum across Red Deer. DRIVE Red Deer, a newly established board focused on economic development, is helping to advance business growth, attract investment, and strengthen the local economy.
While DRIVE Red Deer focuses on economic development across the entire community, the new Committee of Council will focus specifically on downtown. Its role will be to provide advice to Council and help inform decisions that support downtown businesses, public spaces, events, and long-term revitalization. The committee will complement the work of DRIVE Red Deer and other community partners.
“This is about ensuring downtown continues to benefit from strong partnerships and thoughtful planning,” Stannard said. “By creating this committee, Council is establishing a structure that supports ongoing collaboration and helps position downtown for continued success.”
In 2026, The City will continue investing directly in downtown vibrancy using funds previously allocated to the DBA. This includes continued support for enhanced cleaning, maintenance, and events that help create a welcoming and active downtown environment.
Parking revenue generated in the downtown will also continue to be reinvested locally to support improvements, programming, and initiatives that benefit the area.
This new governance model reflects Council’s commitment to supporting a vibrant, welcoming downtown for businesses, residents, and visitors, while creating opportunities for continued growth and revitalization.