City Council passed First Reading of two proposed zoning bylaw amendments related to the property at 7740 40 Avenue, advancing the bylaws into the statutory public process. If ultimately approved, the amendments could allow a future shelter use to be considered on the site.
With First Reading complete, the bylaws will now proceed to a Public Hearing on February 25, 2026, where community members will have the opportunity to provide input before Council makes any final decision.
Rezoning decisions determine what land uses may be considered on a property, not how or when they would operate.
“Passing First Reading allows this proposal to move into the formal public hearing stage, where Council can hear directly from the community before making a final decision,” said David Girardin, Senior Manager of Growth.
What Council decided
Council’s decision at First Reading was limited to land use only. Specifically, Council approved moving forward with consideration of:
- Creating a new Direct Control zoning district (DC(36)), and
- Rezoning the property from Heavy Industrial (I2) to DC(36).
Passing First Reading introduces the bylaws into the statutory process required under Alberta’s Municipal Government Act and enables a Public Hearing to occur.
What this decision does not do
Passing First Reading:
- Does not approve a shelter to open
- Does not approve building renovations or site design
- Does not approve shelter operations
- Does not approve staffing, programming, or security plans
Those matters would be considered later, through separate Development Permit and operational approval processes, and only if the rezoning is ultimately approved through all three readings.
Why zoning is considered first
Under Alberta’s Municipal Government Act, Council must first determine whether a proposed land use is appropriate for a site before reviewing any development or operational details. Rezoning establishes the range of uses that may be considered, not the specifics of how a use would function.
Council’s role
In considering these bylaws, Council is required to focus on:
- Land-use compatibility
- Planning principles
- Compliance with statutory process
Council is also the Development Authority for this site, meaning any future development applications would return to Council for consideration.
Public input and expanded communication
In addition to the Public Hearing process, The City has proactively expanded its communication efforts beyond legislated requirements. This has included:
- Advance notification letters to businesses within 100 metres prior to First Reading
- Sharing information through the shelter inbox and email subscription lists
- Posting information publicly on The City’s website
Community input received to date has been shared with Council and will continue to be considered as the process moves forward.
What happens next
A Public Hearing will be held on February 25, 2026.
- Community members may submit written comments or speak directly to Council at the Public Hearing
- Council will consider all feedback before deciding on Second and Third Readings
- Only if all three readings are approved would the rezoning take effect.
Those who wish to submit written comments on this Public Hearing matter may do so by:
- Completing and submitting the Public Hearing Submission Form located on The City’s website at www.reddeer.ca/publichearings
- Emailing your comments to publichearings@reddeer.ca;
- Dropping off a written copy of your submission at City Hall (4914 48 Avenue) during business hours to the attention of Red Deer City Council c/o Clerk, Legislative Services; or
- Mailing your submission to Red Deer City Council c/o Clerk, Legislative Services, Box 5008, Red Deer, AB T4N 3T4.
More information is available in the attached FAQ Rezoning of 7740 40 Avenue (pdf)