At its regular meeting today, Red Deer City Council approved a revised 2026 operating budget for the Downtown Business Association (DBA) and gave first reading to a bylaw that would disestablish the Business Improvement Area (BIA).
The revised 2026 budget reflects Council’s direction to align financial planning with the potential disestablishment of the BIA. The budget prioritizes the continuation of essential downtown services while reducing new levy requirements and relies on the DBA society’s existing reserve funds to support an orderly wind-down of operations should disestablishment proceed.
First reading of the bylaw initiates a provincially legislated process that provides affected downtown levy payers with a formal opportunity to provide input and to oppose the proposed disestablishment through a vote.
Background
The BIA Board submitted a formal request to City Council on December 11, 2025, asking that the BIA be disestablished.
Next steps
Under the Municipal Government Act (MGA), a BIA is created by bylaw; therefore, a bylaw is also required to disestablish a BIA. Following first reading of the BIA disestablishment bylaw:
- Eligible downtown levy payers will be notified of a vote on the proposed disestablishment
- The vote must be held within a required legislative timeframe following first reading
- A majority vote in opposition will prevent the bylaw from proceeding
The City anticipates the levy payer vote will take place in mid-March, with details on voting eligibility, timelines and procedures to be communicated directly to affected businesses and property owners in the coming weeks.
Participation in the vote is critical. The outcome will directly inform City Council’s decision on whether to proceed with second and third readings of the disestablishment bylaw.
Services and programs to continue
Approval of the revised 2026 DBA budget ensures that downtown programs and services will continue during the disestablishment process.
The City recognizes the importance of maintaining momentum downtown and minimizing disruption. If the disestablishment proceeds, The City will provide oversight and coordination to ensure continuity of services and to prevent service gaps during any transition period.
Many downtown initiatives, including safety, cleanliness and community activation, are delivered in collaboration with City departments and will continue as Council considers next steps.
“Today’s decision is about ensuring transparency, accountability and giving downtown levy payers a clear voice in what happens next,” said Mayor Cindy Jefferies. “First reading of the bylaw does not make a final decision - it starts a process that puts the choice in the hands of those directly affected. I strongly encourage eligible businesses and property owners to participate in the vote, as the outcome will play an important role in informing Council’s final decision. Throughout this process, The City is committed to maintaining downtown services and ensuring there are no gaps in programs, events, or supports for our community.”
Stay informed
Affected levy payers are strongly encouraged to review information, participate in engagement opportunities and cast a vote when the levy payer vote is held.
More information is available on The City’s website, reddeer.ca/DowntownBusiness.