DIANNE'S COUNCIL EXPERIENCE

Elected as City Councillor October 2010-2013 and re-elected October 2013-2017, 2017-2021 and 2021-2025

City Council committee experience and engagement:

  • Regional Collaboration Committee
  • Municipal Planning Commission
  • Red Deer Public Library Board
  • Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery Board 
  • Nomination Committee
  • Red Deer Policing Committee (recently appointed as Councillor to this Committee)
  • Red Deer River Municipal Users Group - RDRMUG former Board member
  • Red Deer River Watershed Alliance - RDRWA - former Board member
  • Inter-City Forum on Social Policy - former member
  • Alberta Urban Municipalities Association - Sustainability and Environment Committee (2021)
  • Alberta Urban Municipalities Association - Safe and Healthy Communities Committee (2020, 2019, 2018)
  • Red Deer College Polytechnic Advocacy  - I’m a Red Deer College alumni
  • Completion of Indigenous Canada course - online University of Alberta
  • Completion of Understanding Hate Crimes webinar series through the Community Safety Citizen Services - City of Edmonton

Other previous City Council committee experience includes Community Housing Advisory Board, Audit Committee,  Greater Downtown Action Steering Committee, Tourism Red Deer, Urban Aboriginal Voices Society, Governance and Policy Committee, AUMA Status of Women Task Force, FCSS -p; Family and Community Support Service, Riverbend Golf and Recreation Society, Westerner Park Board (2010-2012) and Red Deer Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, and Councillor assigned to the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce (note: City of Red Deer Councillors no longer sit on this committee with the Chamber of Commerce).


DIANNE'S PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

-  current Central Alberta United Way Community Impact Council, former campaign cabinet, and current supporter

-  former Alberta Labour Relations Board member(2010-2024)

-  former Condo Association Board member (6 years service)

- Governor General Conference Study 1990

- Red Deer College Alumni Board member 1988-1995

-former Employment Insurance Board of Referees 1990-2010 & Ethics Working Committee

- former Alberta Federation of Labour Board member & Human Resources Committee

- former Red Deer and District Labour Council Board member

- 30 years labour relations and workers' advocate representation with the Canadian Union of Public Employees including 17 years as former Provincial Alberta Regional Director with negotiations, conflict resolution, budget and governance skills


DIANNE'S CAMPAIGN COMMITMENTS AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR OUR COMMUNITY

Municipal politics affects us each and every day.  And politics depends on your participation, not only at the ballot box on election day, but throughout the years and term(s) of Council and for Red Deer's future.  Politics is not an arm chair sport and elected officials at the Municipal, Provincial and Federal order of governments need to hear from citizens. We work for you.

As Red Deer residents, we rely upon municipal services; from first thing in the morning, we put on the light switch, we turn on our water tap or flush the toilet.  We walk, drive, cycle or wheel through the City on maintained roads and sidewalks or experience a bump and pothole on the road that requires repair.  Or we take public transit or relying upon the action bus on routes and transportation services we rely upon.  We may call, email or drop by City Hall for services or receive a response to a question, concern or service requirement in our neighborhood.  We may visit one of the many recreation centres, sites or one of Red Deer City parks.  We may take a walk, run or wheel through the trail system.  We may take out a library card or visit the museum. It may be waste collection day in our community and a reminder from Notify Red Deer about which cart to put out.  Hopefully we don't need necessary emergency services that day, calling upon our police or emergency services employees.  These are all municipal services.  And the City of Red Deer has dedicated staff who are  proud of Red Deer and work diligently to deliver services each and every day. 

On October 20th or at the advance polls on October 14th to 18th, you will be electing a City Council who is entrusted to make effective decisions. A significant role for City Council is to balance the many competing needs with valued tax dollars, respect for our tax dollars to provide public services and with the City’s role in quality of life for each of us.  More than ever how and when we spend our valued tax dollars is so important. This City's 2025 budget has brought budget cuts to some services, including reduced hours at spray parks, more naturalization to grass and treed areas, reducing the frequency of mowing and trimming, and changes to maintenance routines. The City faced an $18 million shortfall when preparing the 2025 budget, and service level reductions and service changes were needed to reduce City costs.  It is recognized there are concerns and frustrations with the services and changes we may be seeing throughout the City, but please recognize the City is looking to ways to adjust and continue to deliver services effectively; recognizing it may not be what we are used to.  City Council did respond to the change in mowing needs and I certainly recognize the green spaces, parks, trails and clean City, which is something we need to continue to maintain as we live and adjust to service changes. 

An effective Council for our City is a convergence of ideas, not only from the elected City Council members representing us at the Council decision making table, but through dialogue, engagement, listening and communicating with our citizens - from youth to seniors and from all corners of our City, throughout the term of office.   This can happen at organized meetings, events or forums, or through connections through telephone, email or when I'm out and about in our community.  I always appreciate the visits and conversations at the grocery store when I'm out and about!  An effective Council should be connecting with the community throughout the term.   

As I reflect on the past years of Council public service on this website,  I'm sharing my observations, learnings and comments, challenges and opportunities ahead, and share some of the information, knowledge and experience as one of Red Deer's Councillors.

If re-elected, these issues and ideas will be brought to the Council table for the work ahead over the next four years.         It is through the combination of the Mayor and all elected Councillor’s ideas and vision that we work together, for you Red Deer. 


SAFETY AND CRIME PREVENTION

- A City is never finished with safety and security. It has and will continue to be a priority for Red Deer for the continued lens for a safer city in our neighborhoods and business communities. Our location, between two large cities - Calgary and Edmonton- can be a contributing factor where offenders think they can hide in a smaller city; they can’t.  Council makes decisions on policing and enforcement services, through budget resources of Provincial, Federal and Municipal funding. As Albertans, we see provincial decisions about policing, including the Provincial Government exploring and moving to a transition from the RCMP to a provincial Sheriffs service.  Premier Smith stated in July 2025,  the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service wouldn't replace the RCMP but would "work alongside existing branches of law enforcement to fill gaps".  Red Deer is served by the RCMP Red Deer detachment with several specialized units, along with a designated Downtown Police Patrol Unit including RCMP and Municipal Community Peace Officers who are tasked with a visible presence in the downtown and on the City’s vast trail system.  I support the RCMP and their service as the City of Red Deer retains local decision making of our policing services and as Council makes policing budget decisions.  The needs and challenge for recruitment of the next generation of officers - whether RCMP, Municipal Police, Sheriffs and Community Peace Officers remains.   In addition, with the changes to the province's Police Act, the City of Red Deer will have a Policing Committee established/reestablished (one was in place from the 1980's to the early 2000's before disbanding).  Applications have been received by the City and future announcements of the community committee members and Council representatives will be made once security clearance has been determined.  

- Statistics Canada data released this summer for the 2024 Crime Severity Index.  It comes from data from police services Crime Reporting survey and provides an understanding for trends and patterns of criminality.  It is an important resource for criminologists for research, teaching and police services as they assess and respond to public safety. Red Deer shows a reduction in Red Deer's Crime Severity Index dropping from 147.8 in 2023 to 118.7 in 2024.  While Red Deer is no longer in the top ten,  we still rank high with crime rates per communities our size. Crimes include assaults, vehicle break-ins and auto thefts, shoplifting, cyber crimes, domestic abuse, human trafficking, hate crimes and homicide. Like any City in Alberta, Canada and North America, there is more work to be done on the rising complexity of crimes and enforcement.  Another reminder that we need to report crime when we see or suspect something. For emergency matters 911; if you have a concern for bylaw enforcement, please call 403 406 8766 and for City RCMP non-emergency at 403 406 2200; put these numbers in your cell-phone directory.  Or Report a Crime on-line at ocre-sielc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

- Along with RCMP funding and supports for the women and men who respond daily to community safety challenges and including crime analysts and supporting police staff, it is important to recognize support to emergency fire services and the municipal enforcement of bylaws and community peace officers.  These are significant and costly responsibilities.

- The City’s Community Safety Strategy is about people and support and response.  This includes work related to community safety issues for the residential and Red Deer business community, including a downtown focus.  Over the past few years, Council continues to recognize the ongoing challenges about safety and security. The conversations continue between City Administration with the firefighters and paramedics regarding their ongoing concerns regarding staffing needs, which is an operational cost to the City and any new staffing positions come through the Operating Budget and Council deliberations. It is recognized this work can be challenging - physically, emotionally and mentally for these workers, and the City has hired additional temporary paramedics to offset the operational impact of extended leaves and recognizing their health.  These matters will likely be a budget discussion for the 2026 Operating Budget.  Additionally, budget conversations will occur about expenses and expenditures for clean up of the social disorder and needed supports for responding to homelessness in our growing city, including encampments and costs for cleanup,  and provincial supports and response to mental health disorders and addictions.  Red Deer citizens have access to many local agencies for supports.  There are many services available for Red Deerians needing support, including mental health, counselling, parenting, education and training, addictions, domestic violence, affordable housing, food supports, newcomer services and more.  Just dial 2-1-1 to speak to someone  who can refer you to community and government supports and encourage others to reach out for supports they may need.

- In addition to enforcement and policing, it is also important to advance community safety through conversations, coordination and collaboration, prevention and education with an "up-stream" approach.  This includes early attention and response to violence in relationships, youth and family intervention, mental health and addictions.   The City, in past years, brought together community leaders through the City of Red Deer and Community System Leadership Team. These are representatives from the community who focus on community safety in Red Deer. This group of community leaders identify system gaps within our community and focus on potential solutions and opportunities for strategies that enable a more collaborative approach to some of the challenges Red Deerians are facing.  Representatives on the City's Systems Leadership Team are from Alberta Health Services, Children’s Services, the City of Red Deer, Red Deer Public and Catholic School Districts, Community Corrections, Urban Aboriginal Voices Society and the RCMP.   I am disappointed that the work of this community leadership team has not been as active as they have in past years and hope this work can be revitalized with a focus to root causes, response and supports. With the focus of homelessness, mental health challenges, substance abuse challenges, and needed shelter and housing options, including supportive housing, a focus has been to the Social Diversion team who consists of specially trained professionals that can provide front line supports and interventions.  If you see someone who requires supports (non 911 emergencies), please call 403 406 2200.  

- Safety and policing is complex; recognizing the diverse safety needs with timely response to personal and property crime, serious and violent crime, traffic safety, downtown safety attention or any unsafe situation to maintain community safety. Appreciation and acknowledgment to the Central Alberta Crime Prevention centre for their attention and focus on engaging, educating and supporting citizens to increase community safety.

- Conversations must continue to occur with the MLA’s and Member of Parliament and  the Provincial and Federal orders of government regarding the justice and legal system to ensuring that criminals are not released back into the community to reoffend until they have served their sentence. We look forward to the Federal Government’s bail and criminal code reforms which can be one change in a complicated system.

 SOCIAL COMMUNITY NEEDS - HOUSING, HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY REDUCTION

- Sustainable communities is defined as how communities are planned, built or modified to promote sustainable living.  Sustainable communities tend to focus on environmental and economic sustainability.  And there is also social sustainability - both positive and negative impacts on people.  Social sustainability for me, is about creating sustainable, successful places and spaces that promote well being and understanding what people need from the places we live, work, socialize and enjoy. 

- Agencies in the downtown  provide a range of drives including medical detox, temporary shelter for those who are homeless or experiencing addiction and/or mental health recovery programs.  Referrals to various housing services is available, however recognizing the community Point In Time Homeless Count, which, over the past years and including 2024 counted at least 766 people experiencing homelessness in the city.  That’s more than double the 334 counted in 2022 and an increase from previous years.  The temporary trailer space/site in downtown Red Deer now focuses on recovery and treatment referral; this site was the former temporary overdose prevention site which is no longer operating. The site now provides on-site rapid access addiction medical services through Alberta Health Services and includes intervention, assessment of substance use disorders and/or mental health disorders,  primary health care assessments and minor wound care, counselling and supports for obtaining government issues identification.  I appreciate the staff and volunteers from organizations such as the Mustard Seed, Hope Mission, and Safe Harbour, to name a few of these community organization.  I thank them for their daily supports and assistance to Red Deer's vulnerable community. The Red Deer Night Reach support is also available as a mobile outreach team that operates primarily in the downtown vicinity, providing supports of harm reduction materials, clothing, food snacks, first aid and referrals for the vulnerable.  As noted above, the Social Division team to provide support and intervention is available at 403 406 2200 (for emergencies please call 911).

- This past year, Red Deer and the central Alberta region have seen the opening of the provincial government site on the location of 10 acres of land north of the City, for a provincially funded therapeutic treatment centre who have partnered with EHN Canada for service delivery.  This 75 bed facility is focused on providing medically addiction treatment and mental health programming. It is important to recognize there are “many roads to recovery” meaning the diverse range of approaches and programs available or individuals overcoming addiction.  I appreciate the province’s investments for a long term residential treatment/therapeutic centre for those struggling with addictions and support for their families.

- Conversations and decisions by the next Red Deer City Council will continue as Council awaits decisions from the Provincial Government for the on-going decision for the building of a 24-7 integrated homeless shelter space with services and supports for the vulnerable.  The City acknowledges the province’s commitment of $7 million in 2019 for a future built integrated shelter. There have been many sites explored by City Council for the City's zoning/location role of a permanent Shelter, unfortunately with no success; that decision remains outstanding.  The Shelter is a long over-due Provincially funded and operated infrastructure that will be welcomed for our growing City.  We all look to the integrated shelter being built to include day time programs and support for those needing shelter, meals, and other supports such as mental health counselling and housing referrals, that can provide ways to a better way of life.  The province determines the operator(s) for temporary and permanent shelters. At the time of writing, Council awaits the Provincial government letting us know what shelter operator(s) they are working with to provide shelter services in Red Deer.  In the meantime, the temporary downtown shelter at the current location at Cannery Row (5239 - 53 Avenue) continues its temporary operations.  I frequently drive this area. Along with conversations with businesses owners and residential property owners, I certainly recognize the challenges this downtown location has and continues to bring.  A shelter is needed for support services for the vulnerable members of the community, however the Province must also recognize the need for more permanent supportive housing in our City for those needing housing, supportive housing and supports in their daily living. Specifically for the vulnerable community members who are unable to live independently. At the time of writing, we continue to wait for Provincial Minister communications and decisions with Council and our citizens about a permanent Shelter.  The challenge of a site location remains for the next Council. 

- Council and City administration continue to work with the Provincial and Federal orders of government as housing rests under the Provincial and Federal jurisdiction.  The City's responsibility rests with the zoning bylaw and regulations related to housing.  Housing affordability remains a top concern and worry for many; housing brings us safety, belonging and economic opportunities.  Red Deer joins Alberta and Canadian municipalities as we work with the Province and Federal Government to increase the supply of non-profit and affordable housing for low and middle income citizens.  While housing grant funding of $12 million from the Housing Accelerator Fund (round 2 of funding) is available to our municipality, it comes with zoning changes set through the CMHC - Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.   Advocacy continues with the Federal government to remove some of the zoning criteria for this government funding for our City which impacts Red Deer neighborhoods, specifically the 4 units as-of-right criteria on most residential lots. I believe housing needs can be met and built in Red Deer without the strict criteria set by the CMHC.  I believe appropriate housing can be built on vacant land and brownfield and other suitable lots,; for me, building housing can be done, where it's suitable.  And that Council engages with community residents and the development and building industry before zoning decisions are made and before the Public Hearing process. It is recognized it takes a community to build housing - including community members, the private sector, the non-profit sector and different levels of government.

- With a lens to social sustainability,  it is important to acknowledge the many Red Deer community agencies and organizations and their staff,  such as the Central Alberta United Way, the Central Alberta Poverty Reduction Alliance (CAPRA) and other non profits.  And community agencies such as Care for Newcomers, church congregations and many others who provide programs and support services to Red Deer's vulnerable citizens. This is about improving the health of our community, with poverty reduction strategies affecting individuals, seniors, children, lone parent families, youth, people with disabilities, new immigrants, indigenous citizens and Red Deer families. It takes all of us, working together.

-  Through the City of Red Deer's Social Policy Framework,  Alcohol and Drug Strategy, and Community Safety Strategy, and with a continued focus of prevention, community safety and health and wellness for the quality of life for Red Deer residents, these are policy documents that will require review and attention and an update by the next Council with the  challenges we continue to see of addictions, mental health, housing needs, and safety and well being throughout the City.


CITY BUDGETING AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES

-  My decision making at the Council table will continue with responsible attention to spending decisions from our tax dollars.  It's about the pocket books for citizens, business and at City Hall. There are many competing municipal needs, wants, asks and required services, within the lens of our local and provincial economy. It’s about respect for our tax payer dollars.  At the same time, Council must be cognizant to tend to and keep up with the maintenance of existing city infrastructure and assets along with attention to the financial health of the City's operating and capital budgets and reserves.

- It's important that Council and City operations continue to look to innovation and efficiencies in the delivery of services.  This includes continuing to review and adjust processes and policies and with attention to ease of doing business with and at City Hall and timely citizen responses to concerns; this remains a priority for me as Councillor. 

- A Councillor and Council as a whole must have the health of the community in mind when making decisions.  This includes social and community well being, affordability, managing utility costs and rate increases, fees and charges such as transit fares, transit routes and schedules, recreation fees, development fees, our parks, trails and their maintenance is important for community enjoyment. 

- Throughout each Council term, as noted above, there are always competing municipal wants and needs; all within managing valued tax dollars.  This past year the operating budget from a 10.5% increase generated $16.8 million needed to balance the operating budget.  (A reminder that Alberta municipalities are not permitted to carry a deficit budget and must balance budgets annually.) This budget year in 2025, cost savings of $3.4 million were achieved, along with cost savings and service delivery changes of over $16 million. Parks and Public Works departments, training and development and reductions in overtime are some of the areas that were targeted for cost savings and Council.  We have seen the results of these budgetary changes and cuts. City Reserves have been utilized for financial decisions from 2020 (the covid years and a 0% tax year).  Reserves decreased $68 million since 2020. and this Council term, attention has been given to add to the City Reserves.  By managing and controlling expenses, the City has also experienced inflationary and increased costs for city services such as roads services, materials, equipment costs, contract expenses and services and municipal employee wages.  With loan support from the City of Red Deer to the Westerner Exposition Association, this has also had a significant impact on City finances.  The Councillor Representatives and City Manager have a very important role on the Westerner Board as the City looks to repayments for loans granted to the Westerner. 

The City of Red Deer reserves must be healthier on the City financial statements.  The next Council must continue to build up the reserves including financial capacity of the reserves and capital reserve budget.  Healthy reserves are important for any other financial decisions that arise which cannot be absorbed from the City's operating budget.  The City budget process has also returned to a yearly budget with the 2026 operating and capital budgets coming in December 2025.  My reminder to citizens to please participate in engagement sessions, on-line budget surveys and share your emails and concerns and ideas to Red Deer City Council - CityCouncil@RedDeer.ca as we look to the challenging and important financial decisions for the delivery of municipal services.  Preparation for the 2026 Operating and Capital budgets are underway by City Administration, at the time of writing.  If re-elected, I commit my continued attention and priorities to efficiencies, doing work differently and/or smarter and meeting the service delivery needs as Council works to improving City financials.  

- A City does not solely rely on tax rates and fees and charges for the delivery of municipal services.  Again, we must continue to access and advocate to the Provincial and Federal orders of government for necessary and needed grant dollars to support Red Deer -  Alberta’s third largest city.


ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND GROWING OUR ECONOMY

- The next Council must continue critical and ongoing analysis of business recruitment and retention for Red Deer -  at business park/areas, the downtown and Capstone and throughout the City.  These jobs and services are important for a healthy local economy. This work over the coming months will be lead by the City's community Economic Development ad hoc committee who have been working this past year and whose mandate was recently extended to January 2026. Their mandate includes new approaches for approaching economic development as we look to welcoming new business, supporting current and expanding businesses and entrepreneur supports; all adding to a stronger local economy with jobs and services. See more below on this important work. 

- City Council determines the role for zoning decisions and includes a public hearing at Council meetings to hear from the community.  This past Council term, a major focus has been amendments to the City's Zoning Bylaw which was last updated in 1978.  This Bylaw establishes rules and regulations for land development as well as the process of making decisions for permit applications. Land uses have permitted uses, some are conditional upon approval, and others are prohibited.  Changes to the Land Use Bylaw bring more user friendliness, reducing unnecessary regulations including "red tape reductions", expediting processes and to improve overall use. There will be continued work in the next Council term for reviewing and updating other components of the Land Use Bylaw which will again include community engagement and feedback. 

- I support a more active and vibrant arts and culture community in Red Deer. There’s so much more we can do to enhance and promote an active Red Deer's arts and culture scene.  Such as working with community to create more music and arts downtown and in public spaces, which has been increasing more and more each year, bringing vibrancy with many festivals and events to enjoy.  If you haven’t seen the many murals downtown, check them out! When we come together to enjoy and appreciate the talents of the artistic community and celebrate cultural events together,  these activities provide enjoyment for us and they also attract and attach new comers and visitors to our city.  

- I support the Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP) and working with our regional communities. When there is development and tourism within Red Deer and throughout the region, Red Deer and all of central Alberta benefits.  There have been some great events coordinated and welcomed by Tourism Red Deer and Central Alberta Sport who promote Red Deer and sport to welcome visitors to the city.  

- The City,  working with the community, looks to the Red Deer Major Event Strategy and Destination Development Framework which was adopted in April, 2021 and evolved to Red Deer Tourism (www.visitreddeer.com). Red Deer Tourism serves the city and region well as we look to continuing to draw and host events that bring economic activity and enjoyment in Red Deer.  Red Deer can be proud of hosting past major events such as large conferences and sporting events with our ideal location between Calgary and Edmonton, and past events such as the 2019 Canada Winter Games, the Memorial Cup, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, the Canadian Finals Rodeo and the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) Conventions.  And did you see the Red Deer region being a stop for the Amazing Race Canada and their challenges and stop at the Canyon Ski Resort, aired in July 2025?  Red Deer can attract many events based on our central Alberta location. I’m excited about the possibilities and potential as Red Deer becomes a host and destination of choice and the continued work by Tourism Red Deer as we continue to welcome visitors, guests and new citizens to Red Deer. 

- We continue to see the development and investment at downtown Capstone and opportunities for Red Deer's expansion of the downtown, small business growth and Capstone as a mixed use neighborhood with the City’s available riverfront public gathering spaces, residential development, restaurants and businesses. If you haven’t dropped by Capstone, to enjoy the fountain and rest areas and events such as the Friday Night Market, special events, a walk along the River trail, or dropping in to support some of the great businesses in Capstone, put it on your list.  I'm happy to see the ongoing development and activity and residential buildingat Capstone on these terrific downtown Red Deer lands.

- With the focus on the City's Economic Development ad hoc Committee and their work ahead for an arm's length governance model for economic development in Red Deer, there are opportunities and work ahead for new approaches on how the City embraces economic development and leading to a stronger local economy.  Red Deer, downtown Red Deer, business parks throughout the city, and the central Alberta region, must look to readiness - whether that’s serviced land supply, retention of current businesses, recruitment for new businesses, supports for entrepreneurs, consideration of incentives, and ease and business friendliness with the City; all which can welcome jobs and services to the Red Deer community. There are many opportunities ahead. 

- I always value and appreciate the community wisdom and conversations with Red Deerians.  We have always been a “can do” city. We continue to grow and evolve and change.  If re-elected, I look forward to future community conversations where we can share ideas and perspectives for Red Deer and bring conversations to outcomes and realities. 


OUR ENVIRONMENT

- The message of looking after our water, air, land and conservation, always bears repeating as the next City Council reviews and advances the City's Environmental Master Plan.  We've experienced record breaking temperatures in Red Deer and throughout Alberta, with less moisture and drought conditions, along with seeing climate impacts of severe storms across Alberta, Canada, North America and the world.  An important reminder of City and individual storm preparedness is important in the changing weather conditions with serious storms, flooding or drought. 

- The continued lens to the built environment of where we build, how we build and what we build through continued conversations with developers, construction customers and citizens is necessary as the City grows and evolves. 

- Accessing provincial and federal grants that are our tax dollars returned to Red Deer for reinvestment to our green spaces, parks, trails and tree canopies is another advocacy matter to the Province and Federal orders of government.

- Continued attention to the remediation of brownfields and vacant and derelict properties is relevant and necessary. 

- The future steps of the Provincial Government with their expansion plans to QEII and bridge replacement will bring impacts to Maskepetoon Park and the wetlands and habitat and potential lost development of the Park area, along with the Province's commitment to offset the loss of the wetlands through the creation of a new natural area when the highway expansion is finished.  Provincial design work continues, City administration continues to work with the Province on Red Deer's concerns,  and I trust and commit to the protection to the Park.  This Provincial project is in the design period and if approved, is expected to take place between 2027-2031.

- I continue support for community gardens, City food forests and investment in Red Deer's urban forest with tree planting and tree replacement which is a needed budget investment.

- Please sign up for a text, email or phone call from Notify Red Deer https://www.reddeer.ca/whats-happening/notify-red-deer/ .   And if you have a city concern, please visit the City's Report a Problem at https://reddeer.ca/reportaproblem . These are quick and efficient methods to have concerns addressed by city departmental staff and their notification of an issue.  Of course, telephone or a visit to City Hall is always available.   

COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS

- A Councillor's role is to be out and about in the community, to support organizations, events and people.  As society continues to interact with increasing on-line connections, the City should continue to expand ways and methods to inform, connect and engage with citizens to advance civic participation and information sharing. I value the phrase "all of us are smarter together" as we listen and share ideas. At the same time, we must continue to recognize that not all citizens are on-line and there are methods and ways to rely on traditional forms of communication.  I recognize the one aging citizen who phones me regularly for an update as she's not on-line nor subscribes to the local newspaper; she appreciates our one-on-one conversations. While "let's talk" was a budget decision and the community event has not occurred this Council term, I hope the next Council can bring back one "let's talk" during the 2025-2029 Council term. 

- I support Red Deer and community initiatives as we build a strong community together and as a welcoming and inclusive City.  Together, we must stand against intolerance and divisiveness.  I have participated in on-line learning sessions from the City of Edmonton - understanding hate crimes and what can divide us as a community.  We recognize and value organizations such as the Care for Newcomers, the Central Alberta Immigrant Women's Association (CAIWA), the African Caribbean Centre of Central Alberta, the many cultural organizations and community associations, and Catholic Social Services in our community who all provide supports, services and information for newcomers to Red Deer.  In conversations with non-caucasian citizens who have experienced racism, and which is disturbing, it is a reminder that we must continue to state that hate of any kind is not welcome in our city.  In my interactions with individuals, I know, and recognize so many Red Deer citizens champion the values of respect, inclusion, kindness and to be a welcoming community.

-  The City of Red Deer acknowledges the ancestral and traditional aboriginal territories of Treaty 6 and Treaty 7 Nations and the Metis people.  The Truth and Reconciliation findings has lead us and will continue to lead us to important community work with our indigenous community citizens in the years to come. I commit my leadership to this important work.

- As a Councillor, connecting with non-profit community agencies such as the Central Alberta Poverty Reduction Alliance (CAPRA) to advance collaboration and social supports for vulnerable families and individuals is important learning for a Councillor.  It is important in our decision making we recognize income disparity, financial challenges and work with community to address poverty reduction,  housing needs and acknowledge affordability.

- Through Council work, I support ongoing relationships with community partners such as the Catholic, Public and Francophone School Districts, the Downtown Business Association,  Red Deer Polytechnic, Westerner Park, the Red Deer District Chamber of Commerce, the development community including BILD and the Red Deer Construction Association,  the Red Deer Welcoming and Inclusive Network and Urban Aboriginal Voices.  It takes a community - listening, conversations, connections and working together as we face the challenges and strive for continuous improvements for Red Deer.

- I support advancing regional relationships with neighboring Counties and their elected Mayors and Councillors, including municipal collaboration when feasible, including cost sharing agreements and regional approaches.  In addition to the 2025 agreed Intermunicipal Development Plan between the City of Red Deer and Red Deer County, there also exists a signed Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) agreement which summarizes all the existing agreements between the City and the County.  Continued discussions are ongoing with Red Deer County through the Regional Collaboration Committee (RCC) where the City of Red Deer and Red Deer County look to building a stronger central Alberta region. 

CORE SERVICES WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY AND OTHER MUNICIPAL ISSUES

- We see the transit buses daily throughout the City.  While many citizens may not yet utilize transit, many citizens rely on transit service for their transportation for employment and enjoyment.  The next Council must continue to support adequate, accessible and affordable transit with timely and frequent routes, and to encourage transit use. And to ensure accessibility for citizens with disabilities or physical needs for Red Deer Action Bus service.  It is important to hear from transit riders and to acknowledge and learn from them along with the transit drivers from what they see, experience and recommend for transit use and change.

- Continued attention is needed to Red Deer's trail maintenance and management with adequate lighting and safety, parks and recreation amenities, efficiency and availability of transit and routes, including transit expansion to meet the needs in new neighbourhoods such as Evergreen. 

- Continued attention is necessary to infrastructure maintenance and investment to core services including roads and sidewalk maintenance, snow removal, necessary services of utility services of electricity, water and waste water, and storm water management for resilience and weather and storm preparedness.  All are important investments.

- Community Associations with their leadership, planning and activities play an important role of connecting with residents.  It was good to see Council approving increased grant funding to community associations that manage Neighbourhood Activity Centres by $18,000 in the 2025 City Operating Budget. 

- I support the downtown Public Library and the GH Dawe,  Timberlands and Collicutt branches.  Don't forget library cards are free! If you haven't visited any of the Library branches, check them out.  There are some terrific free and fun programs at the Red Deer Libraries - check out www.rdpl.org .  And appreciation and acknowledgement to the volunteers and learners with the Red Deer Public Library Adult Literacy Program where learning, connection and bringing together learners and volunteer tutors to advance skills for literacy, numeracy, basic digital skills, and english language learning is such a gift of learning and sharing and helping Red Deer individuals advance their literacy. 

- I support the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery; it's always interesting to see the changing exhibits and events at "the MAG".  The Museum and Art Gallery, conveniently located near the downtown Recreation Centre is another community place to explore and enjoy art, history and to participate at their many events and programs.  These include kids camps, MAGnificent Saturdays with art projects for all ages, Reel Movie Mondays, and other scheduled special events.  Admission to the Museum is free (donations are always accepted). This year's Hootenany on August 4th was great with the entertainment and food -  www.reddeermuseum.com . A reminder that entrance to the MAG is free with donations upon entry encouraged.  And membership options from $10 to $30 are also available.

-  As Red Deer grows, the City continues the work to address and reduce urban noise, including education and enforcement opportunities. I recognize that noise and enforcement remains a challenge.  It's recognized that revving motors, modified exhaust systems, and loud music from a vehicle all create excessive vehicle noise and disturbance in our neighborhoods. During the summer, the City focuses on enhancing traffic noise enforcement.  At this time, while cities like Calgary and Edmonton have used decibel equipment for monitoring and enforcement, these systems are not yet tried and true in the Courts. Please call the non-emergency line at 403 343 5575 with a vehicle description and license plate of the offending vehicle.  You will be asked to visit the RCMP detachment to write a statement and may be required to attend court as a witness to the infraction you've reported.  The same number can be called for all other noise complaints.  

-  Following 20+ years of advocacy with the Province, we now see the provincial Justice Centre built and operating in the downtown Red Deer, providing timely and necessary court services. So important is our advocacy and conversations with Provincial MLA's and Ministers regarding adequate provincial staffing for expedient justice.  Equally important is Council advocacy and citizen conversations with Red Deer MP Bailey and other Alberta MP's about the Federal Government needing to toughen the Federal Criminal Code and make bail laws stricter for violent and organized crime, home invasions, thefts and human trafficking. It has been too long and too often that we see, read or hear about repeat offenders and their criminal offences in society.