City of Red Deer
14% of City Employees still unvaccinated as mandate comes into effect Monday

Employee immunization policy comes into full effect Monday
Starting Monday, City staff who have not submitted their immunization records must provide proof of ongoing valid negative rapid antigen testing, tests are valid for 72 hours.
As of today, 1,256 (86%) staff have submitted their vaccination records; however, this number may change as more staff continue to complete vaccination and send in records. The City has set up a process for those who opt for negative rapid antigen testing in lieu of being vaccinated.
“We are pleased with the number of employees who have provided their immunization records, and we anticipate the majority who have not, will choose to provide proof of negative rapid antigen testing come Monday,” said Tara Lodewyk, Interim City Manager. “Many thanks to the staff who have worked together to bring this to implementation. The policy respects the preferences of individuals without compromising the health and safety of our employees and our community. In creating good policy, we need to do what is best for the overall organization.”
The City will do its best to work with all employees to navigate the complexities of the policy; however, the small number of staff who choose not to submit immunization records or provide proof of negative test will not be able to work and unpaid for that time.
The COVID-19 Immunization Policy implemented on October 5 applies to all City of Red Deer staff. The City Manager is delegated the authority under the Municipal Government Act to make decisions and create policies, which includes safety and business operations for the City of Red Deer. The current Employee Immunization Policy falls within this authority.
City Council will receive a report in January about what a potential policy for members of Council may look like, as well as potential timelines for implementation.
City of Red Deer
Free Farewell party for Red Deer’s Kinex Arena Saturday, April 1

City to host Kinex Arena farewell event
The Kinex Arena was originally built in 1967 and has provided over 5 decades of fun, sport and recreation. As a farewell, The City is hosting a free public drop-in event.
Free Kinex Arena Farwell Event
Saturday, April 1
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
4725 A – 43 Street
Behind the Servus Arena (map)
Join us for our free skating times with themed music:
- 10 – 11 a.m. – preschool/family skate with preschool songs
- 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – 60’s & 70’s public skate
- 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – 80’s & 90’s public skate
- 1:45 – 2:45 p.m. – 00’s & 10’s public skate
Pre-registration is not required, drop-in when your schedule allows!
Skate with us through the ages as we host themed drop-in skating times with refreshments in the upper mezzanine. The refreshments are free and so are the memories! Walk back in time while reminiscing with historic pictures of the Kinex Arena over the last 55+ years.
Kinex Farewell Event FAQs
Kinex Arena Decommission FAQs
City of Red Deer
City of Red Deer puts out call to private owners interested in selling or leasing property for integrated homeless shelter

Call for privately owned properties for consideration during shelter site selection process
Administration will assess the privately-owned properties submitted, sites that are currently on the market, and municipally or provincially owned properties using Council’s criteria:
- Ability to acquire site: Acquiring the optimum site can be done in a timely manner. Acquisition options and costs are important considerations.
- Adequate size: The size of the site considers the potential need to adjust service delivery at any given time. It will accommodate proposed integrated amenities and services. It considers the land size needed to accommodate outdoor gathering spaces and activities. The site already has a building or can accommodate a building that meets the Province’s minimum requirement of 10,000 square feet.
- Broad community impact: The site aligns with The City’s vision for the community. Community impact includes considerations such as, impacts on economic and business development, and municipal operations. It includes potential reputational impacts and financial impacts (both capital and operating). It also includes impacts to those accessing shelter services in our community. The site considers impacts to our community as a whole, including health, and safety for all in our valued places and spaces that are enjoyed by our citizens.
- Impacts to surrounding area: Impacts to businesses, residences, parks, trails, and schools are a priority consideration in selecting site. The city’s reputation is considered. A preferred site can accommodate and foster development of a safe, secure shelter.
- Access to services & supports: Safety and basic needs for all is a priority. Regularly utilized services and supports that would not be co-located are taken into consideration. Sites where co-located services can operationalize are preferred.
Once the technical assessments are complete, administration will present options to Council for consideration to recommend to the province.
If you are a property owner and would like to submit a site for consideration, please fill out and submit the online form here.
For information on the future shelter site selection process, please visit www.reddeer.ca/shelter.
Background
Back on February 3, City Council provided a “community update” on the status of 2 properties which were thoroughly vetted but failed in the end to get the go ahead. Here is video from that announcement and the following q and a with media.
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