City of Red Deer
Red Deer launches Orange Ribbon Campaign to support community Truth and Reconciliation journey
The City of Red Deer is launching the Orange Ribbon Campaign to engage the community in the Truth and Reconciliation journey.
“We know that many Red Deerians are looking for ways to express their grief and anger following the recent discovery of unmarked graves at Indigenous Residential Schools,” said Kristin Walsh, Safe and Healthy Communities Manager. “We are partnering with local Indigenous Elders in launching an Orange Ribbon Campaign to offer people a way to express their grief and solidarity with the Indigenous community.”
The campaign was developed with consideration for indigenous traditions, as the colour orange is recognized as a symbol of the loss of childhood innocence, and disconnection from family in Indigenous experiences. It is also common practice in Indigenous cultures to tie ribbons to tree trunks as a memorial marker.
“The ribbons are 100% cotton, as was stressed by Elders, to ensure they are biodegradable and will not harm trees growth,” said Walsh.
Orange ribbons can be picked up, free of charge, from the following locations:
- Collicutt Centre: 3031 30 Avenue
- H. Dawe Community Centre: 56 Holt Street
- Recreation Centre: 4501 47A Avenue
- City Hall: 4914 48 Avenue
- Intermediate School: 5205 48 Avenue
- Red Deer Native Friendship Centre: 4808 51 Avenue
- Shining Mountains Community Services: 4925 46 Street
- Red Deer Polytechnic: The Gathering Place (Room 1009), 100 College Boulevard
Residents are encouraged to tie the ribbons to a plant or tree in a place that holds meaning for them. When tying to trees or other plant life, residents should ensure the plant is not damaged or hindered by the ribbon. The City has tied ribbons to trees in City Hall Park and on the Ross Street Patio.
“Everyone’s reconciliation journey will look different,” said Walsh. “For this reason, we have also included a list of resources and information on our website for those looking to learn more about our past and our journey forward.”
Information is available online website at www.reddeer.ca/orangeribbon.
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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