Following that, the application was prepared for the annexation of approximately 216 hectares of land from Red Deer County. Based on landowner consultation, the proposed annexation area was altered from the Notice of Intent to Annex Land to include the entirety of one of the landowners’ parcels.

Then in April of this year, the annexation was moved to the next step, when both Red Deer City Council and Red Deer County Council passed a resolution endorsing The City to submit an Annexation Application and Negotiations Report to the Land and Property Rights Tribunal. A Land and Property Rights Tribunal hearing was held on June 20, which allows the Tribunal to receive information and evidence from interested parties. After considering the submissions from all parties, the Tribunal made an annexation recommendation to the Minister of Municipal Affairs for the decision to be made.

Now that the annexation was successfully approved by the province, area structure plans will be prepared and adopted by bylaw, by Red Deer City Council. These annexed lands are intended to be developed as a regional commercial development along Highway 2, providing The City with a significant economic development opportunity.

“Securing this annexation approval has been a great success, thanks to all the collaborative partnerships involved. As we move forward, we’re enthusiastic about the potential economic boost this annexation will bring, especially in addressing our shortage of commercial land along the highways,” said David Girardin, Major Projects Planner.

Annexation is used by municipalities to realign jurisdictional boundaries to ensure a sufficient land supply for long-term development. The Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) between The City and Red Deer County provides guidance for all annexations.

To learn more information about this annexation are encouraged to visit www.reddeer.ca/annexation.

Throughout November, Red Deerians can pay City-issued parking tickets with toy donations that are equal to or higher in value than the early ticket payment amount.

All gifts donated to the program must be new and unwrapped in original packaging. A receipt must be presented at the time of payment and if the toy is valued lower than the price of the ticket, the difference must be paid. In December, all gifts obtained through the program are delivered to the Red Deer Christmas Bureau and distributed to local families in need. Each year, the Christmas Bureau provides a list of desirable items, including those that are most needed and for groups that are underrepresented. The current list available at reddeer.ca/toysfortickets indicates toys for girls aged 10-17 years are in highest demand.

“Toys for Tickets has been a special part of the holiday season in Red Deer since 2010 and we’re so pleased to continue it this year, once parking enforcement resumes,” said Amy Fengstad, Parking and Licensing Supervisor. “By choosing the perfect gift at a local business, participants can help local families while supporting Red Deer businesses.”

Parking enforcement, which is temporarily paused for the launch of the HotSpot parking system, will resume Monday, November 6.

More information on the Toys for Tickets program is available on The City’s website, reddeer.ca/toysfortickets. Learn more about how the Red Deer Christmas Bureau supports families in our community at https://reddeerchristmasbureau.com.

All gifts collected through this program are donated to the Red Deer Christmas Bureau to help ensure no child in Red Deer wakes up without a toy on Christmas morning.

How it works

Anyone who receives a City-issued parking ticket in November can pay it by donating a toy. Toys can be dropped off at City Hall until November 30 and must be of equal or greater value than the amount owing on the ticket. Toys must be new and in original packaging, and ticket holders must provide an original receipt showing the value of the toy.

In early December, The City rounds up all donated toys and delivers them to the Red Deer Christmas Bureau so they can be distributed to families in need in our community.

Please note that tickets related to residential snow plowing do not qualify for this program, but anyone can donate directly to the Christmas Bureau.

Making a list, checking it twice

Each year, the Christmas Bureau provides a list of popular items on kids’ Christmas lists. In 2023, toys for girls aged 10-17 are in highest demand.

For a list of popular items for each age group, check the Red Deer Christmas Bureau’s Toy List. When shopping, consider supporting one of our many amazing local Red Deer businesses!

For families in need

If you or someone you know is concerned about finances and could use a little help this holiday season, the Red Deer Christmas Bureau may be able to help. Visit their website to see program requirements and to apply for assistance.

More information

For more information on this program, please contact Parking Administration at 403-342-8185 or [email protected].