Business

City of Red Deer introduces funding program to boost downtown development

Name: Battle of the Bands for Crime Prevention
Start: 2020-2-28T19-19-00-00
End: 2020-2-28T23-23-00-00
Location: Burgundy's Food & Stage

Published

1 week ago

Duane Rolheiser

From The City of Red Deer

New incentive program for downtown development projects in Red Deer

A new funding program has launched in Red Deer to support downtown development projects. The program aims to increase activity and growth opportunities in the Greater Downtown Area while supporting The City’s overall Strategic Plan.

There are five funding opportunities in the program, including:

Facade and Storefront Improvement Rebate, intended to increase a sense of downtown pride through an investment in beautification, restoration, signage and improved security features.
Environmental Site Assessment Rebate, which supports owners of properties which require Environmental Site Assessments before redevelopment can occur.
Demolition of Vacant and Derelict Properties Rebate, which assists property owners with demolition costs to facilitate sale or redevelopment of their property.
Utility Connection Fee Rebate, which supports property owners required to replace or upgrade utility connections as part of developing or redeveloping on their property.
Residential and Mixed Use Development Grant, which promotes the development of newly constructed multifamily residential and/or mixed use units.
These opportunities will contribute to a healthy, successful downtown by improving aesthetic, encouraging developers to build residential units downtown, and reducing the costs of investing in our downtown.

“These economic development programs are taking intentional actions to incent development in our downtown,” said Tara Lodewyk, Director of Planning Services. ”We recognize that downtowns are the heart of our cities and play a vital role as our communities’ business, administrative, and cultural centres.”

Property owners and developers may apply for funding from all five opportunities for a single location, pending eligibility. The first intake occurs February 15 – March 15, 2020 and a second intake is planned for July 1 – August 1, 2020, pending available remaining funds.

For more information and to apply online, visit www.reddeer.ca/EconomicIncentives.

Related Topics:downtown development incentive Downtown Red Deer feature Red Deer The City of Red Deer

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Junktiques – Home Decor – DBA Business Spotlight

Published

3 days ago

February 17, 2020

Red Deer DBA

We were very excited to sit down with Vicki Finlay, owner and operator of Junktiques – Home Décor this week. Vicki is extremely passionate about her business and her commitment to her downtown community is inspiring! We were amazed at all the unique treasures and how welcoming her space is. Check out our interview with Vicki below!

What is your business?

My business consists of new, vintage, and re-purposed items. A little bit of everything and a lot of nothing! You never know what you’re going to find in here! Junktiques is really about anything that is cool!

When did your business open?

Officially it became Junktiques in December 2017.

What makes your business unique?

Everything makes us unique! Our location is great because we are in the center of everything! Our customers are unique, all walks of life come here. I sell products that I love, make my soul happy, and I believe someone else will love as well. I don’t accept consignment items, so I won’t sell ‘just anything’. I strive in the ability to be fluid and ever-changing. I don’t have to follow rules such as opening and closing times and what I can sell and cannot sell, I carry pride merchandise year-round and myself, because when you come into my store I try to make you feel like you’ve come over to visit.

What are some products/services that you offer?

I offer new home décor, jewelry, hardware, vintage treasures, and an all year-round pride selection. I offer a huge variety and selection. I can find someone an item they need for a project that they may not have considered. So, its re-purposing an item from one use to another use and that’s what I’m good at.

Why did you choose Downtown Red Deer as the location for your business?

I didn’t originally choose the location, but if I was given the option to move, I wouldn’t. Downtown is vibrant, unique, interesting and always changing, just like Junktiques. There is no other place it would work, and I love the spot I’m in.

What do you think makes Downtown vibrant?

The people, the cafés, the atmosphere, unique & one-of-a kind stores, also the fact you can be outside. You are not inside a mall where you don’t see the weather or birds. It’s cold in the winter but it’s worth it in the summer because it’s the most beautiful place in the world.

I love Downtown Red Deer because… Everything good happens in the heart of a city and Downtown is the heart of Red Deer!

Junktiques – Home Décor is truly a pillar in our Downtown community. Vicki not only runs a successful and uniquebusiness; she is a champion advocate and stanch supporter of her Downtown and LGBTQ community. We invite you to stop in to Junktiques Home Décor and experience this hidden gem!

‘You never know what you might find!’

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Junktiques-Home-Decor-261465131048237/

Barbershop on Gaetz – DBA Business Spotlight

LV’s Vinyl Cafe – DBA Business Spotlight

Business

Barbershop on Gaetz – DBA Business Spotlight

Published

1 week ago

February 10, 2020

Red Deer DBA

This week, we shine our ‘Business Spotlight’ on Barber Shop on Gaetz, located at 5020 50^th Ave. Did you know Barber Shop on Gaetz holds the title of being the longest-running barbershop in Red Deer? Originally opening in 1947, this unique shop has been operating under Selene Fraser for the past 11 years and has a very loyal clientele. In fact, Barber Shop on Gaetz stills sees clients since its original opening!

We caught up with Selene to learn more!

What is your business?

We are Barber Shop on Gaetz.

When did your business open?

The business originally opened in 1947 and I am the 8^th owner, operating for 11 years now.

What makes your business unique?

The customers! We have the best customers and I’m not kidding – I say that every time. I’ve worked in so many shops in my career, I’ve been doing hair for 35 + years and I’ve had the most fun here. Not because I own the place, it’s the people that make it great.

What are some products/services that you offer?

We offer full services for men including hot shaves, colors, and highlights although we don’t do a lot of those. We do a lot of hot shaves. As for products, we offer the Maverick line, Crew line, Carina Organics line, beard oils, anything to do with shaving we supply. Ladies and children’s cuts are also available.

Why did you choose Downtown Red Deer as the location for your business?

I knew a lady who worked here years before. It was a busy little shop with old-timers and farmers. The entire rural community knew about it because 50^th Ave was the main road through town. This building has always been a barbershop. The history of it was one of the main reasons I chose the location. I like the downtown core, it’s diverse.

What do you think makes Downtown vibrant?

The people! The small businesses, the ‘mom & pop’ owned places and the cultural aspect.

I love Downtown Red Deer because… It’s central and it’s community. I like the little shops, businesses, and the friendly, non-judgemental, awesome community.

Barber Shop on Gaetz brings a definite charm to Downtown Red Deer. Its unique, friendly atmosphere is a real reason people keep returning! Selene and her team are leaders in their craft and care greatly for their Downtown community. Make sure to stop in for your next hair or beard service!

Website: https://barberongaetz.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarbershopOnGaetz/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbershopongaetz/

Alberta Art & Drafting Supplies – DBA Business Spotlight

LV’s Vinyl Cafe – DBA Business Spotlight

february, 2020

sun12jan(jan 12)2:00 pmsun22mar(mar 22)5:00 pmAnne Frank: A History for Today opening at Red Deer MAG(january 12) 2:00 pm - (march 22) 5:00 pm mst Red Deer Museum & Art Gallery Address: 4525 - 47A Avenue, Red Deer

From Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery (MAG)

The travelling exhibition Anne Frank – A History for Today, a travelling exhibition from the Anne Frank House (Amsterdam, The Netherlands), will be on display at the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery (MAG) January 12 to March 22, 2020. This exhibit aims to bring Anne’s life story to the attention of people all over the world to encourage them to reflect on the dangers of anti-Semitism, racism and discrimination and the importance of freedom, equal rights and democracy. As part of this exhibit the MAG will be showing artworks created by Red Deer high school students in response to the Anne Frank story. This exhibition tells the story of Anne Frank set against the background of the Holocaust. The exhibition makes use of images from the Frank family and quotations from the Diary of Anne Frank. Each panel displays information about the most important developments of that time: the rise of National Socialism, the Second World War and the persecution of the Jews. This exhibition has three artefacts that visitors will be able to see: a replica of the Diary of Anne Frank, a Yellow Star of David, a 3D model of the Anne Frank House and a Nazi program from 1935-1936. “We are pleased to present this exhibition during the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Holland from Nazi occupation,” says Lorna Johnson, Executive Director. “The Diary of Anne Frank continues to be a moving testament to the optimism of youth in the most trying situations. The Anne Frank House Museum in Amsterdam has made a commitment to work with youth all over the world to eliminate racism and discrimination. We are pleased to bring their message to Red Deer and we would like to thank the teachers and students of Red Deer’s high schools who have embraced the project and created artworks for display, and who have volunteered to be tour guides in the exhibition.” Opening Reception: Join the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery at 2pm on Sunday, January 26, 2020 for the joint opening reception of Anne Frank: A History for Today and the MAG’s in-house exhibit Sacrifice, Hope, Friendship: Canada and the Liberation of Holland.