City of Red Deer
Molly Banister Drive extension remains a possibility as City Council shelves development plans for creek-side lots
From the City of Red Deer
Molly Banister Drive extension to remain in plans
On September 10, Council gave first reading to a report regarding the future of Molly Banister Drive extension. The administrative report recommended removal of the protected alignment from the development plans, meaning the roadway would come out of the plans, and development of the area could continue without holding space for this road to be developed at some point in the future.
Tonight, Council heard from 31 people who spoke either for or against the protection of the road alignment at a public hearing. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, residents voiced their opinions either at an offsite location via video to Council, or over the phone.
Following the public hearing, and consideration of the written statements received, Council began deliberations in consideration of second and third reading of the amendment.
Currently, The City’s statutory plans show the protected alignment as a four lane undivided arterial road, similar to 22 Street between 30 Avenue and 40 Avenue, bisecting Piper Creek. Tonight, Council voted against removing the protected alignment, which keeps this potential road as an option to accommodate traffic in the city’s southeast when the population of Red Deer is about 188,000 people.
The Molly Banister Drive alignment was projected to be required when the population of Red Deer reaches 188,000, which is estimated to be in about 34 years, in 2054.
“The discussion of whether or not Molly Banister Drive should be extended has been a recurring topic for many years,” said Deputy Mayor Michael Dawe. “The Molly Banister Drive extension was first shown in City planning and transportation documents in the 1970’s, and after considering input from the many residents who joined us tonight or submitted feedback in advance, Council decided not to proceed with second and third reading, which keeps the protected alignment in development plans.”
In the fall of 2019, The City received an application to amend two development plans in the East Hill area. Melcor, the developer of the area, requested that the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and the East Hill Major Area Structure Plan (MASP) be amended by removing the Molly Banister Drive protected roadway alignment (extension of Molly Banister Drive to 40 Avenue) from the plans.
More information can be found at www.reddeer.ca/mollybanister.
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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