May 21, 2026 3:49 PM
(Red Deer, Alberta)The following decisions were made at today’s City Council meeting.
CONSENT:
Wastewater Overstrength Surcharge Program
- City Council will receive a report about The City’s Wastewater Overstrength Surcharge Program, which helps protect the wastewater system and environment by managing higher-strength wastewater from businesses. Administration reviewed whether those extra treatment costs should continue to be paid by the businesses creating them, or shared across all ratepayers. Administration is recommending the current approach remain in place so additional treatment costs are not passed on to residents and other businesses. The report also includes planned improvements to communication and transparency around the program.
REPORTS:
Indigenous Culture Centre
- City Council accepted the Mâmawatoskêwak Advisory Circle’s recommendation of the Michener Park/Michael O’Brien Wetland as the preferred site for the Indigenous Culture Centre.
- The decision follows Council’s April 22, 2025 direction to allocate funding in the 2025 Capital Budget and 2026 and 2027 Capital Plans to advance the project. Since that time, Administration has worked alongside Indigenous community members through a partnership-based process focused on engagement and technical analysis to identify a recommended site.
- The approved site recommendation marks the next step in advancing the Indigenous Culture Centre project.
Alberta Municipalities Proposed Resolutions
- Council has approved three advocacy resolutions for submission to Alberta Municipalities, focused on aligning municipal fiscal years with provincial and federal budget cycles, improving the timing of Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) funding, and addressing regulatory gaps for e-bikes and other small electric mobility devices.
- These resolutions reflect Red Deer’s commitment to strengthening intergovernmental coordination, reducing financial pressures on municipalities, and supporting clearer, safer regulations for evolving transportation options.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Capstone Area Redevelopment Plan 3574/B-2026 & Zoning Bylaw Amendment
- Following a public hearing, City Council approved zoning bylaw amendments to rezone lands within Capstone to align with new subdivision boundaries and existing uses.
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 3357/U-2026 - Addition of Professional Office as a use in the I-1 Zone.
- Following a public hearing, City Council approved a zoning bylaw amendment to add Professional Office as a use in the I-1 zone.
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