Connect with us
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=12]

City of Red Deer

City Council Meeting Recap

Published

1 year ago

4 minute read

The following decisions were made at Monday’s regular City Council Meeting.

VEHICLES FOR HIRE – PRINCIPLES AND DISCUSSION:
An updated Vehicle for Hire Bylaw will be coming to back to City Council for First Reading later this year, following discussion and approval of the following recommendations:
  1. Replace the age-based restrictions with a vehicle mileage restriction of 350,000 kilometers
  2. Explore additional options related to plate limits
  3. Remove drop rates for taxis
  4. No change to current drop rates for Transportation Network Companies (rideshare)
  5. Explore additional options for regulations for Transportation Network Companies
  6. Simplification of the licensing process

Administration will take Council’s feedback to consider updates to the bylaw to come back in Fall 2023.

RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP BYLAW FUNDAMENTALS AND DISCUSSION:
Council discussed fundamental components related to pet ownership and endorsed four key principles that will inform a future Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw. The four principles that will influence the foundation of the bylaw include:

  1. Potential to license cats with a maximum of six cats per household.
  2. Maintain the limit of three dogs per household and include exceptions for new residents.
  3. Maintain maximum of four urban chickens per licence/household and remove cap on the number of licences available.
  4. Prohibit honeybee hives, excluding provincially licensed hives, and continued ongoing support for pollinator parks and natural area preservation initiatives.

First reading of a Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw will come back to Council for consideration in Fall 2023. Council approved one-time funding of $45,000 to maintain the current service levels, including enforcement costs.

This new bylaw would combine four bylaws that currently regulate animals in our city into one bylaw, including the Dog Bylaw, Cat Bylaw, Urban Chicken Bylaw and aspects of the Community Standards Bylaw as it relates to livestock.

2023 TAX RATE BYLAW
Council approved the annual property tax rate bylaw, including tax rates for requisitions The City collects on behalf of Alberta Education and Bridges Community Living. The City’s budget was set by City Council in December with a 4.61 per cent tax increase. When combined with requisitions The City must collect on behalf of other organizations, the actual tax increase is 2.46 per cent for residential and non-residential properties. Multi-family properties will see a tax increase of 6.64 per cent. Tax notices will be mailed May 23, 2023. Read more.

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA TAX BYLAW
Council passed the Business Improvement Area (BIA) tax and tax rate bylaw, which funds the Downtown Business Association (DBA). Read more.  

WESTERNER EXHIBITION ASSOCIATION LOAN BYLAW
Council approved second and third reading of the WEA Loan Bylaw to support shorter-term funding requirements while WEA regains financial sustainability. The loan is intended to support short-term cash flow for the Westerner by providing a $1 million line of credit for WEA to cover expenses prior to realizing event revenue. This contingency loan is seen as emergency funds, with an expectation for it to be paid back once revenue is realized and only used after their current line of credit.

PUBLIC HEARING – LAND USE BYLAW AMENDMENT
Following a public hearing, Council approved second and third reading to rezone 3718 46 Street in Eastview from R1A (semi detached dwelling/duplex) to R2 (medium density). The applicant intends to construct a new residential development on the property that is non-intrusive in design and contains slightly more units than the adjacent properties. This will gently increase density in the area. The maximum size of development for this property is four units (fourplex) based on site limitations and R2 District regulations, including landscaping, parking, and setback requirements.

—

To view the full Council agenda, video recording of the meeting and reports, visit: https://reddeer.ca/city-government/mayor-and-city-councillors/council-meetings-and-schedule/

Related Topics:
More from this author
Addictions / 2 months ago

City Council decides to close Red Deer’s Overdose Prevention Site

City of Red Deer / 3 months ago

Mayor and City Council statement on passing of Jack Donald, an incredible philanthropist and community builder

Alberta / 4 months ago

Red Deer loses beloved citizen, City Councillor, and iconic historian

Addictions

City Council decides to close Red Deer’s Overdose Prevention Site

Published on February 16, 2024

By

City Council requests the Province of Alberta make changes to OPS in Red Deer

City Council made decisions (Friday) related to Red Deer’s Overdose Prevention Site (OPS), requesting the Government of Alberta (GOA):

  • formalize an orderly transition of the existing OPS out of Red Deer by the end of 2025;
  • provide in its place greater harm reducing options within our community that focus on health, wellness, and recovery, including more detox capacity, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), recovery coaches, counsellors, and culturally appropriate health and wellness supports, etc.;
  • provide dedicated grant funding to provide a continuous police presence/enforcement in the immediate vicinity of the OPS and temporary shelter, until the crime and social disorder impacts associated with these provincial services are better mitigated for the safety and security of our public;
  • substantially increase front-line supports for mental health and addictions within our community/region to better address the root causes leading to drug and alcohol addictions.

These decisions stem from a Notice of Motion put forward by Councillor Higham on December 18, 2023. After being read into the record on January 22, 2024, a non-statutory public hearing was scheduled for yesterday, February 15, 2024. Approximately 40 members of the public attended the non-statutory public hearing, with approximately 30 individuals speaking to the Notice of Motion, sharing their thoughts on the issue.

After hearing from the public yesterday, City Council debated the motion today, with Mayor Ken Johnston now having City Council direction to take the issue forward to the province and proceed with advocacy efforts.

“The public hearing and the debate of this motion were harrowing and emotional experiences for everyone. Each of us have been touched in some way by addiction; we heard that very clearly, and I am no exception. We heard heartfelt testimony from many members of our community, citizens, some who use the OPS, some who are service providers in the community, business owners, doctors, family members that have lost loves ones, and more,” said Mayor Johnston. “Council approached this most sensitive of issues with open minds, open ears, and open hearts. We are trying to improve lives for those suffering from addiction. This is a complex challenge, as these are areas where municipalities do not have jurisdiction. What we know is that Red Deer needs robust support from the provincial government for people with addictions; we need support for our community that is grappling with the fallout of addictions; and we need that support in the most immediate way.”

Mayor Johnston added, “Following this meeting, I will reach out to the Ministry of Addictions and Mental Health to book meetings where we can discuss how to move forward in the best interest of our city.”

Currently the OPS is located 5246 53 Avenue in downtown Red Deer.

Continue Reading

City of Red Deer

Mayor and City Council statement on passing of Jack Donald, an incredible philanthropist and community builder

Published on January 19, 2024

By

“Be honest with yourself, with others. Be proud of what you do, and do your best.” – Jack Donald’s advice to young people

Quote and photo courtesy of the Alberta Order of Excellence

“On behalf of City Council and City staff, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Jack Donald on their loss. Jack was a remarkable leader, contributing over 50 years to the growth and development of Red Deer and Central Alberta as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community builder. His vision and business acumen significantly impacted the local economy, creating jobs and attracting investment. Jack’s tireless charitable efforts have left a lasting impact on various community causes.

In 1964, Jack and Joan Donald moved to Red Deer, where Jack not only grew his business but also became actively involved in community service. From leading the Optimist Club and Rotary Club to serving as a Red Deer Alderman in the 1970s, Jack demonstrated a deep commitment to the well-being of the community. His dedication to education led him to serve on the Board of Governors for Red Deer College, where the Donald School of Business stands as a testament to their generosity.

Jack’s contributions extended to Westerner Park, where he played a pivotal role in relocating the exhibition grounds and building key facilities. His philanthropy also reached beyond, co-chairing a successful 2005 fundraising campaign for STARS and earning induction into the Southern Alberta Business Hall of Fame in 2011. Named Red Deer’s Citizen of the Year in 2002, Jack Donald leaves behind a legacy of community spirit, business brilliance, leadership, philanthropy, and unwavering volunteerism that will resonate throughout Central Alberta for generations.

Our deepest condolences go out to the Donald family and friends. Please know that we share in your grief, recognizing that Jack’s impact will endure as a beacon of inspiration for our community.”

Mayor Ken Johnston

Continue Reading

Trending

X