City Administration is proposing new zoning for Red Deer Polytechnic (formerly Red Deer College) to better provide for the institution’s development and growth in the future.
A new proposed Post-Secondary Institution (PSI) District was developed in consultation with Red Deer Polytechnic to accommodate further development of post-secondary and other related uses on the polytechnic institution’s lands. The proposed district was tailored to the specific needs of Red Deer Polytechnic as it realizes its future serving the city and region as a polytechnic institution within Alberta’s post-secondary sector.
“With their official shift to Red Deer Polytechnic, we are looking to the future to better support the post-secondary institution as they continue to grow and evolve,” said Orlando Toews, Senior Planner. “The proposed district prepares Red Deer Polytechnic for a growing and viable future as a key educational institute within the region.”
Red Deer Polytechnic lands are currently zoned as a Public Service district, which is common for schools and city recreation facilities, but does not account for other activities on the institution’s main campus such as residences and commercial ventures. The proposed PSI district is intended to provide for Red Deer Polytechnic’s expanding post-secondary educational uses, including applied learning connections to its diverse programs, as well as additional commercial uses to serve and support students and community members.
“We are excited for the potential flexibility that this new zoning district will allow Red Deer Polytechnic to enhance our main campus to best serve our future learners and valued community members, while continuing to respect the needs of our growing city and region,” says Dr. Peter Nunoda, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. “We appreciate the continued collaboration we’ve enjoyed with The City of Red Deer through this process, and we value City Council and Administration’s support as we embrace our sustainable future as a polytechnic institution.”
Red Deer City Council will review first reading of the land use bylaw amendment on Monday, July 5. Members of the public are invited to watch live at meeting.reddeer.ca.