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City of Red Deer

Capitalizing on Collaboration

Published

9 months ago

5 minute read

Submitted by Chad Krahn of Common Sense Red Deer

Collaboration between the City of Red Deer and the County is at an all-time high.

Case in point, the recent joint trip made by Mayor Woods and Mayor Johnson to the Paris International Airshow in support of the Red Deer Regional Airport.

While it may seem like a big and expensive trip, you can’t catch fish if you don’t go fishing.

If this trip results in attracting a new airline to the Red Deer Regional Airport, it could have a huge impact on our region.

There’s no sense going at it alone if we can work together with our neighbours on bringing prosperity to the area.

And, I have some other suggestions about how to do that!

Now is the perfect time to initiate collaborative projects that benefit the entire region.

The government is discussing the possibility of creating new economic corridors, and it is time for our Mayor to push for a new highway from Red Deer to Kamloops.

Just imagine having a faster and safer highway, which bypasses the mountain parks, allowing for quicker travel from BC to Alberta!

Mayor Johnson and his counterpart in the County, should look to set a meeting with the Mayor of Kamloops to explore the potential of a new superhighway to change travel and trade across western Canada, the same way the Coquihalla Highway changed travel to the lower mainland. A route from Kamloops to Red Deer would be a game changer.

Just imagine if there were no more semis driving that steep pass in Golden or clogging Highway 1 in Banff.

This would position Red Deer as the central hub for trade and traffic between BC and Alberta, make our highways safer, and further protect the National Parks.

Next, it is also important to consider the creation of a local police force for Red Deer.

Recent incidents, such as the $6 million bill to the City for RCMP backpay, have occurred without the involvement or approval of local authorities.

As policing represents the biggest line item in the City’s budget, it would be prudent to explore any alternatives, especially in light of Council’s desire to try to keep tax increases from becoming the norm.

The RCMP has recently revealed that they are struggling with recruitment and have a significant vacancy rate of 17% for officers across Canada.

In Alberta the RCMP is understaffed 13% despite paying for the full complement of officers.

This understaffing no doubt puts pressure on our dedicated officers in Red Deer who are doing their absolute best.

While there’s been lots of talk about whether Alberta should pursue a provincial police force or not, the City of Grande Prairie just went right ahead and ditched the RCMP in favour of a municipal police force earlier this year.

There’s also been increasing discussion in Ottawa of ending the RCMP’s provision of contract policing services across Canada entirely.

This means that, whether the province goes ahead with a provincial police force or not, there is a possibility that we may be required to establish our own police force in the future anyway, so an investigation at least is warranted.

By prioritizing collaboration, we can drive positive change and achieve more effective outcomes for our community.

It is crucial that we consider these opportunities and work together to see Red Deer and our entire region flourish.

If you’d like to contribute to our efforts, and you have the means to do so, will you please help us with a donation:

Regards,

Chad and the Common Sense Red Deer Team

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City of Red Deer

City holding Garage Sale to clear Kinex Arena ahead of demolition

Published on May 8, 2024

By

Puck boards, appliances, score boards and more up for grabs in advance of Kinex Arena demolition

After years of memories made at the Kinex Arena, the community will have one last chance to say goodbye to the facility during a garage sale this Saturday, and maybe even take home a piece of its history. The Kinex Arena, which has provided thousands of Red Deerians a place to enjoy sports and recreation events since 1967, will be demolished this summer.

“It’s bittersweet for our team and our community, saying goodbye to such a prominent recreation facility in our community; but it has reached the end of its lifespan,” said Curtis Martinek, Facilities & Asset Management Superintendent. “Demolition will begin later this summer and be completed by August. Prior to any actual demo, all hazardous materials need to be removed and disposed of safely and in accordance with all regulations”.

The land on which the facility currently sits will become additional green space in Barret Park. The Parking lot will remain for users of this park as well as overflow for large events at Servus Arena and the Pidherney’s Centre.

Some of the larger items from the arena such as rink glass, boards and dehumidifiers were sold to other communities throughout Alberta to be repurposed. The remaining items will be available at the garage sale this weekend; some of the items for sale include display cabinets, score clocks, shelving units, puck board, hockey nets, appliances and chairs.

Event:              Kinex Arena Garage Sale

Date:               Saturday, May 11, 2024

Time:               10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location:         Kinex Arena, 4725 A – 43 Street

All funds generated through the garage sale will go back into Recreation’s general revenue account.

A Facebook Event has been set up to share information and images about this weekend’s garage sale. For more information on the demolition, please visit reddeer.ca/Kinex.

FAQ’s

What will happen with the land where the Kinex Arena is located?

The footprint of the facility will become additional green space in Barret Park. The Parking lot will remain for users of this park as well as overflow for large events at Servus Arena and the Pidherney Centre.

What items will be sold at the garage sale on May 11?

The following is a list of some of the items available to purchase at the garage sale. Pricing for the items will be available at the event. A Facebook event has been created where we will share images of items in advance of the event.

  • Puck board
  • Hockey nets
  • Appliances such as a fridge, stoves, heaters, furnace
  • Chairs
  • Display cabinets and shelving units
  • Commercial waste disposal containers
  • Paper towel dispensers
  • Rolltop doors
What form of payment will be accepted at the garage sale?

During the May 11 garage sale at the Kinex Arena, cash is the only form of payment that will be accepted.

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City of Red Deer

Rebate programs launch again in Red Deer

Published on May 3, 2024

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Red Deer residents who purchase and install a rain barrel, drought-tolerant plants, permeable mulch or a low-flow toilet may qualify for a rebate on their City utility bill.

Alberta is experiencing drought in many parts of the province due to a below average snowpack in winter 2022-23, these rebate programs help Red Deerians conserve water usage in their homes and on their property at a time when water conservation is top of mind for many. The province is currently in water shortage management stage 4 (out of 5) and multiple water management areas are impacted by water shortage.

Participants in the programs could see a reduction in water usage in their homes as well as time and money as yards and gardens require less watering and fertilizer.

Specific details vary per rebate, but each program is open to Red Deer residents who have a City of Red Deer utility account.

Plant and Mulch Rebates are open for qualifying residents who purchase and install qualifying plants and/or permeable mulch in 2024. There is one rebate available for 50% of the cost of plants up to $50 and one rebate available for 50% of the cost of mulch up to $50.

The Rain Barrel Rebate program is open for residents who purchase and install a new rain barrel in 2024. The rebate is for 50% of the cost of the rain barrel up to $50. To encourage residents to participate in the program, this rebate has been expanded for 2024. Participants who received one rain barrel rebate in past years are welcome to apply for one additional rebate. Maximum of two rebates per utility account for the lifetime of that utility account.

A Toilet Rebate is available for residents who replace a high-flow toilet with a low-flow model. Two $25 rebates are available per utility account. People who have participated in this program in previous years are not eligible to receive another rebate.

These rebate programs support the water-related goals in The City’s Environmental Master Plan by reducing Red Deerians water use and increasing water conservation efforts. More information on how you can conserve water can be found at reddeer.ca/drought.

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