City of Red Deer
City of Red Deer COVID-10 update

From the City of Red Deer
City continues to respond to COVID-19
A state of local emergency was declared at 9:20 a.m. Monday, March 16, to assist the City’s efforts to respond to the impacts from COVID-19 on city services, facilities and programs. The state of local emergency gives The City access to additional resources, and special powers under the Emergency Management Act.
“We know citizens are concerned and have many questions about the impact of this pandemic,” said Mayor Tara Veer. “The City is actively working with the province and other stakeholders to decisively respond to this rapidly evolving situation as new information arises. Citizens safety is our top priority.”
While the risk to residents remains low, we remain vigilant and prepared to support our community’s needs.
Other measures taken by The City at this time include:
- All City of Red Deer operated recreation and culture facilities are closed to the public
- Continued activation of The City of Red Deer Emergency Operations Centre
- Continued activation of The City of Red Deer call centre daily from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. for residents to make non-emergency inquiries about City services and policies (403-342-8111)
- Enhanced cleaning and janitorial services in high traffic areas
- Mandatory 14-day isolation period for City employees who are symptomatic and/or have returned from international travel after March 12, 2020
- Notifying customers affected by program cancellations and City facility closures
- Revised cancellation policies for passes, programs and room rentals. Details are posted on our COVID-19 information page.
- We continue to work with the provincial government to protect our vulnerable population.
In addition, the following City facilities remain open to the public at this time, however with potentially amended service levels:
- City Hall and Professional Building
- Sorenson Station and Red Deer Transit service
- Downtown Red Deer RCMP detachment
- Cemetery services
“The actions we have taken today, and will continue to take, are to protect our citizens and our staff,” said City Manager Allan Seabrooke. “While the situation in Red Deer has remained stable, we believe that as a municipality we have the responsibility to be proactive in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19. We are working hard to maintain essential City services, including but not limited to RCMP, Emergency Services, water and waste water.”
Residents are reminded not to attend City facilities or any public facilities if they are feeling ill. Call Alberta Healthlink at 8-1-1 for non-emergency health information about COVID-19 and 9-1-1 only in the case of a life-threatening emergency or crime in progress.
The COVID-19 outbreak remains a fluid situation and information can change quickly and often. The City of Red Deer is prepared to make additional changes to policies as required in order to keep residents safe and reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Residents are urged to visit the Alberta Health Services website at www.ahs.ca for the most up to date information.
City of Red Deer
City of Red Deer Employee Honoured with Bob Stollings Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions

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

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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