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City of Red Deer

City Council appoints new City Manager after nation-wide search

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The City of Red Deer is pleased to announce the appointment of Tara Lodewyk as the next City Manager. Lodewyk has been the interim City Manager since the retirement of City Manager, Allan Seabrooke in May of 2021.

“City Council and all City staff are incredibly thankful to Tara Lodewyk for continuing to lead our organization through these challenging times, and all the positions throughout the organization that have been acting in an interim fashion as a domino effect,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “We know we have chosen the right person to lead our organization, as she has done so magnificently through some of the hardest few years our world has seen.”

Consulting group, Janet Soles and Associates conducted a nation-wide search, reaching out to over 250 people across Canada, and interviewed over 40 people for the role. The search committee conducted first round interviews in April, and then in May, City Council participated in second round interviews.

“I have had the opportunity over the last 10 months to lead the organization as Interim City Manager and am incredibly grateful to Council and the City Manager Recruitment Committee for giving me the opportunity to continue to lead our organization on a more permanent basis, providing more stability and consistency for our community and our staff” said Interim City Manager, Tara Lodewyk. “I have a strong and supportive administrative team in addition to the ten years of leadership experience, solid community relationships and knowledge. I love this city, I love our people, and look forward to leading us through what will no doubt be a challenging, but promising, future.”

A City Manager is the head of administration, leads the organization and provides the link between City Council and other levels of government, the community, and administration. Tara Lodewyk has been with The City since 2010 and has held positions such as Manager of Planning Services and General Manager / Deputy City Manager of Development and Protective Services.

Lodewyk has lived in Red Deer since 2000, originally from Melville, Saskatchewan, with her husband and two children. Tara is active in the community and has a passion for people, for our city, and building strong relationships.

“As an organization, we have been through so much change over the past few years. City staff are our number one asset, from every level and department, and having the right people in the right places is of utmost importance – with none more important than the leader of our organization,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “Red Deer’s tradition of strong city leadership will continue with the appointment of Tara Lodewyk. Her dedication to this city and this organization, along with her background in management and planning, are important building blocks for the future of our vibrant city. On behalf of City Council, congratulations Tara on this appointment.”

The final selection of the City Manager was made by City Council at today’s Special City Council meeting with a unanimous vote. Commencement date for Lodewyk as City Manager is July 1, 2022.

City of Red Deer

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

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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.

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City of Red Deer

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

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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.

 

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