City Council Recap – February 10, 2026

The following decisions were made at today’s regular City Council meeting. 

CONSENT: 
Committee of the Whole (COTW) Effectiveness 

• Council received an information report reviewing the effectiveness of the Committee of the Whole (COTW) during the 2025 calendar year.  
• The report outlined how COTW has been used as intended, as a less formal forum for early discussion, collaboration, and relationship-building on emerging issues, while remaining fully Council-owned.
• No decisions or changes are being recommended by administration currently. 

Zoning Bylaw 3357/D-2026 – Rezoning Portions of 5578 and 5588 47 Street from CAP-PR to CAP-C 

• Council passed first reading of a proposed zoning bylaw amendment related to City-owned land in the Capstone neighbourhood. 
• The report recommends rezoning portions of land along 47 Street from Capstone Primarily Residential (CAP-PR) to Capstone Commercial (CAP-C) to better align zoning across the sites and support future mixed-use development. 
• The amendment would also allow dwelling units on the main floor of a mixed-use building at specific locations, reflecting the site’s unique riverfront setting and Capstone’s long-term vision as a vibrant, mixed-use urban neighbourhood. 
• With first reading approved, the bylaw will proceed to a public hearing on March 10, 2026, where community members will have an opportunity to provide input. 

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 3357/I-2026 – Rezoning 6002 63A St. From RL-RM 

• Council passed first reading of a proposed zoning bylaw amendment for a property in the Highland Green neighbourhood. 
• The report recommends rezoning 6002 63A Street from Residential Low-Density (R-L) to Residential Medium-Density (R-M) to support additional housing opportunities through sensitive infill, consistent with City planning policies. 
• The amendment would allow for a modest increase in density, such as townhomes, while maintaining existing height limits and applying design regulations intended to protect neighbourhood character. 
• With first reading is approved, the bylaw will proceed to a public hearing on March 10, 2026, where community members will have an opportunity to share their perspectives. 

REPORTS: 
Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP) Membership 

• The City of Red Deer will continue its membership in the Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP) following discussion at today’s regular City Council meeting.
• The update was brought forward in response to a direction from Council during the 2026 budget deliberations, requesting Administration outline the benefits and limitations of continued participation in CAEP.
• Following debate, a resolution to withdraw from CAEP did not carry, failing on a tied vote, with four members opposed and four in support.
• Mayor Cindy Jefferies emphasized the importance of Red Deer’s role within the region and the value of continued collaboration: 

• • “Red Deer plays a leadership role in Central Alberta, and staying engaged in regional partnerships like CAEP reflects that responsibility. We value our relationships with our neighbouring municipalities and regional partners in CAEP, and we know that economic development doesn’t stop at municipal boundaries. Organizations like CAEP help bolster Central Alberta's position, ensuring we remain visible, competitive, and well-represented at the provincial level. By remaining a member, we are choosing collaboration and long-term regional success.”

BUSINESS ARISING: 
IAFF, Local 1190 Collective Agreement Ratified by Council 

• A new agreement with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), Local 1190, was accepted and ratified by Red Deer City Council today. IAFF, Local 1190, represents approximately 250 employees in emergency services working for The City of Red Deer.
• Read more at about it in the news release shared today and posted to The City’s website
  • News Release: IAFF Local 1190 collective agreement ratified by Council 

PUBLIC HEARINGS 
Road Closure Bylaw 3739/2026 - Closure of a Portion of Service Road Plan 782 1624 and Zoning Bylaw 3357/H-2026 – Rezoning of a Closed Portion of Road to C-2   

• Following a public hearing, City Council approved the closure and rezoning of a portion of a service road near Gaetz Avenue and Bennett Street.
• Council passed second and third readings of Road Closure Bylaw 3739/2026 and Zoning Bylaw 3357/H-2026, formally closing a portion of Service Road Plan 782 1624 and rezoning the land to C-2 (Commercial – Shopping Centre).
• With the bylaws approved, the land will no longer function as a public roadway and may be consolidated with the adjacent Bower Plaza property to support future commercial redevelopment.
• The decision aligns with the long-term vision outlined in the Gaetz Avenue Redevelopment Study and is intended to support redevelopment opportunities and improve traffic flow in the area.