The City of Red Deer’s Financial Troubles: Here Are The Candidates I Am Voting For And Why.

By Al Poole

This is the third and last article in a series concerning the October 20 municipal election, with an emphasis on the financial challenges facing our city.

There are multiple and variant ways to participate in our community.

I respect people who step up for a role in municipal politics. It is a commitment requiring courage and likely a disruption in their personal lives. I admire anyone who accepted the challenge to allow their names to stand as a candidate for public office.

Seeing an ongoing trend of wasted effort and money I believe the citizens of Red Deer could be getting better value for their tax contributions. For a time, I considered embarking on that journey myself, but in the end chose a different path which is represented by the publishing of this series of articles

In the past I have been active in several community roles, some as private citizen and some as part of my role at NOVA Chemicals, Joffre Site.

My decision to write these three articles is an aggregate of my work and personal experiences and my involvement in the community, but above all my interest in the success of our city and its citizens.

Based on my understanding of the challenges facing Red Deer and my experience leading a large complex organization, I have confidence in my ability to identify the talent I believe will help move our city forward while correcting financial problems.

I have met with all the candidates I am endorsing and believe they represent an effective blend of diversity of professional, life, and government experience combined with personal skills, knowledge, and energy to help Council be productive in the next term.

Mayoralty Candidates

This is not the time to select a person for mayor who does not have prior municipal government experience, in particular experience in Red Deer. To be effective and lead at the right level prior experience is a key asset.

I asked a person I would consider an insider and close to the candidates who they would vote for, they declined to name a candidate. However, I found their response most interesting. They said of the three incumbents running for mayor one is generally focused on social issues, one is difficult to pin down, and one has strong business acumen and shows discipline in his approach across all topic areas but in particular financial management.

It was not hard to link a name to each one of those descriptors. I believe Cindy Jeffries and Lawrence Lee have had ample time for positive influence on the Council and have not delivered. I do not see either of them being impactful as mayor. In their case the adage ‘past behaviour is a very good predictor of future behaviour’ is fitting. I hear the words they use at forums to describe themselves – they are just words. I see no evidence of action. You can talk about caring, collaborating and building relationships but it is only the actions that matter.

I believe Victor Doerksen is the right person to be mayor of Red Deer at this time. He has the experience and knowledge to be an effective leader of Council, guide the City back to financial health, and set the City up for effective and efficient delivery of important programs and services. Victor, along with Councilors Barnstable and Buruma, was instrumental in Council approving the addition of two outside experts to the Finance and Audit Committee. Although it was late in the term it will prove invaluable during the next Council term. The fact they reached out for expert help gives me hope the next Council will see that as an opportunity and reach out in other areas. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience in the city residing in citizens. I view this as an untapped resource.

Further, listen to this short video with Councilor Higham on Councilor Doerksen:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BCWahK3Mn/

Based on the reasons above I am pleased to endorse Victor Doerksen my choice for Mayor

Councilor Candidates

To determine the candidates to endorse I sought a balance of some council experience, education, and leadership experience in a complex organization complimented by energy and curiosity to learn.

In terms of incumbents, I am endorsing Kraymer Barnstable, Bruce Buruma and Chad Krahn. Based on my observations I believe they did a reasonable job trying to curtail council spending. I believe they will benefit the next Council bringing forward continuity from past discussion of issues and know where to focus efforts.

In terms of new council candidates, I am endorsing Tristin Brisbois, Adam Goodwin, Calvin Goulet Jones and Gabriel Beck.

Tristin and Adam bring solid education and demonstrated leadership roles with increasing accountability. I believe both will lead the way in asking the probing questions to get to root problems and will play an important role in facilitating and leading Council as a team focused on improving our community.

Calvin Goulet Jones and Gabriel Beck have impressed me with the level of investigation they did to understand the important issues facing our community. I believe both bring passion, energy and a curiosity to learn. Both are willing and happy to engage with citizens – an important change for this next council. In Gabriel’s case I must mention he on his own initiative and money organized the first open house on the Housing Accelerator Program. Wow – that is a strong demonstration on taking action.

I am encouraged by the quality of several other candidates that if not successful in this election I hope will find other ways to be active and contribute to the wellbeing of the city. They are Thomas Sypkes, Christian Comete, Hans Huizing and Cassandra Curtis.

Respectfully

Al Poole

Al is interested in effective leadership and governance at City Hall.

Al Poole is retired Site Leader of NOVA Chemicals, Joffre site.

This is the 3rd of three articles regarding the Oct 20 municipal election.

Part 1

The City of Red Deer’s financial mess – KPMG report outlines failure of council to control spending

Part 2

The City or Red Deer Financial Troubles: The Role of Good Governance, Effective Policies and Key Performance Metrics.

Related Topics:#AlPoole #CityofRedDeer 2025MunicipalElectionRedDeer CityOfRedDeer'sFinancialTroubles feature

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SPARC Kindness Tree: A Growing Tradition in Capstone

Published on November 19, 2025

SPARC Red Deer

Since 2021, thousands of wooden ornaments painted with messages of kindness and hope by local youth have adorned multiple trees in Capstone during the holiday season.

One of SPARC Red Deer’s Paint the Town Positive initiative, these kindness ornaments are created by youth from various schools, clubs and community groups.

Beginning on November 27^th, area residents are encouraged to visit Canada 150 Square in Capstone to select an ornament to take home – and gift another to someone in their community. This year, SPARC is continuing its partnership with the City, and is thrilled to expand its presence in Red Deer by sharing Kindness Ornaments in recreation facilities across the community.

Sharing kindness plays a meaningful role in supporting our mental well-being. It gives us hope, warms the heart, and fosters a sense of purpose. Acts of kindness can also inspire others to pay it forward – creating a ripple effect of positivity.

SPARC Red Deer is a local non-profit coalition dedicated to strengthening positive assets and resilience in communities. Paint the Town Positive – the youth-driven chapter – collaborated with Capstone to launch the Kindness Tree with the goal of giving back and spreading kindness throughout the community.

To learn more about SPARC, visit sparcreddeer.ca.

Alberta

Edmonton and Red Deer to Host 2027 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship

Published on November 18, 2025

Todayville

News release from the Red Deer Rebels and Hockey Canada

Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), has announced that the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship will be played in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta, from Dec. 26, 2026 to Jan. 5, 2027.

The successful bid represents a partnership between OEG Sports & Entertainment, the Red Deer Rebels, Hockey Alberta, the Cities of Edmonton and Red Deer, and the Province of Alberta, which made an $11 million commitment in February 2024 to host events in communities throughout the province.

“We are excited to bring the IIHF World Junior Championship back to Edmonton and Red Deer, and to give hockey fans in Alberta and across the country the opportunity to watch the top under-20 players compete for a gold medal right here in Canada,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact with Hockey Canada. “Both cities have been successful hosts of IIHF and other high-profile international events, and we know our partners in Edmonton and Red Deer will host a world-class event for players, teams, fans and volunteers alike.”

The 18,500-seat Rogers Place, home of the National Hockey League’s Edmonton Oilers and Western Hockey League’s Edmonton Oil Kings, will serve as the primary competition venue and host 17 games, including both semifinals and the medal games. The additional 14 games are set for the 7,050-seat Marchant Crane Centrium, home of the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels.

“Alberta is ready to welcome visitors from around the world for the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship,” said Andrew Boitchenko, minister of tourism and sport for Alberta. “This event celebrates the spirit of international competition and our province’s passion for hockey, while showcasing Alberta as a world-class destination for sporting events.”

“Edmonton is thrilled to co-host the IIHF World Junior Championship. This tournament is a fantastic opportunity to watch the world’s best junior hockey players right here in our community, showcasing emerging talent and inspiring a new generation of athletes,” said Andrew Knack, mayor of Edmonton. “Hosting world-calibre events like this also injects vital tourism dollars into our local economy, boosts our city’s vibrancy, and solidifies Edmonton’s reputation as a premiere sports tourism destination.”

Edmonton last hosted the IIHF World Junior Championship in August 2022, which was rescheduled from its traditional winter slot due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The gold medal game at the 2022 event was an instant classic, with Mason McTavish making a game-saving play in overtime and Kent Johnson netting the game-winner just over a minute later to give Canada its 19th World Juniors gold medal. The city also hosted in 2021 without fans, and was a co-host with Calgary for the 2012 edition of the event. Red Deer was a co-host for the cancelled 2022 World Juniors, and first hosted the annual under-20 tournament in 1995.

“We are proud to welcome the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship back to our region,” said Jesse Smith, chief executive officer of Tourism Red Deer. “Red Deer’s love for the game and our hospitality will ensure an unforgettable experience for every athlete and fan.”

“The World Juniors give Edmonton an extraordinary opportunity to showcase our city on the world stage,” said Arlindo Gomes, vice-president of business development and venues management with Explore Edmonton. “This event strengthens our global reputation as a premier international sport destination while delivering more than $90 million in total economic impact to our community and inspiring the next generation of hockey players and fans. Edmonton loves hockey and we cannot wait to welcome global athletes and fans.”

Pre-tournament games for the 2027 World Juniors are expected to take place throughout Alberta, allowing fans across the province to watch the best junior hockey players from 10 countries before the puck officially drops in Edmonton and Red Deer on Boxing Day.

With demand for tickets expected to exceed availability, more information about a priority ticket draw and tournament ticket packages will be announced in the coming months. Fans looking to receive updates about the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship as soon as they become available can sign up to become a Hockey Canada Insider today.

“On behalf of all of us at OEG Sports & Entertainment, we are proud to once again be hosting the IIHF World Junior Championship and the best young stars on the planet,” said Stu Ballantyne, president and chief operating officer of Rogers Place and ICE District. “The World Juniors is one of the most celebrated tournaments in hockey, and bringing it back to Edmonton is an honour for our city, our fans and our entire organization. ICE District and Rogers Place were built to facilitate and showcase the very best in sport and entertainment, and we look forward to working closely with Hockey Canada and other partners to deliver an unforgettable experience for the athletes, fans and the global hockey community.”

“We are beyond excited for our fans, partners and community to once again welcome the hockey world to Red Deer,” said Merrick Sutter, senior vice-president of the Red Deer Rebels. “This is a community that loves events, and we know their passion will be on full display once again next December.”

For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.