The City of Red Deer and Heritage Ranch have reached a compromise that enables Joel Martens Training Inc to continue operating at Heritage Ranch until October 6, 2025. Heritage Ranch will comply with key conditions outlined in the agreement, which will ensure continuity of service for residents and visitors and allows planned events and activities at the site to proceed as scheduled.
Over the next several months, Heritage Ranch will remain fully operational, including:
- Regular restaurant service
- All existing bookings, including weddings, anniversaries, and corporate events
- Trail rides and horse experiences
- Carriage rides and date night offerings
- Ongoing care and presence of horses at the site
“We wish to express our sincere thanks to The City of Red Deer, our patrons, and the community members who supported us during this period of uncertainty,” said Joel Martens whose company is the operator of the City’s Heritage Ranch site.
“The City’s priority is ensuring that public spaces like Heritage Ranch continue to serve our community in a meaningful and reliable way,” said Greg Sikora, Parks and Public Works Manager for The City of Red Deer. “This agreement allows for continued service delivery while we work toward a longer-term solution for the site.”
The City continues to seek an operator through an open Request for Proposals (RFP) process, which closes on July 11, 2025. Following the evaluation of submissions, a new contract will be negotiated in accordance with the procurement process, with a transition to the selected operator planned after October 6, 2025.
As always, The City remains committed to ensuring public amenities are managed in the best interest of the community.
For more information, citizens can visit Heritage Ranch’s website or www.reddeer.ca/heritageranch.