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One last hurrah! CFR leaving Red Deer next year

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Westerner Park Celebrates 5 Years as Home to Canadian Finals Rodeo

In partnership with the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA), Westerner Park proudly marks five outstanding years as the host of the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR).

For over half a decade, Westerner Park has been a dynamic hub for rodeo enthusiasts, distinguished athletes, and passionate fans, uniting in celebration of the indomitable spirit of Canadian Rodeo, our western heritage and the agricultural sector in Alberta.

As we bid adieu to this chapter, we mark the transition of this distinguished event to a new host city. We wholeheartedly convey our best wishes to the incoming hosts, confident that they will continue with the same ardor and devotion that Westerner Park has exemplified throughout our tenure.

The collaboration forged between Westerner Park, the Canadian Finals Rodeo, the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association, the City of Red Deer, and Red Deer County, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Together, we’ve preserved the legacy, showcasing the heart and soul of rodeo in Canada, while also leaving a profound impact on our broader community.

“Hosting the Canadian Finals Rodeo at Westerner Park has been a privilege and a source of immense pride for our organization. We are grateful for the memories created and the impact this event has had on our community. As we pass the torch to the next host city, we look forward to an exciting future for Westerner Park. We remain committed to being a dynamic destination for agriculture, entertainment, culture, and community engagement in Alberta.”
— Shelly Flint, Chief Executive Officer, Westerner Park

We eagerly anticipate the continuation of the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Alberta, secure in the knowledge that this iconic event will remain a cornerstone of our nation’s rodeo heritage.

“The City of Red Deer is incredibly grateful for the five years the CFR made Red Deer home,” said City of Red Deer Mayor, Ken Johnston. “From the citizens, the businesses, and our whole community we are thankful for the benefits this event brought to us, and we are excited to have one last hurrah this year. City Council and I wish the City of Edmonton all the best in keeping this event to our great province.”

Red Deer County Mayor Jim Wood remarked that “over the past five years, Red Deer County has been a proud sponsor of the CFR. The world-class event has given visitors a chance to see what central Alberta has to offer and provided a big boost to local businesses. I am excited to welcome contestants and rodeo fans one last time, knowing that next year the legacy of Canadian rodeo and agriculture will remain in good hands”.

Furthermore, Westerner Park, along with the City of Red Deer and Red Deer County, will continue to collaborate in bringing events and initiatives that the community desires. This collective effort will result in continued
economic prosperity for Central Alberta.

Moreover, the recent 30-million-dollar expansion to Red Deer Regional Airport presents exciting opportunities for our community, promising increased accessibility and potential growth for events hosted at Westerner Park.

“Looking ahead, the future is bright for Westerner Park. We eagerly anticipate the myriad of opportunities to host both new and returning clients, further solidifying our position as a premier destination for dynamic events. The next chapter promises growth, innovation, and even greater contributions to the vibrant tapestry of Central Alberta’s cultural and economic landscape.”
— Tyler Nightingale, President, Westerner Park Board of Directors

About Westerner Park
Westerner Park is Central Alberta’s largest tradeshow, agricultural, sports, entertainment, and convention facility. A not-for-profit organization and agricultural society, Westerner Park typically generates $150 million annually in economic activity, hosting over 1,500 events and 1.5 million visitors each year.

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City of Red Deer

Cindy Jefferies is Mayor. Tristin Brisbois, Cassandra Curtis, Jaelene Tweedle, and Adam Goodwin new Councillors – 2025 Red Deer General Election Results

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Showing official results for: Mayor of The City of Red Deer

# Candidate Name Votes Percentage
1 JEFFERIES, Cindy 6237 41%
2 SCOTT, Gareth 3483 23%
3 DOERKSEN, Victor 3143 20%
4 LEE, Lawrence 2215 14%
5 GALLAGHER, John 298 2%
Rejected Ballots 0 0%

Showing official results for: Councillor of The City of Red Deer

# Candidate Name Votes Percentage
1 BRISBOIS, Tristin 6703 7%
2 CURTIS, Cassandra 6422 7%
3 KRAHN, Chad 6249 7%
4 BARNSTABLE, Kraymer 6235 7%
5 WYNTJES, Dianne 6069 7%
6 TWEEDLE, Jaelene 5635 6%
7 GOODWIN, Adam 5290 6%
8 BURUMA, Bruce 5241 6%
9 GOULET-JONES, Calvin 5050 5%
10 HUIZING, Hans 4810 5%
11 BOUCHARD, Brandon 4528 5%
12 MACDONALD, Ashley Jason 3832 4%
13 BUCHANAN, Buck 3660 4%
14 MOHAMOUD, Zainab 3478 4%
15 SYPKES, Thomas 3459 4%
16 BECK, Gabriel 3370 4%
17 PARKS, Gail 2809 3%
18 YZERMAN, Calvin 2265 2%
19 WILE, Haley 1986 2%
20 COMÉTE, Christian 1843 2%
21 KLERKS, Kevin M. 1699 2%
22 ROBINSON, Don 1296 1%
23 MARTIN, Greg 656 1%
24 KLYWAK, Anthony 444 0%
Rejected Ballots 0 0%

Showing official results for: Trustee of the Red Deer Public School Division

# Candidate Name Votes Percentage
1 SOMMERS, Angela 3320 9%
2 BUCHANAN, Nicole 3180 9%
3 MACAULAY, Dianne 3119 8%
4 WATTERS, Jim 3038 8%
5 BAIRD SMITH, Emilee 2753 7%
6 DAVIES, Nathan 2749 7%
7 DALSTRA, Jason 2722 7%
8 CHRISTENSEN, Sheri 2701 7%
9 PARKER, Jenessa 2581 7%
10 PEACOCKE, Cathy 2573 7%
11 WILLIAMS, Danielle 2342 6%
12 ODISHAW, Shelley Lynn 2187 6%
13 SYMONS, Jessica 1881 5

Trustee of the Red Deer Catholic Separate School Division, Red Deer Area Ward

# Candidate Name Votes Percentage
1 ANDREW, Chris 2020 14%
2 MACDONALD, Brenda 1354 10%
3 REED, Martin (Marty) 1082 8%
4 LEYSON, Cynthia 1050 8%
5 HUBER, Emily 1037 7%
6 HOLLMAN, Murray 1036 7%
7 DONOVAN, Matthew 1021 7%
8 GROENEN, John 974 7%
9 STEEVES, Rod 921 7%
10 PASULA, Kim 911 7%
11 BECK, Gabriel 825 6%
12 HUNTER, Ashley 811 6%
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City of Red Deer

Plan Ahead: Voting May Take a Little Longer This Election Day

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News release from the City of Red Deer

Voters are encouraged to plan their vote and allow a little extra time at the polls this Election Day, Monday, October 20.

Because this year’s election uses Alberta’s new Permanent Elector Registry, voting may take slightly longer than in previous years. Municipalities are required to provide updated voter information back to the province after the election. As a result, many voters will be asked to complete an Elector Register Form (Form 13) at the voting station — even if they are already registered to vote. This ensures that voter information is accurate and up to date. Once the registry information has been updated, all forms are securely shredded.

Additionally, the Permanent Elector Registry is not shared with local school boards, so anyone voting for a School Board Trustee must also complete an Elector Register Form (Form 13).

We appreciate voters’ patience as our election teams work to ensure every eligible voter can cast their ballot accurately and securely. Once the voting process begins, most voters complete their vote in about 10 minutes.

To help avoid lineups, voters can visit Red Deer Elections website to check real-time wait times at each voting station and choose the location with the shortest line.

Anyone who arrives at a polling station and joins a line before 8 p.m. will be able to vote.

Thank you for your understanding and for taking the time to make your voice heard in Red Deer’s 2025 Municipal and School Board Election.

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