City of Red Deer
City of Red Deer COVID-10 update
From the City of Red Deer
City continues to respond to COVID-19
A state of local emergency was declared at 9:20 a.m. Monday, March 16, to assist the City’s efforts to respond to the impacts from COVID-19 on city services, facilities and programs. The state of local emergency gives The City access to additional resources, and special powers under the Emergency Management Act.
“We know citizens are concerned and have many questions about the impact of this pandemic,” said Mayor Tara Veer. “The City is actively working with the province and other stakeholders to decisively respond to this rapidly evolving situation as new information arises. Citizens safety is our top priority.”
While the risk to residents remains low, we remain vigilant and prepared to support our community’s needs.
Other measures taken by The City at this time include:
- All City of Red Deer operated recreation and culture facilities are closed to the public
- Continued activation of The City of Red Deer Emergency Operations Centre
- Continued activation of The City of Red Deer call centre daily from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. for residents to make non-emergency inquiries about City services and policies (403-342-8111)
- Enhanced cleaning and janitorial services in high traffic areas
- Mandatory 14-day isolation period for City employees who are symptomatic and/or have returned from international travel after March 12, 2020
- Notifying customers affected by program cancellations and City facility closures
- Revised cancellation policies for passes, programs and room rentals. Details are posted on our COVID-19 information page.
- We continue to work with the provincial government to protect our vulnerable population.
In addition, the following City facilities remain open to the public at this time, however with potentially amended service levels:
- City Hall and Professional Building
- Sorenson Station and Red Deer Transit service
- Downtown Red Deer RCMP detachment
- Cemetery services
“The actions we have taken today, and will continue to take, are to protect our citizens and our staff,” said City Manager Allan Seabrooke. “While the situation in Red Deer has remained stable, we believe that as a municipality we have the responsibility to be proactive in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19. We are working hard to maintain essential City services, including but not limited to RCMP, Emergency Services, water and waste water.”
Residents are reminded not to attend City facilities or any public facilities if they are feeling ill. Call Alberta Healthlink at 8-1-1 for non-emergency health information about COVID-19 and 9-1-1 only in the case of a life-threatening emergency or crime in progress.
The COVID-19 outbreak remains a fluid situation and information can change quickly and often. The City of Red Deer is prepared to make additional changes to policies as required in order to keep residents safe and reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Residents are urged to visit the Alberta Health Services website at www.ahs.ca for the most up to date information.
City of Red Deer
City negotiating with owner of property under consideration for new homeless shelter
The following information is provided as an update related to the potential location for a future permanent shelter in Red Deer.
As you are likely already aware, The City of Red Deer continues to work with the Province of Alberta to site and plan for the development of a purpose-built integrated shelter in our community. This important work has been underway for many years, and our community is understandably frustrated that a location has not yet been identified, despite City Council’s commitment and focused efforts.
RECENT MILESTONES:
- May 9, 2023: A site was approved by Red Deer City Council to recommend to the Province of Alberta.
- June 26, 2023: The Province provided formal support for the City Council recommended site.
- September 2023: A Letter of Intent was signed between The City of Red Deer and property owner. This enables The City to negotiate and work with the landowner to determine the viability of the potential site. The letter also requires that confidentiality of the potential location be upheld.
After receiving support from the Province, City administration began exploring the provincially-supported site in more detail; this exploration is very preliminary as we work with the landowner to determine potential viability. With it being in the early in this process, The City is not prepared to disclose the location to protect the land negotiation process, any rezoning processes that might arise, and associated confidentiality per its agreement with a private landowner.
Selecting a future shelter site has been a difficult process in that we, at times, have had limited ability to share information with our community because of the nuances related to provincial and municipal roles and responsibilities for this project, private versus public land availability and negotiation, and our desire to engage the community and be as transparent as possible as we seek to find the right place for a shelter in our city.
While we know there is no one site that will alleviate concerns for those in the vicinity of a shelter, The City is working closely with the province to ensure a purpose-built space that will not only look different from what we have now but will meet the needs of everyone in our community, including businesses, citizens, and shelter users. This is a Province of Alberta project; however, The City of Red Deer is deeply invested in this work as we recognize the impact and importance for our community.
While we are not able to share specific information about the site currently being explored, we want people to know there are many steps in the process to build and develop a shelter site, which includes rezoning. A rezoning will require a public hearing component, giving the community further opportunities to have input if the currently recommended site proceeds.
Last week, City Council met to discuss next steps as they continue to work with the Province to find the right site. We want residents and citizens to know we are listening. We hear their concerns, and we will continue to listen, adjust, and share information that ensures we site a shelter that meets the needs of everyone in our community.
HotSpot has launched in Red Deer! If you’re visiting our downtown for work, attending an event, or supporting a downtown business, you’ll use HotSpot to pay for your parking.
Three ways to pay!
HotSpot mobile app
A free download for iPhone and Android users, the HotSpot app is the easiest way to manage daily parking sessions and monthly permits.
Download HotSpot:
Fast tap signs
Located throughout the downtown parking areas, fast tap signs allow payment through the HotSpot website with a quick scan code. You don’t need a HotSpot account to use the fast tap signs.
Pay stations
If you prefer not to use an app or website, 21 new pay stations will be available throughout downtown and hospital zones. Pay stations offer several payment options, including coins, credit cards, Interac tap, Apple Pay and Google Pay. SmartCard parking cards will also be accepted at the pay stations, but are no longer able to be reloaded and are no longer being sold. Pay stations are expected to be up and running in early October. Until they arrive, customers are encouraged to use the app and fast tap signs to pay for parking.
Pay Station and Parking Zone Map (pdf)
HotSpot app features By using the HotSpot mobile app to manage your parking, you can:
- Pay for parking
- Extend parking sessions
- Avoid tickets with auto-alerts
- Refund unused time
- Manage your monthly parking permit
More information
Review The City of Red Deer Parking Management Strategy (pdf).
Questions about downtown parking may be directed to The City’s Inspections & Licensing department at 403-342-8185 or [email protected].
The City of Red Deer thanks the Government of Alberta for supporting the Parking Infrastructure Improvement Project through Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding.
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