Capitalizing on Collaboration

Submitted by Chad Krahn of Common Sense Red Deer

Collaboration between the City of Red Deer and the County is at an all-time high.

Case in point, the recent joint trip made by Mayor Woods and Mayor Johnson to the Paris International Airshow in support of the Red Deer Regional Airport.

While it may seem like a big and expensive trip, you can’t catch fish if you don’t go fishing.

If this trip results in attracting a new airline to the Red Deer Regional Airport, it could have a huge impact on our region.

There’s no sense going at it alone if we can work together with our neighbours on bringing prosperity to the area.

And, I have some other suggestions about how to do that!

Now is the perfect time to initiate collaborative projects that benefit the entire region.

The government is discussing the possibility of creating new economic corridors, and it is time for our Mayor to push for a new highway from Red Deer to Kamloops.

Just imagine having a faster and safer highway, which bypasses the mountain parks, allowing for quicker travel from BC to Alberta!

Mayor Johnson and his counterpart in the County, should look to set a meeting with the Mayor of Kamloops to explore the potential of a new superhighway to change travel and trade across western Canada, the same way the Coquihalla Highway changed travel to the lower mainland. A route from Kamloops to Red Deer would be a game changer.

Just imagine if there were no more semis driving that steep pass in Golden or clogging Highway 1 in Banff.

This would position Red Deer as the central hub for trade and traffic between BC and Alberta, make our highways safer, and further protect the National Parks.

Next, it is also important to consider the creation of a local police force for Red Deer.

Recent incidents, such as the $6 million bill to the City for RCMP backpay, have occurred without the involvement or approval of local authorities.

As policing represents the biggest line item in the City’s budget, it would be prudent to explore any alternatives, especially in light of Council’s desire to try to keep tax increases from becoming the norm.

The RCMP has recently revealed that they are struggling with recruitment and have a significant vacancy rate of 17% for officers across Canada.

In Alberta the RCMP is understaffed 13% despite paying for the full complement of officers.

This understaffing no doubt puts pressure on our dedicated officers in Red Deer who are doing their absolute best.

While there’s been lots of talk about whether Alberta should pursue a provincial police force or not, the City of Grande Prairie just went right ahead and ditched the RCMP in favour of a municipal police force earlier this year.

There’s also been increasing discussion in Ottawa of ending the RCMP’s provision of contract policing services across Canada entirely.

This means that, whether the province goes ahead with a provincial police force or not, there is a possibility that we may be required to establish our own police force in the future anyway, so an investigation at least is warranted.

By prioritizing collaboration, we can drive positive change and achieve more effective outcomes for our community.

It is crucial that we consider these opportunities and work together to see Red Deer and our entire region flourish.

If you’d like to contribute to our efforts, and you have the means to do so, will you please help us with a donation:

Regards,

Chad and the Common Sense Red Deer Team

Related Topics:#CityofRedDeer #CountyOfRedDeer feature

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City of Red Deer Employee Honoured with Bob Stollings Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions

Published on April 10, 2025

City of Red Deer

Annette Scheper, Community & Program Facilitator in the Safe & Healthy Communities Department is The City’s 2025 recipient of the Bob Stollings Memorial Award.

The Bob Stollings Memorial Award is given out each year to a City employee who displays outstanding performance in alignment with The City’s RISE cornerstone values – respect, integrity, service and excellence. Nominations for the award are submitted by fellow coworkers detailing the employee’s achievements professionally and interpersonally, along with letters of support. The award is considered a great honour among City staff.

With an impressive 22-year career, Annette has played a pivotal role in shaping Red Deer’s cultural and special events landscape. Her leadership and innovation have brought thousands of successful events to life, creating lasting traditions that enrich the lives of residents. Her commitment to excellence and resourcefulness has ensured that community initiatives are inclusive, accessible, and impactful.

One of Annette’s most notable achievements is the development of the Community Loan Program, which provides essential resources for local groups, contributing an annual value of $86,778.95 back into the community. In addition, she has successfully led and executed a variety of large-scale events, demonstrating remarkable problem-solving skills and a dedication to sustainability. From creating elaborate event designs with repurposed materials to managing complex logistics, she continuously sets the standard for excellence.

“Annette exemplifies the best of our organization,” said City Manager, Tara Lodewyk. “Her unwavering dedication, innovative thinking, and ability to bring people together has made a profound impact on our city. This award is a testament to her hard work and passion for creating meaningful experiences for our community.”

The Bob Stollings Memorial Award was first established in 1985 and is presented every year to honour Robert (Bob) E. Stollings, a loyal and dedicated City employee from 1960-1984.

City of Red Deer

Red Deer will choose a new Mayor as Ken Johnston decides to step away

Published on January 23, 2025

Duane Rolheiser

It’s a telling detail about the person who leads Red Deer City Council. Always putting the city’s needs ahead of his own, Mayor Ken Johnston has announced his intentions within days of the opening of Nominations for October’s municipal elections,

After 12 years on council, Mayor Ken Johnston has decided against running for a second term as Mayor this fall. Johnson shared his decision in front of colleagues and supporters in a touching announcement on Wednesday.

At 71 years old, Johnston remains vibrant, passionate and healthy. He says that’s exactly why he and his wife Carolyn have decided now is the right time to start their next stage of life together.

Mayor Johnston listed a number of highlights and achievements he can look back on, including his help advocating for the redevelopment of Red Deer Regional Hospital, the growth of Red Deer Polytechnic, and positive moves in Economic Development.

All these lead of a feeling of ease about the decision to step away, though affordable housing and a permanent shelter for the homeless remain pressing concerns.

With about 8 months remaining in his term, Mayor Johnston is planning to push hard to move the needle on these housing issues.

“We’re looking forward to some more work and we’ll be going to the community shortly about it. So I still have optimism that maybe before the term is out we can have an announcement.”

This is the second major political announcement in Central Alberta in the last number of days. Earlier this week Red Deer Mountain View MP Earl Dreeshen announced he won’t be running in the next federal election.