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Thanks to these amazing businesses and organizations that support Todayville throughout the year.

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Someone once said a startup business is like a teenager; awkward, needs money, and needs a hug.  We feel that way sometimes as a business that launched here in Red Deer just 2 years ago. As Christmas shopping draws to a fever pitch and the hopes for a happy(er) New Year dance through our heads, we’d like to thank these companies for supporting us this past year.  Consider them when making choices on where to take your business.

Abbey Platinum Master Built

Abbey Platinum Master Built is a major Central Alberta Home Builder with an extensive portfolio of accomplishments in quality building from starter to luxury estates homes, renovations and commercial constructions. We offer one of the largest builder lot inventories with lots available in Blackfalds, Lacombe, Penhold, Red Deer and Sylvan Lake.

With Abbey Platinum’s experience as a custom home builder, acreages became a natural fit. Our Project management team and partners meticulous commitment to quality that’s shows in the wide variety of homes we build. We are the highest award winning builder in Central Alberta carrying such accolades as Renovator of the Year and 5-time Builder of the Year. Learn more.

Alberta Global Talent

As an employer, have you been looking for ways to increase your access to talented potential employees for your business? Even in the current economy it’s not always easy to find great employees. Especially as the baby-boomers retire and Canadians are not having enough children to take their place in the work force, we can expect demand for employees to increase. What if we could help you find employees with talent, a strong work ethic, and willingness to do a variety of jobs and to learn?

Central Alberta employers have reported positive impacts of adding diversity to their employee group. Learn more.

Alberta Podcast Network

The Alberta Podcast Network, powered by ATB, builds audiences for Alberta-made podcasts and connects those listeners to Alberta-based businesses and organizations. We pay our member podcasts to spread the word about ATB and our other sponsors. We also promote affiliated podcasts that are produced by our sponsors. And our network is set up so that our members cross-promote each other, thus building each other’s audiences and increasing the number of listeners, which helps our sponsors, too.  Listen to some great podcasts from Alberta podcasters.

Alberta Pork Producers

We are one of 16 Commodity Marketing Boards and Commissions in Alberta. We are a non-profit organization representing all of Alberta’s hog producers with a democratically elected board of directors. We represent producers’ interests to the government, the industry, the media, the general public and other groups associated with the pork industry.

We currently collect a $1.00 levy on each market hog and $0.25 on pigs under 50 kilograms that are sold out of Canada. These funds are used for the research, development, growth and promotion of the Alberta pork industry. Learn more.

Alberta Sport Development Centre

The Alberta Sport Connection has established a network of Alberta Sport Development Centres (ASDC) across the province. The main purpose of the ASDC network is to coordinate and enhance services available to Alberta’s emerging athletes and coaches. These regional centres provide services to athletes and coaches residing in rural and urban areas allowing athletes to develop and train at a high level without leaving home. The ASDC Network supports the idea of a holistic training approach in order for athletes to reach their optimal athletic potential. By combining sport science applications with support from experts in areas such as nutrition, sport psychology and injury prevention, each centre helps coaches, parents and athletes build an ideal environment for enhanced athletic development and performance. Learn more.

Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame & Museum provides a family friendly interactive experience. You will be surprised by what you discover inside! Have fun, laugh, play and discover Alberta sports heroes together. The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is an interactive, hands-on celebration of Alberta’s sporting history. With over 7,000 square feet of exhibit space includes a multisport area with virtual baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and soccer, a 200 meter wheelchair challenge, a Treadwall climbing wall, the Orest Korbutt Theatre, Hall of Fame Gallery and much more.  Learn moreClick here to watch videos of the 2018 Inductees.

BILD Central Alberta

Originally established in 1956 as a chapter of the Housing and Urban Development Association of Canada (HUDAC) to serve the needs of the local home building industry, the local association has enjoyed steady growth to bring us where we are today, an association of 160 plus member organizations. Learn more.

Black Creek Developments

In operation since 2014, Black Creek Developments Inc. has been defining the urban landscapes of Central Alberta.Based out of Sylvan Lake, our expert architects and building designers set the stage for our talented project managers and tradesmen to build refined commercial property that enables communities to grow and prosper. Our principles of building with integritysuperiority, and distinction makes Black Creek Developments the premier developer in Central Alberta. Learn more.

Black Wolf Custom Homes

Black Wolf Custom Homes is distinguished in the art of home building. With decades of industry experience and experts that have honed their craft, talent, and eye for braiding functionality and sophistication in the home, we are ready to build yours. With a Bauhaus philosophy, Black Wolf Custom Homes believes in the harmony of design and function. One should be able to move within their space with swiftness and ease in their day-to-day activities. Learn more.

2019 Canada Winter Games

From February 15 until March 3, 2019, Red Deer and central Alberta will welcome the nation for the 2019 Canada Winter Games. Featuring 19 sports, over 150 events and a major arts and cultural festival, the 2019 Canada Winter Games will welcome up to 3,600 athletes, managers and coaches and more than 20,000 visitors.

The 2019 Games will be the largest event ever hosted in Red Deer and central Alberta and one of the largest events to be hosted in Alberta in over three decades, since the 1988 Calgary Olympics.  Learn more.

Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre

The Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre is a not for profit organization rooted in the protection and recovery of today’s most innocent and vulnerable – our children. Together with our partners and stakeholders – Central Region, Children’s Services, Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre, Alberta Health Services, Alberta Justice and Education by Alberta and the RCMP – we provide integrated services that ensure that a child can share their story, and have it safely heard. Our team of dedicated professionals provide a coordinated approach that supports the recovery of the children, youth and families affected by abuse, helping them to overcome adversity with the promise and possibility of a healthy future. Learn more.

Chatters

We offer professional salon services that are always on trend. At Chatters, we understand that your hair is your best accessory and that a cut & colour that truly flatters you is a must have. Our stylists receive the highest levels of training and are continually updating their skills with the industry’s top educators to give you the season’s freshest looks.  We are a family salon offering services for ladies, men and children. Learn more. 

Earl Dreeshen MP

Earl was most recently elected in 2015 as the first ever Member of Parliament for the riding of Red Deer – Mountain View. Previously, Earl served two terms as the Member of Parliament for Red Deer following his successes in the elections of 2008 and 2011.  Currently serving as the Deputy Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food, Earl has prior experience as the Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology and as a Member of the Standing Committees on International Trade, Health, Public Accounts, Ethics, and Aboriginal Affairs. Learn more. 

Ellis Bird Farm

Ellis Bird Farm is both a non-profit company and a working farm. It was established in 1982 to carry on the legacy of Lacombe-area conservationists, Charlie and Winnie Ellis, when their farm was purchased by Union Carbide Canada Ltd. At the time, Charlie and Winnie operated one of the largest bluebird trails in Canada and had established their farmstead as a haven for wildlife. Learn more.

Horse Racing Alberta

Horse Racing Alberta (HRA), is a private not-for-profit corporation that was established with the Alberta Governments proclamation of the Racing Corporation Act in 1996.  The HRA was established to lead a racing industry renewal and to manage industry self-regulation. Learn more. 

Jiffy Lube 

Kennedy Wealth Management

Whether are looking to invest in order to build your financial future, or to secure what you have already earned, professional investment, estate, insurance, and financial planning advice is critical. Combining specific goals, such as maximizing retirement income, protecting principal, leaving an estate for your family, or just simplifying your life financially, takes experience, and training. The Kennedy Wealth Management Group, led by Rod Kennedy, devote themselves to fully understanding your comprehensive financial situation, life goals, and tolerance for risk, when creating and managing a strategy that is right for you. Learn more.

Kipp Scott GMC Cadillac Buick

Kipp Scott GMC Cadillac Buick is a family-owned business that has proudly served Red Deer, and all of Alberta, for 50 Years since first opening our doors in 1968. Treating our customers with respect has always been our number-one priority, and we believe when it comes to selling vehicles, honesty is the best policy. Rest assured we’ll do everything we can to make sure you leave our dealership 100% satisfied. Learn more.

One Eleven Grill

An inviting and stylish restaurant tucked into the heart of Red Deer just waiting for you to discover or rediscover. Opened on the first day of November in 2011, One Eleven has been thoughtfully and skillfully preparing delicious food and drinks for Central Alberta for years. Our passion is STEAK! We are committed to quality, serving only the very best locally-owned, grass fed Alberta Triple AAA Beef in both classic and unique cuts. Our warm, inviting ambiance is the perfect backdrop for everything from a romantic evening, a gathering with friends and family and even a quiet business lunch during the week. At One Eleven we’re committed to your total satisfaction and we celebrate the people and food of Red Deer and Central Alberta every day. Learn more.

Operation Teacup

It all started over a conversation about giving back.  Before long Charlie MacDonald and Michelle Tetreault decided to combine passions for Canada’s military and Canadian Football and the idea for Operation Teacup was born.  “Operation” Teacup is a worthy name for this day long endeavour because it takes the planning abilities of a military mission to pull it off.  In fact… the military actually does help pull it off! Learn more.

Proverus LLP

ProVerus LLP was formed with a particular focus on the needs of owner-operated businesses in Central Alberta.  By making your business our specialty, we can offer more of what you need.  With a strong blend of experience and education, we offer a unique combination of contemporary professional skills and traditional, time-honoured values. Learn more.

Pursuit Physio Therapy

Our clinic is designed to help you achieve your health goals. Our team is works towards your success and recovery. Leanne Schlachter and Nicki Julien are the owners of Pursuit Physiotherapy. Pursuit Physiotherapy opened in September 2006 after identifying a need for a better delivery of care in Red Deer. Part of this plan includes booking adequate time for comprehensive assessments allows us to formulate an individualized treatment plans. Learn more.

Red Deer Christmas Bureau

We at the Red Deer Christmas Bureau believe in sharing our culture and tradition with other members of our community. Even though some of our clients have never experienced a traditional Christmas celebration we believe everyone should be able to enjoy fellowship, friendship and family during the holiday season.  Learn more.

Red Deer Hospital Foundation Festival of Trees

Start your Christmas season off right!  Whether you’re looking for activities for the entire family or something fun to do with that someone special, the Red Deer Festival of Trees is Red Deer’s premier Christmas community fundraiser, kicking off the Christmas season!  Every year the Westerner transforms into a Christmas wonderland for all to enjoy. Learn more.

Red Deer Orthodontics

Dr. Cheba is a certified specialist in orthodontics and the owner of Red Deer Orthodontics. He grew up in Calgary and attended the University of Calgary for his Bachelor of Science, so he is no stranger to Alberta. Dr. Cheba was accepted into the dental program at the University of Manitoba, and after graduation remained in Winnipeg to practice general dentistry in a large group practice for five years. In 2009, Dr. Cheba returned to the University of Manitoba for his postgraduate program in orthodontics. Learn more.

Red Deer Public School District

School boards help shape the future of our communities by governing the education of young people. As citizens of your community, school board trustees make strategic decisions about the direction, delivery and quality of public education. As people entrusted with the care and education of children, we are responsible and accountable to parents and the community at large. This accountability means it is important to stay in touch with community stakeholders. By doing so, we are in a better position to understand and reflect in our decision making what all citizens value and want from their local public schools. Learn more.

Red Deer Regional Catholic Schools

In our schools, students are offered a Catholic world-view. They are being prepared to go out and transform the world in light of the Gospel. Our schools are also places of great diversity. Students of all intellectual, cultural and faith backgrounds are welcome. Our faith permeates the entire life of the school. Parents entrust their children to us and we take this very seriously. Our schools are safe and welcoming. They offer academic excellence along with many extra-curricular programs. Our teachers are committed to engaging students in their learning and forming them to become life long learners and critical thinkers. They are being given the knowledge, freedom and confidence needed to reach their full potential. Learn more.

Red Deer Regional Hospital Lottery

Watch a story about last year’s winner of the dream home lottery.

Riverview Insurance Solutions

Our personalized approach is what sets us apart from our competitors. We care deeply about our client’s welfare and pride ourselves on being the stabilizing factor in this ever-changing world. We take the time to get to know you and learn what you expect from your coverage and what you expect from us. From there, we will present you with several options and educate you on the pros and cons of each to assist you in making an informed decision. Learn more.

Rotary Club of Red Deer

Our differing occupations, cultures, and countries give us a unique perspective. Our shared passion for service helps us accomplish the remarkable. WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?  Our distinct point of view and approach gives us unique advantages. Learn more about Rotary International.   Learn more about Rotary’s 2018 Citizen of the Year

Safari Salon and Spa

Safari welcomed its first guests in 2003 with a goal of creating a truly exceptional luxury experience for residents in Red Deer and Central Alberta. Our team visits luxury spas all over the world in an effort to continually improve what we do.  We want our guests to feel like they are on a mini vacation each and every time they visit.  Our customer surveys tell us we hit the mark on a very consistent basis! Learn more.

Scott Subaru

Scott Subaru is committed to providing the highest levels of customer service through our unsurpassed knowledge of the Subaru vehicles we sell and service. Our staff of automotive professionals takes pride in representing the Subaru brand and are specialists in the innovative design, advanced technology, and superior performance that the brand represents. Safety and engineering is at the centre of a totally fulfilling Subaru driving experience. Learn more.  Find out about their new dealership, Canada’s first Passive Haus.

Expert Security Solutions

Keeping your family and home secure is our first job. Unlike other systems that rely on your cable or phone connection, Alarm.com systems have a dedicated cellular connection. Internet or broadband down? No problem. Power outage? We’ve got you covered with battery backup. Phone line cut? Not an issue.  Learn more with this article from Todayville. 

Speedpro Signs

Welcome to Speedpro Signs Red Deer! At Speedpro Signs we excel at providing solutions to your marketing challenges. Identifying your needs and offering innovative solutions that are efficient with your budget and will exceed your expectations is what we do best! Whether you are looking for a basic sign, a product that you have never seen or a full service installation display; we are the creative professionals that will meet your deadlines within budget. Learn more. 

Sheraton Celebrity Dance Off

Christine Moore, event co-chair, says: “On behalf of the Sheraton Celebrity Dance Off 2019  Cabinet, I am delighted to announce our partnership with the Friends of Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. With roots going back to 1904, this group of dedicated volunteers have fundraised to support the care and comfort of patients at our hospital. Over the last 38 years, they have raised over $7 million. They exemplify everything about volunteerism and giving back to the community. They are the unsung heroes of our hospital. Learn more.

St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino

Located just five minutes from the Canadian Rockies International Airport in southeastern British Columbia, St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino features a full-service, three-diamond hotel with 125 rooms and suites, the Casino of the Rockies, and a Les Furber-designed, championship golf course. Our Resort also offers the best dining in the Cranbrook and Kimberley region with our signature St. Eugene Smokehouse, and pub-style options at our golf and casino restaurants. Other amenities include our brand new spa and the Health Club containing a fully equipped gym, outdoor pool heated year round, relaxation pools, sauna and steam room. The beautiful Spanish-colonial-styled Resort you see today was once the St. Eugene Mission, a residential school for First Nations youth. Today, we employ approximately 250 people and have become an entertainment destination for people across North America. The owners and associates at St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino are proudly devoted to sharing our First Nations culture as well as the history of our magnificent Resort. Learn more.

TD Mortgage Diane Prospero

I am available outside of normal banking hours, including evenings and weekends, to suit your schedule. Whether you are purchasing a home, looking to transfer a mortgage or refinancing an existing mortgage to consolidate debt, I can help you find the best mortgage solution. Whether you are a first time home buyer or a seasoned homeowner, I am committed to making your mortgage experience comfortable and easy.

A resident of Red Deer County, I serve Central Alberta and surrounding areas and have a true understanding of the community. Learn more.

The Lending Cupboard

TLC is a unique non-profit organization operating in Red Deer and serving a growing number of communities in Central Alberta.  We loan more than 1400 pieces of medical equipment and aids to daily living each month.  We are supported by volunteers who contribute more than 11,000 hours each year.  In 2018 we served in excess of 10 thousand clients. Learn more.

Tommy Guns

With 70+ locations across Canada and the world, our guests come to us to look and feel their best. Our renowned Hot Towel Shaves, unique styles, and relaxing head massages are the epitome of male grooming.  Learn more.

Vellner Leisure Products

This is a 3rd generation family business which began in Red Deer with H.T. Vellner and father J.R. (Bob) Vellner in 1951 and has helped RV enthusiasts from around the world to enjoy the healthy family fun of the RV Lifestyle. We are dedicated to maintaining the tradition of fair and honest dealing and to remain in the forefront of an exciting industry built on a foundation of family values and healthy outdoor recreation. Please enjoy our site and come back often as we continue to offer new and exciting products and information to enhance your RV experience. Learn more. Watch this cool timelapse of Vellner’s setting up at the 2018 RV Show at Red Deer’s Westerner Park.

Volleyball Alberta

Westerner Park

Since 1891, Westerner Park has been a place for Central Albertans to gather and celebrate community events. Westerner Park is both an agricultural society and registered not-for-profit. We invest all of our earnings back into the improvement of our buildings, our grounds and our amenities. Each year, Westerner Park generates more than $150 million in economic activity, more than 1.5 million visitors come through our gates to celebrate over 1,500 unique events. From weddings and banquets to hockey games and agricultural shows, we continue to be there as Central Albertans join to share in their most memorable moments. It’s our legacy, and it’s always in mind as we work to ensure Westerner Park remains Central Alberta’s “destination for celebration” for generations to come. Learn more.

If you’d like to be one of our great partners and enjoy the benefits of having your stories told and your ads carried on todayville.com, please contact us.

President Todayville Inc., Honorary Colonel 41 Signal Regiment, Board Member Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Award Foundation, Director Canadian Forces Liaison Council (Alberta) musician, photographer, former VP/GM CTV Edmonton.

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Alberta

Parents in every province—not just Alberta—deserve as much school choice as possible

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From the Fraser Institute

By Michael Zwaagstra

Not only does Alberta have a fully funded separate (Catholic) school system, it also provides between 60 and 70 per cent operational funding to accredited independent schools. In addition, Alberta is the only province in Canada to allow fully funded charter schools. And Alberta subsidizes homeschooling parents.

This week, the Smith government in Alberta will likely pass Bill 27, which requires schools to get signed permission from parents or guardians prior to any lessons on human sexuality, gender identity or sexual orientation.

It’s a sensible move. The government is proactively ensuring that students are in these classes because their parents want them there. Given the sensitive nature of these topics, for everyone’s sake it makes sense to ensure parental buy-in at the outset.

Unfortunately, many school trustees don’t agree. A recent resolution passed by the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) calls on the Smith government to maintain the status quo where parents are assumed to have opted in to these lessons unless they contact the school and opt their children out. Apparently, the ASBA thinks parents can’t be trusted to make the right decisions for their children on this issue.

This ASBA resolution is, in fact, a good example of the reflexive opposition by government school trustees to parental rights. They don’t want parents to take control of their children’s education, especially in sensitive areas. Fortunately, the Alberta government rebuffed ASBA’s demands and this attempt to abolish Bill 27 will likely fall on deaf ears.

However, there’s an even better safeguard available to Alberta parents—school choice. Out of all Canadian provinces, Alberta offers the most school choice. Not only does Alberta have a fully funded separate (Catholic) school system, it also provides between 60 and 70 per cent operational funding to accredited independent schools. In addition, Alberta is the only province in Canada to allow fully funded charter schools. And Alberta subsidizes homeschooling parents. Simply put, parents who are dissatisfied with the government school system have plenty of options—more than parents in any other province. This means Alberta parents can vote with their feet.

Things are quite different in other parts of the country. For example, Ontario and the four Atlantic provinces do not allow any provincial funding to follow students to independent schools. In other words, parents in these provinces who choose an independent school must pay the full cost themselves—while still paying taxes that fund government schools. And no province other than Alberta allows charter schools.

This is why it’s important to give parents as much school choice as possible. Given the tendency of government school boards to remove choices from parents, it’s important that all parents, including those with limited means, have other options available for their children.

Imagine if the owners of a large grocery store tried to impose their dietary preferences by removing all meat products and telling customers that the only way they could purchase meat is to make a special order. What would happen in that scenario? It depends on what other options are available. If this was the only grocery store in the community, customers would have no choice but to comply. However, if there were other stores, customers could simply shop elsewhere. Choice empowers people and limits the ability of one company to limit the choices of people who live in the community.

Think of government school boards as a monopolistic service provider like a grocery store. They often do everything possible to prevent parents from going anywhere else for their children’s education. Trusting them to do what’s best for parents and children is like assuming that the owners of a grocery store would always put the interests of their customers first and not their own self-interest. Monopolies are bad in the private sector and they’re bad in the education sector, too.

Clearly, it makes sense to require schools to get proactive consent from parents. This ensures maximum buy-in from parents for whatever courses their children take. It’s also important that Alberta remains a bastion of school choice. By making it easier for parents to choose from a variety of education options, Alberta puts power in the hands of parents, exactly where it belongs. Parents in other provinces should want that same power, too.

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Alberta

Alberta government’s fiscal update underscores need for rainy-day account

Published on

From the Fraser Institute

By Tegan Hill

According to the Smith government’s recent fiscal update, the government’s $2.9 billion projected budget surplus has increased to a $4.6 budget surplus in 2024/25 mainly due to higher-than-expected resource revenue. But the resource boom that fuels Alberta’s fiscal fortunes could end at any moment and pile more government debt on the backs of Albertans.

Resource revenue, fuelled by commodity prices (including oil and gas), is inherently volatile. For perspective, in just the last decade, the Alberta government’s annual resource revenue has been as low as $2.8 billion (2015/16) and accounted for just 6.5 per cent of total government revenue. In contrast, according to the Smith government’s fiscal update, projected resource revenue is $20.3 billion this fiscal year and will account for more than a quarter (26.1 per cent) of total government revenue.

But here’s the problem.

Successive Alberta governments—including the Smith government—have included nearly all resource revenue in the budget. In times of relatively high resource revenue, such as we’re currently experiencing, the government typically enjoys surpluses and, flush with cash, increases spending. But when resource revenues decline, the province’s finances turn to deficits.

The last time this happened Alberta ran nearly uninterrupted deficits from 2008/09 to 2020/21 while the province’s net financial position deteriorated by nearly $95 billion. As a result, Albertans went from paying $58 per person on annual provincial government debt interest costs to nearly $600 per person.

So how can the Smith government avoid the same fate as past Alberta governments who wallowed in red ink when the boom-and-bust cycle inevitably turned to bust?

The answer is simple—save during good times to help avoid deficits during bad times. The provincial government should determine a stable amount of resource revenue to be included in the budget annually and deposit any resource revenue above that amount automatically in a rainy-day account to be withdrawn in years when resource revenue falls below that stable amount.

This wouldn’t be Alberta’s first rainy-day account. In fact, the Alberta Sustainability Fund (ASF), established in 2003, was intended to operate this way. A major problem with the ASF, however, was that it was based in statutory law, which meant the Alberta government could unilaterally change the rules governing the fund. Consequently, the stable amount was routinely increased and by 2007 nearly all resource revenue was used for annual spending. The ASF was eventually drained and eliminated entirely in 2013. This time, the government should make the fund’s rules constitutional, which would help ensure it’s sustained over time.

Put simply, funds in a resurrected ASF will provide stability in the future by mitigating the impact of cyclical declines on the budget over the long term.

In the recent fiscal update, the Alberta government continues to risk relying on relatively high resource revenue to balance the budget. To avoid deficits and truly stabilize provincial finances for the future, the Smith government should reintroduce a rainy-day account.

Tegan Hill

Director, Alberta Policy, Fraser Institute

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