OPPORTUNITIES AND POSSIBILITIES.....
WHAT ELSE IS POSSIBLE FOR RED DEER IN THE NEXT COUNCIL TERM - 2025-2029 AS YOUR CITY COUNCIL MAKES DECISIONS TO ADVANCE OUR RED DEER COMMUNITY?
If re-elected, as I listen, connect and learn, here are some ideas and priorities I would bring to the next term of Council (in no particular order):
1. During the 2025-2029 Council term there will be attention to the City's "financial road map" with the goal of stronger City financial health, replenishing City reserves, reasonable tax rates in the economic realities we are experiencing. And showing community there is value when and where our tax dollars are spent. There will be also community engagement regarding municipal services with a review of service delivery and how the City plans, delivers and improves services we utilize and value. This includes services such as recreation, parks, transit, arts ad culture, social supports, emergency response and more. As Council and working with and listening to community, it is important to set clear priorities to guide tax dollar investment and planning. Visit reddeer.ca/Compass to learn more and participate.
2. There must be a continued focus on community safety, including enforcement, prevention, education, intervention, timely response to property crime and Provincial advocacy regarding the Courts and incarceration and advocacy to the Federal government for changes to toughen the Criminal Code. Stricter bail laws are need for violent and organized crime, home invasions, thefts and human trafficking. I'd like to see another Red Deer Community Safety summit, similar to what occurred in 2019t. The ongoing Council dialogue and briefings with the RCMP Superintendent continues, along with engaging with community citizens prior to the City's Policing Committee (who will begin their work this fall) and Council members determine and review the Annual Police Plan. And I support City funding supports to the Central Alberta Crime Prevention Centre who bring and share pro-active crime prevention education, resources and support to Red Deer.
3. Council should review the City’s 2014 Community Safety Strategy. which needs an update and refresh. This report came from community safety meetings where Council heard from the citizens directly. The report recognizes that safety is more than just policing and enforcement. It also includes attention to poverty, high-risk youth, child advocacy, domestic violence, early childhood development, addictions and mental health and inclusive communities. Progress has been made these past few years, as a growing city, through the City's System Leadership Team which includes representatives from Alberta Health Services, Children's Services, the City of Red Deer, Red Deer Catholic and Public School Districts, Community Corrections, RCMP and Urban Aboriginal Voices Society. This is important work and should continue. While the Provincial focus has been on a recovery model, the focus remains for community agency collaboration and eliminating duplication of services where possible, and focusing on addressing root causes of community problems rather than just treating symptoms or negative outcomes. It remains problematic in Red Deer (or any city or town or community) when there is open and repeated drug use and the importance of enforcement and supportive responses, which are critical to bring change and supports for individuals and families.
4. Cities have moved onto the provincial and federal agenda with the need for our tax dollars being returned back to each municipality. This work is lead by Alberta Municipalities, Rural Municipalities of Alberta and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Advocacy and discussions with MLA Lagrange, MLA Stephen and MP Bailey is critical, as all orders of government - municipal, provincial and federal must effectively work together. For the health of Red Deerians, the next Council will continue to have continued and important conversations and advocacy with the province as we see Hospital expansion progress, including concerns with hospital and emergency wait times, the recruitment of medical professionals to Red Deer, and the heart "Cath Lab" being retrofitted in current hospital space. Time can mean life when it comes to heart health and any health condition. Much appreciation to the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, Alberta Health Services and all community voices and donors for the community work bringing the cath lab/health service to Red Deer.
As well, we have seen provincial supports including the completed construction of the Red Deer Justice Centre which continues to require adequate provincial justice staffing, adequate provincial investment for mental health and addictions recovery, and continued conversations with the commitment from the Provincial Government commitment of $7 million for their building and operational decisions for the future permanent integrated shelter site in Red Deer. While these are not "municipal services" they are about delivering quality of life services and ensuring Red Deer, as Alberta's third largest city, does not fall behind but rather is recognized as a growing, changing and vibrant location in central Alberta. Future conversations, planning and considerations must also include Red Deer in any high-speed rail project, partnership or links; recognizing this Provincial project is many years away for Alberta, Red Deer and the region.
5. Transit rider and citizen feedback is always welcomed as the City looks to changes and improvements which may be required for new or changed transit routes and safety on Red Deer Transit, including transit expansion in new neighborhoods such as Evergreen. Smaller buses have also been serving some neighborhood routes. As the City welcomes more transit ridership, the Transit department continues to want your feedback for continuous improvement. A reminder about MyBus Red Deer- in the Apple App Store and MyBus Red Deer in the Google Play Store. Great apps that are available to help residents and visitors to utilize the transit system.
6. Action Bus services are important for citizens - adults and youth - who cannot use regular transit rides because of a physical need or disability. Action Bus service is a shared ride public transportation service and wheelchair lift equipped vehicles are used to provide this service. An application is required to ride the Action Bus. As our City grows and ages and increases, the continued lens to needed and growing Action Bus services must be recognized in Council future budget process and decisions. One of the solutions is to recognize what the riders/users of transit say for needs and changes, along with the transit drivers who recognize or can provide value as the City looks to improving transit services and how the City delivers transit needs.
7. Affordability is important to me to ensure recreation fees are affordable for individuals and families. I'd like to see more "special days for kids and/or families/individuals/seniors" that bring a lower fee on selected days at recreation facilities so citizens and families can enjoy the recreation facilities throughout the City. This would be in addition to free swimming and skating times that are scheduled, the free pop up spray park days - weather permitting, the Rip N'Rec summer passes of $50 and the City's Fee Assistance program when one meets the qualifications. Recreation, activities and exercise is beneficial for our mental health and fosters community connections.
8. While some progress has been made this past term, it's important to continue to fund and support ongoing back road lane maintenance, responding to potholes, gravel and dust roads/alleys and annexed "rurban" rural/urban regular road maintenance. This road maintenance must be adequately funded in operating budget decisions.
9. In the summer we think about pot holes, paving and the road/sidewalk construction season. In winter, it's the City Public Works and contractor response to the snow and ice needs. During each Council term, there is a review of the City's Snow and Ice Program. It's based on what we hear from citizens and what we observe and experience during the winter season. Your feedback is important to share so that the City can adjust prior to the snow coming and during the winter for our safety and movement. Through many seasons, conversations occur about "windrow snow removal" by the City. This is an expensive financial expense from the City's operating budget when one considers the removal, melting, or another snow storm occurs shortly after the windrow removal. Snow and ice management and windrows remain topics of conversation during the snow and ice program review. For any snow or ice concerns, please call 403 342 8238; and join Notify Red Deer to be put on the Snow Removal schedule. Or report an issue or concern on-line at the City of Red Deer Report a Problem. Adequate and appropriate snow removal and timely response is necessary in our winter climate.
10. Council leadership must have a continued lens for the environment through the City's Environmental Master Plan with the footprints we make and to ensure a resilient and sustainable community. We must be vigilant in the protection of water quality and quantity, air quality, and land use, along with our actions for garbage diversion and waste management to extend the life of the landfill. Over the coming years and as technologies continue to evolve, I see opportunities for Red Deer and regional collaboration to see what's possible in waste-to-energy potential operations. These technologies continue to advance in Canadian municipalities and it's important we do our homework, prior to any investment in these types of facilities. The Province of Alberta in April 2025, has now introduced EPR - Extended Producer Responsibility legislation. The EPR system is the next evolution in Alberta's recycling that looks to seeing less waste in the landfill. During the next Council term, the City anticipates hearing more on how EPR - Extended Producer Responsibility provincial legislation that affects our waste collection and recycling.
11. Over the years, we have seen more and more community gardens for the growers and green thumbs in Red Deer; responding to expansion needs and requests for community gardens is important to me. How about the City hosting a garden contest to promote your garden.... it could be a productive vegetable garden, pollinator paradise, or a well manicured annual garden? A possibility for 2025-2029?! Promoting and supporting a local food movement, organizing or promoting garden workshops, including supports for community gardening to grow, bringing community together, and working with community associations are possibilities.
12. There are important Council decisions ahead as a result of next steps for the Municipally Controlled Corporation (MCC) and the City's electrical utility. An MCC will provide specific services or functions that oversees the City's electrical utility and benefits our municipality and residents, while operating at arms length from municipal administration. My learnings during 2025 of the complexities, challenges and important reliability of the electrical utility, would be beneficial as a Councillor when these conversations and decisions are made for details and next steps for the Municipally Controlled Corporation and its establishment and accountability and keeping the community informed is key.
13. The City of Red Deer has a Water Conservation, Efficiency and Productivity Plan as the City uses and manages water from the Red Deer River. We turn on the taps and value available water. Water is a precious resource and one that must be managed well when considering growing water demands across the region and from Alberta communities who rely upon the Red Deer River, along with recognizing drought challenges over the last year and into this year. Both water quality and quantity are top of mind when we think about water use, along with conservation and water management and efficiency at the City's water and wastewater treatment plans. As a Councillor previously assigned to the Red Deer River Municipal Users Group (RDRMUG) and the Red Deer River Watershed Alliance (RDRWA), and as we have seen the past year of record heat and drought, occasions of blue-green algae on regional lakes, and the conversations about the future of Alberta coal mining and affects to water upstream, we should all recognize that riparian, wetland and water management is necessary and needed for environmental sustainability, community use and well being such as recreation, and for future generations supply and water use.
14. As we all move through our City on the roads, sidewalks, and trails, it's important to continue to advance the City's Multi-modal Transportation Plan with the lens of safety and efficiency when a citizen chooses to drive, use transit, walk, and/or cycle or wheel - whatever choice of transportation utilized on the City roads, trails, sidewalks and wider sidewalks. Please be safe out there Red Deer. Please use a bell and watch your speed when on the sidewalks and trails with your bicycle or scooter. I welcome "bicycle lots" downtown where citizens can park their bicycle safely and securely; I look to the future possibilities of this initiative. I see value in pursuing trail enhancement connection in Red Deer such as the south side of the Red Deer River at the McKenzie trails that connects to Discovery Canyon and Riverbend, along with collaboration with Red Deer County on connections to Gasoline Alley, or south to Penhold or a dedicated trail to the Blind Man bridge. Expansion for the trails is also a draw for Red Deer and regional tourism.
15. I hear you about concerns with the downtown parking since the implementation of the implementation of the current paid parking system which brought challenges and concerns from businesses and residents; some of which have been addressed. Interesting, there are citizens who really appreciate the new parking and technology while others have indicated they are no longer coming to enjoy the downtown restaurants, businesses and services. Did you know there is an area of free parking on Wednesday's during the downtown summer Market day? Or that as of August 1st this year, anyone with a valid handicap placard can park for free in any on-street stall in Red Deer - one no longer needs to fin an accessible only space. And complimentary on-street parking is available for vehicles with a valid Veteran License Plate. In May of this year, I seconded a notice of motion calling for a review of the downtown parking plan and to promote the downtown including prioritizing the ease of use and a seamless parking experience. Recognizing the challenges I've heard, I would look to designated downtown areas that allow free parking for a specific period of time. Parking improvements will be on the next Council's agenda.
16. The next Council will be reviewing the Animal Control bylaw with feedback from pet and non-pet owners in the 2025-2029 Council term.
17. In 2014, over ten years ago, citizens participated in the Communities Amenities Survey which continues to be a guide for future City of Red Deer Councillor's attention for capital budget plans that align with community expectations. A future multi-use Aquatics Centre (a location has been determined at the Michener North site), a Performing Arts/Concern Hall, additional sports fields, and future downtown development and community spaces, including Capstone, were all highlighted. Quality of life is always enhanced when we can gather together, enjoy activities and add to Red Deerian's quality of life. Vision and planning are important. Unfortunately there is the reality with City of Red Deer budget challenges and financial road map, it is not anticipated any new amenities will be built from this term's Capital budgets, unless there is significant grant funding from the Province or Federal government, along with valued community fund raising.
18. Red Deer was pleased to see the Crimson Villas open their doors a few years ago on the former Red Deer Nursing home site. This seniors housing facility replaced the aging Piper Creek Lodge and Twilight Cottages. Continued provincial and federal advocacy for affordable and social housing, including responding to senior needs, whether aging in place or required long term care facilities is important for Red Deer seniors and families. Along with Council and administration, it is important that City actions and decisions are age-friendly as Red Deer evolves and emerges as a growing city with aging demographics. With the attendance at the 2025 Seniors Expo at the Pidherney Centre this July, it speaks to the importance of recognizing Red Deer Seniors and opportunities to support within the community. I would welcome opportunities to consider a new City of Red Deer ad hoc Seniors Committee that can regularly raise issues and concerns to Council.
19. We cannot dismiss racism and discrimination that can and does affect individuals and their families in our city. The City of Red Deer, along with all public institutions and workplaces, plays an important role in continued actions and initiatives to be a welcoming and inclusive community. Our city works better when we have communities that ease social barriers that people may face in their lives. Partnerships and reconciliation are key to strengthening relationships with the Red Deer Native Friendship Society, Urban Aboriginal Voices Society, the Metis Nation, Care for Newcomers, the Central Alberta Immigrant Women's Association, and many other organizations as we welcome newcomers to Red Deer.
Did you know that Alberta history recognizes 25 Residential Schools (the most in Canada). Through truth and reconciliation, the remembering and discovery of the children and graves throughout Canada and injustices for indigenous peoples in Canadian history it is difficult; especially for the survivors, elders and families. In the spirit of reconciliation and long lasting partnerships, the City of Red Deer continues conversations with community elders and indigenous community members with the Protocol Governance Oversight Committee, and valued relationships with the Red Deer Native Friendship Society, the Urban Aboriginal Voices Society, and Shining Mountains Community Living Services. Community indigenous conversations continue for the vision of a future Indigenous cultural centre open to all Red Deerians. My learning, conversations and commitment to truth and reconciliation continues.
20. Continued conversations and opportunities to connect throughout our community, with support to the Welcoming and Inclusive Community Network and initiatives for Council to support equality, combat racism, and promote respect must continue. Ubuntu- Mobilizing Central Alberta is an organization in Red Deer who brings focus and attention to understand and reduce racism in Red Deer. Ubuntu is a South African/Zulu term that refers to behaving well towards others or acting in ways that benefit the community.
21. Let's talk about arts and culture and the value and enjoyment it brings for Red Deer citizens, central Alberta neighbours and visitors to the City. I remember this saying "EARTH WITHOUT ART IS JUST "EH". City budgets include grant supports to the not-for-profit community organizations, artists, community groups and businesses to support activities, culture development and heritage initiatives in our community. The next grant funding cycle will be for 2026-2028 and applications will be accepted from August 18th to September 29th, 2025. Please visit the City of Red Deer website for additional details. There is free entertainment at so many events including this summer's Red Deer Filipino Music and Food Street Festival, the Afro-Caribbean Festival, Pioneer Days at Sunnybrook Farm, a Foam Fest at Heritage Ranch, and many more events to enjoy and experience. Plus there are many entertaining events at the downtown Scott Block including Bull Skit Comedy, or the Central Alberta Theatre season performances, hearing and seeing Red Deer talents such as the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra or enjoying an event organized by the Red Deer Arts Council. There is also the concert series offered at the Red Deer Public Library. Arts and culture are a valued benefit to Red Deer and our community bringing people together, as we learn, connect, experience and appreciate new perspectives.
It's important to have a continued focus to advance community arts and culture, including consideration of a Red Deer cultural district - for the benefits of citizens and visitors - which can spur economic development and a creative workforce in Red Deer.
22. Council engagement with Red Deer youth on municipal issues is important to me. If re-elected, I would welcome more progress to engage with local youth, I would like to see more Council conversations and engagement with Red Deer's youth; either through a youth committee or other initiatives, including opportunities for youth to understand and participate in municipal government and Council listening and responding to their ideas and/or concerns. All with the goal of encouraging youth citizen participation and understanding municipal government. How about a youth "Mayor for the Day" or youth “Councillor for the Day" event?
23. We all have a role to play to care for the environment and to be aware of our actions as we adapt to changing climate. We recognize the heat, drought, extreme storms and worry of tornados, wild fires and record temperatures this past year. Municipalities face decisions as we balance the need to prepare and plan for climate impacts, land use planning, ensuring community plans are ready for disaster response, for flooding or extreme cold or heat and fire. Meeting the City of Red Deer’s Environmental Master Plan targets and progress for City and citizen actions and improvements to water, air, ecology, waste, transportation, energy, and our City's built environment is important for me as a City Councillor. We have responsibility to keep Red Deer's trees and urban forest healthy through support for an Urban Forest management plan including budget investment for regular tree maintenance and replacement and noxious weed controls.
24. Community conversations and connections matter. Such as the City of Red Deer's relationship and ongoing conversations with Red Deer Polytechnic to see what new education and programs are provided in post secondary education that attracts and retains adult students in Red Deer. Regular conversations with the Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce, the Building Industry and Land Development, and connecting with sport groups and community agencies such as Heritage Family Services and Safe Harbour, all bring good sharing and dialogue as Council makes important decisions for community.
25. I support the City continuing to work to adapt and modernize municipal government for citizen participation and information sharing, interactions, communications, available data and operations. It is noted the City website needs some refreshing. If you've not yet signed up for "Notify Red Deer -https://reddeer.ca/notifyreddeer/, you’re encouraged to do. At the same time, it’s important to recognize that Red Deer citizens have preferred preferences in receiving information and doing business, depending on age, comfort and experience with technology and social media. And a reminder one can always call the City at 403 342 8111 for issues or Report a Problem, on-line. https://www.reddeer.ca/online-tools/report-a-problem/ . In the coming Council term, if re-elected, I would welcome a return to the community mall "Let's Talk" event, once per Council term, where citizens can engage with the Mayor and Councillors and learn and ask questions to City staff about the diverse municipal services with the City of Red Deer. Or scheduling "Let's Talk to Council" events at convenient times and places for citizens to meet with members of Council.
26. Regional relationships are important to me, as they should be for all of Council. I support working together with neighbour municipalities that support inter-municipal collaboration with agreements or opportunities such as shared services, e.g. joint projects if feasible, specifically with Red Deer County. Regional economic development through (CAEP) - Central Alberta Economic Partnership is also an important relationship. There are many opportunities and much to look forward to for the central Alberta region as a corridor for investment and opportunities, including transportation and tourism and new business operations that will diversify the regional economy and tax base; all which can support the Red Deer city and region with services and employment.
27. Regional collaboration between the City and Red Deer County is important ICF's - intermunicipal collaboration framework agreements were provincially mandated to all Alberta municipalities. The City of Red Deer and Red Deer County have a signed agreement. Relationships, partnerships, collaboration and ongoing conversations and agreements with the ongoing RCC - Regional Collaboration Committee is important work ahead for shared services between the City of Red Deer and Red Deer County.
28. Consideration for City infrastructure, with day to day attention and maintenance to roads, sidewalks, parks and trails, and water, wastewater and electric infrastructure must be a priority to look after what we have. So too is the importance for Council to plan and fund future infrastructure through the City’s 10 year Capital budget plan, as budget decisions are prioritized and advanced. If re-elected, my Council decisions will always be made with respect for our tax payer dollars, including tax payer affordability, understanding economic trends and the importance of ongoing community conversations for our city to thrive.
29. As a Councilor, if re-elected, I am available for a coffee, conversation or a meeting and will continue to listen and respond to citizen issues and ideas to grow and advance our City over the next four years and into Red Deer’s future! I'd like to see sector and/or topic based round table discussions to bring together citizens together to listen, learn and strategize; similar to what occurred with public crime and community safety meetings. Zoning conversations are so important in the months and year(s) ahead as we look to housing developments that will affect our neighborhoods when new developments are built. These are important opportunities for Council to listen and learn as a Councillor makes decisions at the Council table.
Thank you for reading my views and perspectives.
I believe we need continuity for the 2025-2029 City Council.
I bring experience as a leader to continue stewardship for our City.
Please connect with me if you'd like to have a conversation.
I appreciate your support and vote as one of Red Deer’s eight City Councillors.
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I'd like to hear from you, so please give me a call or text - 403-505-4256,
send an email - DWyntjes@shaw.ca or message me on X @DianWyntjes.
If you'd like a Dianne Wyntjes election sign - please connect with me.
