City to delay water, sewer and waste utility payments

From the City of Red Deer

The City of Red Deer’s focus over the past number of weeks has been and will continue to be virus mitigation. News today from Alberta certainly highlights the need for continued efforts to reduce the spread.

“I was saddened today to learn of Alberta’s first death as a result of COVID-19,” said Mayor Tara Veer. “On behalf of City Council, Administration and all Red Deerians, I want to express my deepest sympathies to this individual’s family and loved ones.”

As part of the ongoing response to COVID-19, The City announced today customers can defer water, sewer and waste utility payments for 90 days with no penalties, if they are struggling to pay their bills.

Recognizing that many citizens in Red Deer may be experiencing significant economic impacts stemming from the COVID-19 situation, residential, farm and small commercial customers can defer their utility payment for water, sewer and waste for the next 90 days. If a customer defers payment, no penalties will be applied.

Customers who need to defer their water, sewer and waste collection payment for up to the next 90 days are asked to call The City’s Call Centre at 403-342-8111 to make the necessary arrangements. These will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

With limited services available at City Hall, customers are encouraged to pay bills online or by phone (www.reddeer.ca/mycity or 403-342-8203). For our residential, farm and small commercial customers who can still make their regular water, sewer and waste collection payment, but for whatever reason, the payment is late, no new penalties will apply after March 19, 2020.

The City has also made progress on its response related to housing and social supports for vulnerable populations in our community. At this time, a temporary space is secured at Cannery Row (4946 53 Avenue), with costs that will be covered by the Government of Alberta. Emergency zoning will remain in place for a period of six months, in alignment with our state of local emergency (SOLE). Cannery Row will be used as an overnight and daytime warming centre.

The current warming centre will continue to serve as the queuing space for the Overdose Prevention Site (OPS). Detox will remain in the current Safe Harbour space.

“As we continue to navigate through this situation, we are committed to maintaining essential services for Red Deerians, and ensuring all members of our community are being taken care of,” said Allan Seabrooke, City Manager. “We are monitoring the situation daily and will continue to make decisions that best suit the needs of the community, while protecting citizens.”

Other changes announced today include:

Suspensions of parking fees in the downtown until further notice. This includes metered parking and daily lots. We are currently exploring options related to monthly lots and will be communicating directly with monthly pass holders.
We are redeploying traffic enforcement in ways that respond to current needs. Residents must still abide by speed limits and traffic safety measures. Automated traffic enforcement measures will be increasingly used in high risk and playground areas in an effort to protect those who are using our park spaces and playgrounds.
We are reviewing current Transit operations and anticipate making an announcement regarding potential service changes within the next few days.

We strongly encourage all citizens to follow the recommendations of Alberta Health Services. For the latest information on COVID-19 visit alberta.ca/covid19 and the latest on how City services are impacted visit reddeer.ca/covid19. Please call the Call Centre, open 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. with questions at 403-342-8111.

Read stories on all of our sites: Todayville Red Deer – Todayville Edmonton – Todayville Calgary.

Related Topics:COVID-19 March 19 Covid-19 update The City of Red Deer

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After 15 years as a TV reporter with Global and CBC and as news director of RDTV in Red Deer, Duane set out on his own 2008 as a visual storyteller. During this period, he became fascinated with a burgeoning online world and how it could better serve local communities. This fascination led to Todayville, launched in 2016.

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City of Red Deer

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.