The following decisions were made at today’s City Council meeting.
CONSENT:
Telecommunications Tower Lease at the Waste Management Facility
- Council approved a 20-year lease agreement with a telecommunications provider to construct and operate a cell phone tower on City-owned land at the Waste Management Facility.
- The lease supports improved cellular service in an underserved area, makes use of underutilized land without impacting future operations, and provides long-term lease revenue, but requires Council approval as the term exceeds Administration’s authority.
Greater Downtown Governance Postponement
- Council postponed consideration of the Greater Downtown Governance item to the May 12, 2026, meeting due to scheduling constraints. The item, originally directed by Council in February, will include a proposed Terms of Reference and draft budget for a new Committee of Council to guide governance and strategic direction for the Greater Downtown.
Zoning Bylaw Red Tape Reduction Amendment – Excavation, Stripping, and Grading
- Council gave first reading to a Zoning Bylaw amendment, which seeks to change Excavation, Stripping and Grading from discretionary use to permitted use in all zones except direct control zones. With this approval, all excavation, stripping, and grading operations covered by existing development permits or signed agreements will not require a separate development permit.
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 3357/S-2026 Rezone Land in Bower Woods from A-1 to R-M and R-H Zones
- Council gave first reading to a rezoning request for a portion of undeveloped land at 2820 40 Avenue in the Bower Woods neighbourhood. The proposed change is to rezone the parcel from Future Urban Development Zone: A-1 to Residential Medium-Density Zone: R-M and Residential High-Density Zone: R-H, in alignment with the recently adopted Bower Woods Neighbourhood Area Structure Plan (NASP).
REPORTS:
Development Permit Consideration: Hope Mission at 5239 53 Avenue
- Red Deer City Council approved a temporary Development Permit allowing the emergency shelter at 5239 – 53 Avenue (Cannery Row) to continue operating.
- Read more here: News Release: Development Permit Approved for Emergency Shelter at Cannery Row
Representative Appointments to Committees, Quasi-Judicial Boards and External Boards and Societies
- Council appointed citizen representatives to various committees and boards, including a new member to the Policing Committee, following a successful recruitment process and completion of required security screening.
- The Nomination Committee reviewed applications and confirmed that recommended candidates meet the necessary qualifications, ensuring continued community representation in governance and decision-making bodies.
BYLAWS:
Business Improvement Area Disestablishment
- Council gave second and third readings of the bylaw to disestablish the Downtown Business Improvement Area, following the taxpayer vote in support of disestablishment and in accordance with legislative requirements.
Business Improvement Area Tax Bylaw
- Council gave three readings of the 2026 BIA Tax Rate Bylaw required by legislation required by legislation as the BIA remains legally in place until May 27, 2026. There will be no taxes levied.
2026 Tax Rate Bylaw
- Council gave three readings of the 2026 Tax Rate Bylaw, which sets the property tax rates needed to collect the municipal tax revenue approved in the 2026 Operating Budget and required requisitions.
- Read more here: News Release: Red Deer City Council approves 2026 Property Tax Rate Bylaw
NOTICE OF MOTION:
Council unanimously supported a Notice of Motion brought forward by Councillor Cassandra Curtis advocating on behalf of Red Deer residents related to changes to the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP).
The motion calls on the Government of Alberta to pause implementation of recent legislative changes, undertake meaningful consultation with persons with disabilities and community partners, and publicly report on the social and economic impacts before moving forward
Read the full Notice of Motion here: Advocacy on Behalf of Red Deer Residents related to the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) Act and Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP)
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Zoning Bylaw – City Council passed second and third reading for omnibus amendments following a public hearing today. The amendments focused on aligning current practices and improving clarity.