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City of Red Deer

Confidential permanent shelter information released; next steps approved

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Additional permanent shelter information is being released publicly today following Council approval. The City enacted the FOIP Act throughout the process to protect government to government relations, advice from officials and the recommendations and advice that could be expected to result in financial loss.

ā€œIn an effort to be more transparent on the permanent shelter process, Council voted in favour of making all reports, communications and presentations from In Camera meetings throughout the project process public today,ā€ said Mayor Ken Johnston. ā€œWe believe that providing more information about the steps taken so far will help the public develop a better understanding of the need for a shelter in our community and want to stay engaged throughout the project process going forward.ā€

In the report being released today, items such as Council reports, presentations made by administration, and letters to and from the province are included. As the final site has not been determined, there is certain information that is still redacted to protect economic interests if a non-City owned site is selected as the location for the permanent shelter. The redactions throughout the report include site specific information, contractual obligations, legal advice and third-party business information.

Council also directed administration to conduct further discussions to determine level of influence of The City and community have in the permanent shelter project to develop a public participation strategy.

ā€œWe will work with administration and the province to develop clear lines of what we can and cannot influence throughout the project process, and then administration will finalize a meaningful public participation plan that engages our community. Releasing the information today is just one small step in building community trust, there is a lot more work to do,ā€ said Mayor Ken Johnston.

Following further conversations with Council, a full public participation strategy will be developed with implementation anticipated to be in late May. Information about getting involved in these conversations will be released by The City at that time.

To view the report approved by Council to be released publicly, please visit www.reddeer.ca/shelter, and visit the Permanent Shelter page. A summary document of this report and an FAQ is attached:

City of Red Deer

Plan Ahead: Voting May Take a Little Longer This Election Day

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News release from the City of Red Deer

Voters are encouraged to plan their vote and allow a little extra time at the polls this Election Day, Monday, October 20.

Because this year’s election uses Alberta’s new Permanent Elector Registry, voting may take slightly longer than in previous years. Municipalities are required to provide updated voter information back to the province after the election. As a result, many voters will be asked to complete an Elector Register Form (Form 13) at the voting station — even if they are already registered to vote. This ensures that voter information is accurate and up to date. Once the registry information has been updated, all forms are securely shredded.

Additionally, the Permanent Elector Registry is not shared with local school boards, so anyone voting for a School Board Trustee must also complete an Elector Register Form (Form 13).

We appreciate voters’ patience as our election teams work to ensure every eligible voter can cast their ballot accurately and securely. Once the voting process begins, most voters complete their vote in about 10 minutes.

To help avoid lineups, voters can visit Red Deer Elections website to check real-time wait times at each voting station and choose the location with the shortest line.

Anyone who arrives at a polling station and joins a line before 8 p.m. will be able to vote.

Thank you for your understanding and for taking the time to make your voice heard in Red Deer’s 2025 Municipal and School Board Election.

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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.

ā€œAnnette exemplifies the best of our organization,ā€ said City Manager, Tara Lodewyk. ā€œHer 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.ā€

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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