City of Red Deer
Council boosting budget for Downtown Business Association
Council approves 2024 DBA budget, increased investment in events
“The DBA remains steadfast in its objective to build on the growth seen in 2023. The collaboration between The City of Red and the DBA is at all time high and with the pending actions set to be delivered through the Downtown Activation Playbook, I know there are many great things to come that will support our business community and create the thriving downtown we all want to experience,” said Amanda Gould, DBA Executive Director.
“Today Council demonstrated their commitment to their strategic priorities with the support shown to the DBA through unanimous support of the 2024 budget. This mighty Association continues to do great work on a shoestring budget and the 2024 Board of Directors are keen to lend their expertise and entrepreneurial skills to benefit the downtown in its entirety.”
Brandon Bouchard, DBA Board Chair
The DBA’s budget is partially funded through the BIA tax levy, which is collected by The City of Red Deer. Each year, the DBA presents its proposed budget to Council for their consideration. When reviewing the budget, Council considers alignment between the DBA’s downtown priorities and City’s community priorities.
“DBA has constantly hit far above its weight in our downtown, I can’t think of a more supportive messenger of promotion than the team at the DBA, it’s so encouraging to see this strong support for our downtown,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “I’m encouraged by the leadership and direction of the DBA and look forward to what they have in store for 2024. They continually bring positive initiatives to the downtown even with the constraint on finances.”
The DBA’s total approved budget for 2024 is $775,160, with $277,725 funded through the BIA with the remaining amount funded through items such as grants and contracts. The BIA portion for 2024 is an increase of five per cent from 2023.
The Downtown Business Association has been operating in Red Deer for more than 30 years, serving approximately 350 business owners in the Downtown area. Through partnerships and leadership in advocacy and promotion, the DBA is the catalyst for a vibrant and prosperous downtown that is the place to live, work, play and do business.
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.
Unofficial 2024 By-Election Results
With 100% voting stations reporting, Red Deerians have elected a new City Councillor during The City’s first ever by-election.
Unofficial results of the 2024 Municipal By-Election are as follows:
| Candidate | Votes | |
| 1 | BUCHANAN, S.H. (Buck) | 479 |
| 2 | CHILIBECK, Jason | 287 |
| 3 | COLLINGS, Mark | 115 |
| 4 | CULLEN-SAIK, Linda | 296 |
| 5 | HUIZING, Hans | 381 |
| 6 | KRAHN, Chad | 2512 |
| 7 | MACDONALD, Ashley | 165 |
| 8 | MILANEY, Liam (The Level) | 29 |
| 9 | TWEEDLE, Jaelene | 2355 |
| 10 | YZERMAN, Calvin | 183 |
Official election results for the Municipal By-Election will be announced by noon on Friday, April 26, 2024.
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