Community
Big city? Small town? Red Deer wants to be both.
Big city? Small town? Red deer wants to be both.
Red Deer wants to be included in the province’s big city charter for issues like low-income transit subsidies, and smaller land allocations for high schools. Red Deer claims it is a small town and does not need a ward system, or when it comes to having 5 high schools along 30 ave.
You cannot have it both ways.
Are we a small town who needs to keep the current municipal voting system where we have 8 out of 9 elected officials in the southeast quadrant, along with all the high schools, current and future? Are we a small town that says it is okay to have 50,000 current and future residents on one side of the river with no high schools, 1 recreation centre, while the other side of the river can have 6 high schools, 6 indoor ice rinks, and 3 aquatic venues? We are so small that this is acceptable? We are so small that we need to centralize everything downtown, like new ice rinks, new aquatic centre and concert hall.
Then the big city charter means more money and power for big cities. So now we want to be a big city. We will get more money for transit, more authority on planning and municipal land allocation and requirements.
We do not want to give the third of our city’s population that live north of the river proportional representation because they might want a new swimming pool, indoor ice rink or swimming pool, or even a high school, because we are still a small city.
But if in this case it means we will get more money and power, then we are a big city.
Mayor and city councillors, we cannot have our cake and eat it too, didn’t you mothers ever tell you that? Make up your minds and make decision.
You want to be a big city? Fine then act like a big city. Give everyone an equal voice. If that means a ward system municipally then so be it.
Act like a big city and then you might get invited to the big city table, act like small town and you will be treated like small town. It is up to you, you cannot have it both ways.
L to R: Cindy Jefferies, Susan Knopp, Lane Tomalty, Bre Fitzpatrick
Photo credit: The SnapHappy Photographer
After a decade of leadership under Cindy Jefferies and Susan Knopp, 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer (100+ WWCRD) is proud to celebrate 10 years of supporting local charities and the announcement of Bre Fitzpatrick and Lane Tomalty as its new co-leaders. This marks an exciting new chapter for the group, which has made a significant impact on not-for-profit organizations in Central Alberta.
Cindy and Susan have led 100+ WWCRD with vision, dedication, and a commitment to empowering women to lead and inspire change. Under their stewardship, the organization has raised over $630,000 for local charities by hosting 4 annual 1-hour meetings. Since 2015, more than 36 local charities have received funding through the group.
Reflecting on their tenure, Cindy and Susan stated:
“Leading 100 Women has been an honour and a privilege. When we began this journey, we didn’t know where it would go – we simply loved the simple, elegant, and fun ‘100 Who Care’ concept and thought it was a great fit for our community. We are grateful to the many women who have stood with us. They are the magic of the organization! We are confident Bre and Lane will steward this leadership role well and we look forward to supporting it – just not from behind the microphone!”
Bre and Lane bring a dynamic energy and fresh perspective to the organization. Both have been involved with the group and have been mentored by Susan and Cindy over the past year. They are eager to continue the collaboration, connection, and local support this team of women have established in Red Deer.
In their joint statement, Bre and Lane shared:
“We are humbled to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Cindy and Susan have laid. Many needs are at the doorstep of our community and in the hearts and minds of our members. We know a powerful, caring, and united group of individuals can play a huge role in driving change and breaking barriers.
To celebrate this milestone and leadership transition, the 100+ WWCRD hosted the final meeting of 2024 on November 25th at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. The evening featured reflections from Cindy and Susan, the selection of the Salvation Army as the charity of choice, an opportunity for members to connect with Bre and Lane as they outline their vision for the organization’s next chapter, and a toast to 10 years.
For more information, please visit www.100womenreddeer.ca
About 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer
100+ Women Who Care Red Deer is a network of compassionate, empowered, and dedicated women who make a direct, immediate, and positive impact in Red Deer and area. We support local non-profit and charitable organizations that work every day to make our community a better place to live. 100% of funds donated go to the selected charities – there are no
administration fees, and all costs are covered by the generosity of sponsors. Collectively, we make a difference.
The group meets 4 times annually for 1 hour. Non-profit and charitable organizations are nominated by members. After hearing 3 randomly drawn pitches, the members vote to select their top choice. The group with the highest number of votes receives the members’ donations. Each member or team commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Since 2015, the average raised has been more than $15,000 per meeting.
Membership is open to all women In Red Deer and area. We invite you to join us! The first meeting of 2025 will be on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Founded in February 2015, the organization currently has about 150 members. We are committed to uniting this powerful group of 100+ women who care and lifting the amazing non-profits and charitable groups they support.
Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
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