City Council will consider a rezoning application for the property located at 7740 40 Avenue when it is introduced for First Reading on February 3, 2026.
The application proposes an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw to change the property’s designation from Industrial (I2) to a Direct Control (DC) District, which if approved, would allow a shelter use in the future. The application has been submitted by the Red Deer Homeless Foundation.
City Council is being asked to decide whether a shelter could be allowed on this property in the future. This is not a decision to build a shelter, move an existing shelter, or approve how a shelter would operate. It is an early step that looks only at land use. If Council decides to move the application forward, there would still be more reviews, approvals, and opportunities for public input before anything could happen on the site.
“While The City isn’t responsible for operating shelters, we do have a role in land use decisions,” said Lodewyk. “Our responsibility is to consider the land uses that are proposed for this site based on the new concept in the application, put forward by the Red Deer Homeless Foundation, and decide what’s best for the community as a whole. The process involves gathering information, engaging and being transparent in the decision-making process.”
At First Reading, City Council will be asked only to determine whether to proceed with the rezoning application to a Public Hearing. No decision will be made at First Reading, and Council will not be approving construction, shelter operations, or shelter management.
The City of Red Deer’s role in this process is limited to land use and development approvals. Shelter operations, funding, and service delivery are the responsibility of the Province of Alberta, including decisions related to shelter operators and service models.
Public input is a required part of the rezoning process. If Council advances the application beyond First Reading, a Public Hearing is expected to be scheduled for February 25, 2026. Information on how to participate will be shared following First Reading.
Recognizing the high level of public interest in shelter-related matters, The City is extending its usual notification efforts. This outreach is intended to clarify what is being considered, what is not, and how residents can participate. A Frequently Asked Questions document is being released alongside this notice, and information will continue to be updated on The City of Red Deer’s website.
Members of the public and media are encouraged to review the FAQ and visit The City’s website for the most up-to-date information related to the rezoning process, timelines, and participation opportunities.
Questions related to the rezoning process may be directed to shelter@reddeer.ca.
Attachment: Map (Proposed property to Rezone Heavy Industrial Zone (I-2) to
Direct Control Zone No. 36 (DC36)
