Red Deer
The Kings and Queens Survive!!
From Red Deer College
Kings and Queens will remain names for RDU Athletics teams
When Red Deer College announced its intention to change the names of the Kings and Queens Athletics teams when it becomes Red Deer University, the community spoke up. More than 1,000 people provided their feedback through RDC’s online survey, direct emails and other means, demonstrating their passion that the names represent both the College’s history and the future of Red Deer University.
Based on the positive feedback in support of student-athletes, Athletic teams and alumni, RDC will keep the Kings and Queens names for its teams when it evolves to be Red Deer University.
“For everyone who shared your positive feedback and your support of our extensive Athletics community, thank you. We have heard you,” says Dr. Peter Nunoda, RDC President. “Reflecting on this process, we recognize that we needed to reach out to you sooner for your feedback on what Red Deer University Athletics should look like, before deciding that we would change the names. We’re sorry for initially overlooking that step.”
With the College making the decision to keep the RDU Kings and Queens names to represent its student-athletes and teams in the future, the February 11 community consultation sessions have been cancelled. People who registered for these sessions will be notified.
RDC’s student-athletes have created a strong legacy of excellence in competition, the classroom and making an impact in surrounding communities through coaching, volunteering and more. The College is committed to maintaining the Kings and Queens legacy as it becomes Red Deer University. In support of its student-athletes, RDC appreciates the community’s commitment to post-secondary athletics in this region, by people attending games, volunteering or giving back in other ways.
There is one more important issue Red Deer College must address regarding the feedback received during the past few weeks about renaming RDC Athletics.
“It’s very important that people understand our decision to keep the names is based on the extensive positive feedback, and that the hate that was expressed by a portion of people – particularly on social media – does not align with the core values of our institution in any way,” Nunoda says. “It was never our intention to start this type of negative conversation, and we acknowledge that a number of people were impacted and hurt on a personal, organizational and community level. Inclusiveness is and will continue to be one of our values, and we stand behind that.”
Looking to the future, RDC will develop a foundational strategy on what inclusiveness and equity looks like within our institution. This will be modelled on best practices with human equity strategies, and adapted for the specific and unique needs of students, faculty, staff and stakeholders that make up the post-secondary community.
The new Red Deer Justice Centre will help Albertans resolve their legal matters faster.
Albertans deserve to have access to a fair, accessible and transparent justice system. Modernizing Alberta’s courthouse infrastructure will help make sure Alberta’s justice system runs efficiently and meets the needs of the province’s growing population.
Alberta’s government has invested $191 million to build the new Red Deer Justice Centre, increasing the number of courtrooms from eight to 12, allowing more cases to be heard at one time.
“Modern, accessible courthouses and streamlined services not only strengthen our justice
system – they build safer, stronger communities across the province. Investing in the new Red Deer Justice Centre is vital to helping our justice system operate more efficiently, and will give people in Red Deer and across central Alberta better access to justice.”
Government of Alberta and Judiciary representatives with special guests at the Red Deer Justice Centre plaque unveiling event April 22, 2025.
On March 3, all court services in Red Deer began operating out of the new justice centre. The new justice centre has 12 courtrooms fully built and equipped with video-conference equipment to allow witnesses to attend remotely if they cannot travel, and vulnerable witnesses to testify from outside the courtroom.
The new justice centre also has spaces for people taking alternative approaches to the traditional courtroom trial process, with the three new suites for judicial dispute resolution services, a specific suite for other dispute resolution services, such as family mediation and civil mediation, and a new Indigenous courtroom with dedicated venting for smudging purposes.
“We are very excited about this new courthouse for central Alberta. Investing in the places where people seek justice shows respect for the rights of all Albertans. The Red Deer Justice Centre fills a significant infrastructure need for this rapidly growing part of the province. It is also an important symbol of the rule of law, meaning that none of us are above the law, and there is an independent judiciary to decide disputes. This is essential for a healthy functioning democracy.”
“Public safety and access to justice go hand in hand. With this investment in the new Red Deer Justice Centre, Alberta’s government is ensuring that communities are safer, legal matters are resolved more efficiently and all Albertans get the support they need.”
“This state-of-the-art facility will serve the people of Red Deer and surrounding communities for generations. Our team at Infrastructure is incredibly proud of the work done to plan, design and build this project. I want to thank everyone, at all levels, who helped make this project a reality.”
Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.
Quick facts
- The new Red Deer Justice Centre is 312,000 sq ft (29,000 m2). (The old courthouse is 98,780 sq ft (9,177 m2)).
- The approved project funding for the Red Deer Justice Centre is about $191 million.
City of Red Deer
City of Red Deer Employee Honoured with Bob Stollings Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions
Annette Scheper, Community & Program Facilitator in the Safe & Healthy Communities Department is The City’s 2025 recipient of the Bob Stollings Memorial Award.
The Bob Stollings Memorial Award is given out each year to a City employee who displays outstanding performance in alignment with The City’s RISE cornerstone values – respect, integrity, service and excellence. Nominations for the award are submitted by fellow coworkers detailing the employee’s achievements professionally and interpersonally, along with letters of support. The award is considered a great honour among City staff.
With an impressive 22-year career, Annette has played a pivotal role in shaping Red Deer’s cultural and special events landscape. Her leadership and innovation have brought thousands of successful events to life, creating lasting traditions that enrich the lives of residents. Her commitment to excellence and resourcefulness has ensured that community initiatives are inclusive, accessible, and impactful.
One of Annette’s most notable achievements is the development of the Community Loan Program, which provides essential resources for local groups, contributing an annual value of $86,778.95 back into the community. In addition, she has successfully led and executed a variety of large-scale events, demonstrating remarkable problem-solving skills and a dedication to sustainability. From creating elaborate event designs with repurposed materials to managing complex logistics, she continuously sets the standard for excellence.
“Annette exemplifies the best of our organization,” said City Manager, Tara Lodewyk. “Her unwavering dedication, innovative thinking, and ability to bring people together has made a profound impact on our city. This award is a testament to her hard work and passion for creating meaningful experiences for our community.”
The Bob Stollings Memorial Award was first established in 1985 and is presented every year to honour Robert (Bob) E. Stollings, a loyal and dedicated City employee from 1960-1984.
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