Red Deer
Common Sense Red Deer calls for caution from City Council considering 2024 budget
From Common Sense Red Deer
‘Tis the season for budget adjustments.
At this time of year, City Councils across the province are reevaluating their budgets and setting the financial course for the coming year.
What they should be doing is taking a close look at spending and seeing where they can cut back!
But, if recent developments in Calgary and Edmonton tell us anything, that’s the complete opposite of what is actually happening.
Thanks to recently passed budget amendments, Calgarians are staring down a 7.8% tax hike, while our neighbours in Edmonton are grappling with a 6.6% property tax increase.
Thankfully, that’s not what happened in Red Deer – but only because there were no budget adjustments in Red Deer at all!
Red Deer’s budget adjustments were supposed to begin at the November 27th Council meeting.
But, that discussion has been rescheduled to January 23rd, 2024.
Why?
Apparently, Administration needs a little more time to assess how much money will actually be available at the end of 2023.
Remember that this is the second year of a multi-year budget that already had a 4.12% increase built in for 2024.
Who knows what they’ll be proposing in January?
Recently, we shared with you how successful Red Deer County has been at managing their finances.
For the eighth consecutive year, the County received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
They may be close by, but their commitment to transparent, accountable budgeting is a world apart.
Red Deerians deserve transparency and accountability.
It might be bad in Edmonton and Calgary, but at least they know how bad it actually is.
We have to wait and see…
We refuse to accept higher taxes without a fight.
At Common Sense Red Deer, we’ll be watching the adjustments closely and keeping you informed.
As we prepare, your support is crucial.
If you can spare $5, $10, or even $25 toward our efforts, please click here to make a donation.
Your support will power our advocacy efforts and fuel our fight to ensure Council stays focused on core priorities.
Together, we can ensure that Red Deer does not follow in the troubling footsteps set by other cities.
Let’s continue to make our voices heard, demand answers, and fight for a better, more transparent City.
Regards,
-The Common Sense Red Deer Team
Let’s paint the town positive this summer! SPARC invites you to take part in our Rock Garden Giveaway at Oxbows Dog Park and Capstone 150 Square.
Here’s how to join the fun:
- Paint an uplifting rock with a kind, creative message
- Place it in one of the Rock Gardens
- Snap a photo and tag us at SPARCRD or enter here 👉 https://buff.ly/nc1Fi78
You’ll be entered for a chance to win in our summer giveaway!
Need some inspiration? Try these themed ideas:
Pet-Themed Kindness for Oxbows:
• Anything is paws-ible with love
• Don’t worry, be yappy
• Choose kindness fur-ever
• You’re doggone awesome
• You’re labrador-able
Sparkly Encouragements for Capstone:
• Hello sunshine
• Kindness is magic
• Make today sparkle
• You’re a star
• Kindness is my superpower
Let’s fill our city with color, connection, and kindness—one rock at a time!
The Red Deer Regional Health Foundation is thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s Red Deer Hospital Lottery prizes – including the Dream Home, a $100,000.00 cash prize, and Mega Bucks 50.
James Smith of Spruce View has won the $100,000.00 cash prize.
Montey Brehaut of Red Deer has won the Mega Bucks 50 jackpot, taking home $301,702.50.
The grand prize Sorento Custom Homes Dream Home, including furnishings by Urban Barn and worth $1,074,472 – has been awarded to Oscar Gunnlaugson of Sylvan Lake.
The winner announcements took place at noon on June 26 , 2025 – and was streamed live on Facebook from Red Deer Regional Hospital Center.
“We’re excited to celebrate this year’s winners and deeply grateful to everyone who supported the lottery,” said Manon Therriault, CEO of the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation. “Funds raised will directly enhance patient care at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.”
This year’s lottery proceeds will fund essential new and replacement equipment, ensuring Red Deer Regional Hospital Center can continue to serve the 500,000 people who rely on it. While plans for the hospital expansion move forward, healthcare doesn’t wait. Patients in our community need access
to life-saving technology today, and supporting Red Deer Hospital Lottery has made that possible.
A full list of winners, including electronics prize recipients, will be posted on July 2 at reddeerhospitallottery.ca.
Winners will also receive instructions on how to claim their prizes by mail.
The keys to the Dream Home will be presented at a special ceremony this summer.
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