Red Deer City Council has approved a rezoning application for the property located at 7740 40 Avenue, following two days of public hearings that drew significant community interest and participation.
The application was submitted by the Red Deer Homeless Foundation, with City Council approving an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw that changes the zoning of the site from Industrial (I2) to a Direct Control Zone. City Council also passed an amendment to change it from a permitted to discretionary use, allowing Council to more closely regulate how the site could be used in the future.
This rezoning does not approve the construction or operation of a shelter. Instead, it establishes the land use framework required for a shelter to be considered at this location in the future. Any proposal would still require development permit approval from Council.
“This was not an easy decision for Council,” said Mayor Cindy Jefferies. “This Council, and those before us, have grappled with questions around siting related to a potential future permanent shelter for many years. We have advocated to the Province and done our best to inform and influence decisions within the scope of our authority. What today’s decision recognizes is that there is no perfect solution and no perfect site, but standing still is not a solution either.”
Jefferies added, “Today, Council unanimously supported this rezoning. Some of us, me included, still carry reservations, but we also recognize the need to move forward within our legislated process. For years, this community has been caught in a cycle of debate. Today represents an opportunity to take a step forward. We want our community to know that City Council remains committed to listening carefully and considering all feedback in its proper place, with the goal of doing what is right for our entire community, including vulnerable residents, businesses, and citizens across Red Deer.
When it comes to housing, homelessness and shelters, The City of Red Deer is responsible for land use decisions. The Province of Alberta is responsible for shelter funding, operations, and service delivery, including selecting operators and determining how shelters function.
“I want to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to participate and share their perspectives,” said Jefferies. “We heard from residents, business owners, service providers, and community members who brought forward lived experience, professional expertise, data, and deeply personal stories. This is what an engaged community looks like, and it demonstrates the community’s commitment to being part of the solution.”
Seventy-five people spoke at the public hearing, with approximately 130 in attendance over the two days.
“We have been through many public hearings, and they are not always respectful or constructive in the way this one was,” said Jefferies. “Our community showed up with diverse perspectives, listened to one another, and engaged in a thoughtful and meaningful way. While we know not everyone will agree with Council’s decision, it is always our goal that people know they were heard, that their perspectives were carefully considered, and that decisions were made with as much information as possible.”
Mayor Jefferies also emphasized the broader importance of addressing homelessness in the community.
“Our community spoke clearly about the need for solutions,” she said. “This is just a first step, but what we heard is that there is shared recognition that housing and shelter are critical components of supporting vulnerable residents and strengthening our community, even when opinions differ on how to achieve this. Shelter will help address needs in our city, but our shelter capacity is still significantly lower than the need for shelter. We need more shelter spaces.”
“Today’s decision was this first in a multi-stage process,” said David Girardin, Manager of City Planning & Growth. “Before a shelter can exist on the site, a development permit would need to be submitted and would come before council in the next phase of the process. At this time, specific details related to things like site design, security, and transportation would be considered at this time. That said, shelter operations, funding, and service delivery will continue to be the responsibility of the Province of Alberta and the shelter operator.”
With approval of the amendment today, City Council emphasized the importance of establishing appropriate requirements at the development permit stage. As the Development Authority for this Direct Control District, City Council will be responsible for reviewing and making decisions on any future development permit applications for the site. Nearly all members of Council spoke to their commitment to carefully consider the feedback shared during the public hearing and to carry those perspectives forward should a development permit application come forward for consideration.
The City recognizes that shelter-related matters are of significant interest to the community and remains committed to sharing information as it becomes available.