In simple terms, City Council is being asked to decide whether this type of use could be allowed on this property in the future. It does not mean a shelter is approved, being built, or moving to this location. It also does not decide how a shelter would operate. Those decisions would come later and involve other approvals and the Province of Alberta.
Rezoning Application - 7740 40 Avenue
On January 8, 2026 a Rezoning Application was submitted to The City of Red Deer, by the Red Deer Homeless Foundation, to allow a shelter use on the site located at 7740 40 Avenue.
January 8, 2026
The City has received a rezoning application for the property located at 7740 40 Avenue requesting a change to the following:
- A change to the Land Use Bylaw to redesignate the property from Industrial (I2) to a Direct Control (DC) District, which if approved, would allow a shelter use on the site in the future.
The application has been submitted by the Red Deer Homeless Foundation, and it will come before City Council on February 3, 2026.
What is being considered
At this stage, City Council is being asked to decide only whether the rezoning application should move forward to a Public Hearing.
This is an early land-use decision that looks solely at whether a shelter could be allowed on this site under the Land Use Bylaw.
“City Council is being asked to decide whether a shelter campus with all the supports could be allowed on this property in the future. It is an early step that looks only at land use. It is not The City's decision to approve how this new concept of a community-led integrated solution will operate.,” said City Manager Tara Lodewyk.
What is not being decided
No decision will be made at First Reading about:
- Building a shelter
- Relocating an existing shelter
- How a shelter would operate or be managed
- Who would operate a shelter
- When or if a shelter would open
If Council chooses to move the application forward, additional reviews, approvals, and public input would still be required before anything could happen on the site.
The City’s role
The City of Red Deer is responsible for land use and development approvals only.
Shelter operations, funding, and service delivery are the responsibility of the Province of Alberta, including decisions related to service models and shelter operators.
“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.”
Public input and next steps
Public input is a required part of the rezoning process.
If City Council advances the application beyond First Reading, a Public Hearing is expected to be scheduled for February 25, 2026. Details on how to participate will be shared following First Reading.
Recognizing the high level of community interest in shelter-related matters, The City is taking a proactive approach to sharing clear, accurate information about:
- What is being considered
- What is not being considered
- How residents can participate
A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (pdf) document is being released alongside this notice, and information will continue to be updated as the process moves forward.
How will this be communicated?
The City intends to communicate the rezoning application in the following ways:
- A notification letter (Shelter Rezoning Notification Letter (pdf)) will be mailed to all property owners located within 100 metres of the site where the rezoning is being considered prior to February 3, 2026;
- An email will be distributed to individuals who have signed up through The City’s website to receive updates related to the future permanent shelter;
- A media release will be distributed to local media outlets and posted on The City’s website;
- Notice advertising will be published in the Red Deer Advocate; and
- The City will continue to provide updates on its website as the process progresses.
More information
Residents and media are encouraged to review the FAQ below and visit the Shelters Services in Red Deer page for the most up-to-date information on:
- The rezoning process
- Key timelines
- Public participation opportunities
Questions or comments related specifically to the rezoning process may be directed to shelter@reddeer.ca
Resources
- Shelter Rezoning Notification Letter (pdf) - includes map of proposed rezoning of 7740 40 Avenue from Heavy Industrial (I2) to Direct Control District No. 36 (DC36)
- Red Deer Homeless Foundation: Project Nexus
Frequently Asked Questions
Does rezoning approve a shelter?
No. Rezoning establishes whether a particular use may be permitted on a property. It does not approve:
- Construction or building alterations
- Shelter operations or programming
- Day-to-day management of a facility
Additional approvals would be required even if rezoning is approved.
Why is this site being considered?
This is a privately initiated application submitted by a landowner. Council is required to consider applications that meet legislative requirements.
Who is making the rezoning decision?
City Council is the decision authority for rezoning applications and is acting in its legislative role. Council will consider the application through a formal process that includes a Public Hearing before making a decision.
What is The City of Red Deer’s role in this process?
The City’s role is limited to land use and development approvals, including:
- Reviewing and processing the rezoning application
- Holding a Public Hearing and receiving public input
- Making a decision on whether the proposed land use is appropriate
- Reviewing any future Development Permit or Safety Codes applications, if applicable
The City does not:
- Select shelter sites
- Operate shelters
- Decide how shelters are managed or programmed
What is the Province of Alberta’s role?
The Province of Alberta is responsible for:
- Funding shelter services
- Selecting and contracting shelter operators
- Determining shelter models, programming, and service delivery
- Overseeing shelter operations
Who operates the shelter?
Shelters are operated by organizations contracted by the Province of Alberta. The City of Red Deer does not operate shelters. At this time:
- Safe Harbour Society is currently operating the temporary shelter site at Cannery Row.
- The Province of Alberta has indicated that shelter operations at the temporary site will transition to Hope Mission on April 1, 2026.
If this application is approved, does it mean the shelter is moving?
We do not yet have this information. At this time, the rezoning application before City Council only considers whether a shelter use would be permitted on this property from a land use perspective. The City of Red Deer does not yet have specific details related to operations and construction of a potential future shelter.
What happens if rezoning is approved?
If the rezoning is approved:
- Additional approvals would still be required (e.g., Development Permit, Safety Codes permits)
- Rezoning alone does not authorize construction or operation
- Any future development would take time and be subject to further review and communication
Will the current temporary shelter site close?
This rezoning application does not determine the future of the current temporary shelter site. Decisions related to shelter locations, closures, or relocations are the responsibility of the Province of Alberta. The City of Red Deer will continue to work with the Province and local shelter operators to determine next steps and ensure we can share up to date information with the community; however, this is not information we have at this time.
Can Council consider safety and community impacts?
Council may consider information related to land use planning, compatibility, and development impacts presented through the planning process and public submissions. Operational matters, including shelter management and service delivery, fall under Provincial jurisdiction.
How can the public provide input?
Public input is a required and meaningful part of the rezoning process. Community members may submit written comments or speak at a potential future public hearing if the first reading of the application is approved. If first reading is approved, a public hearing is expected to take place on February 25, 2025.
Where can I get more information?
Information about the rezoning process, timelines, and participation opportunities is available on The City of Red Deer’s website at reddeer.ca/shelter.
Questions related specifically to the rezoning process may be submitted to shelter@reddeer.ca.