City Council to consider requesting provincial Expression of Interest (EOI) related to permanent shelter

A formal request for a provincial Expression of Interest (EOI) is being considered by City Council on Monday after City Council decided to cease site selection until more information is available from the Government of Alberta related to vision and operator.

The decision to cease site selection occurred in an open meeting of Council on Monday, May 18, 2024. Since that time, Mayor Ken Johnston met with the provincial government to talk about proceeding with the development of the shelter in a new way, potentially issuing an EOI.

This is a shift from focusing on site right now. An EOI would help gauge interest related to potential shelter operators in Red Deer. It would help ensure understanding about options for operators and models in advance of any further site considerations by City Council.

“We have heard from citizens, that it is difficult to support the location of a future shelter in Red Deer without understanding what it will be. Our community wants to understand what services a future shelter may provide and how it will fit with our community,” said Mayor Johnston. “We have been looking for a different way through this process, and issuing and EOI may help City Council and our community better understand what options exist related to operators and operating models. We want to understand the vision the Government of Alberta has for a future shelter in our city.”

In April, Mayor Johnston met with the Government of Alberta related to vision and operator. Minister Nixon, Minister Williams, MLA LaGrange, MLA Stephan and Mayor Johnston were in attendance at the meeting with preliminary conversations occurring related to options for next steps.

As the Government of Alberta is responsible for the provision of shelter, it would be a provincial EOI. Red Deer City Council and administration continue to express their intention to remain committed to the project as outlined in the current Memorandum of Understanding between The City and the Government of Alberta.

News release from Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools is thrilled to announce that Gillian Hallam, a Grade 1 teacher and Faith Coach at Father Henri Voisin School, has been honoured with the prestigious Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta (CCSSA) Excellence in Catholic Education Award.

The CCSSA Excellence in Catholic Education Award is presented annually to teachers who exemplify a deep commitment to nurturing the faith of Alberta’s youth and guiding them to become exemplary Catholic citizens. This recognition highlights those educators who go above and beyond in their efforts to foster spiritual growth and moral development in their students.

Gillian Hallam has significantly influenced both the educational and spiritual environments at Father Henri Voisin School. She embodies the spirit of Saint Matthew’s exhortation, “Let the little children come to Me.” Her initiative, “student faith leadership”, has been pivotal in bringing the student voice into our community, deeply integrating faith into the daily school experience.

Being selected as Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools’ recipient of the Excellence in Catholic Education Award is a huge honour, Gillian stated.

“My passion for fostering a faith-filled environment at Father Henri Voisin School is inspired by our students’ openness and eagerness to grow in their spiritual journey. Every day, I am blessed to guide these young hearts towards a closer friendship with Jesus, helping them to embody the virtues of compassion and kindness in every aspect of their lives,” she said.

“Gillian’s dedication is nothing short of inspiring. Her ability to integrate faith deeply into her teaching and her unwavering commitment to our school community exemplifies the essence of Catholic education. She doesn’t just teach; she transforms lives through her faith, love, and an infectious zeal for spiritual growth that impacts everyone around her,” stated Father Henri Voisin Principal Shane Chisholm.

“On behalf of the Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools Board of Trustees, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Gillian Hallam for her exemplary service and dedication. Her recognition as this year’s recipient of the Excellence in Catholic Education Award is a testament to her profound impact on our community,” said Murray Hollman, RDCRS Board Chair. “Gillian embodies the spirit of this award through her tireless efforts to make Christ known to all, guiding both students and staff with love, patience, and wisdom.”

Gillian Hallam not only leads educational activities at Father Henri Voisin School but also serves as a bridge between the school and the wider community, including local parishes and senior care facilities. Her leadership also extends to professional development within the school and support for new teachers in the Division-wide faith formation program.

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools serves over 10,650 students in 21 schools in Red Deer, Blackfalds, Sylvan Lake, Rocky Mountain House, Innisfail, and Olds. It also supports the learning of over 850 students in a Home Education Program. The Division is committed to serving children and parents with a complete offering of learning opportunities delivered within the context of Catholic teachings and within the means of the Division.