Community
Downtown; A poor Return on Investment, yes or no?
When it comes to the downtown area, what is the return on our investment?
Whether it be capital, operations or subsidies, are we getting are monies worth?
Capital expenses are enormous. Spending 230 million on Riverlands, to relocate the civic yards, re-align roads, upgrade services, demolish buildings to give us a 23 acre starting point.. Add in the new arena, the proposed Aquatic Centre and the proposed concert hall and we are looking at a 500 million dollar capital investment before interest in the next few years.
Throw in subsidies like entertainment, shows and parking. Toss in maintenance, law enforcement and advertisements and you start to wonder if we are getting fair return for our tax dollars?
Intensive tax-funded man power, time and expenses goes into the downtown, so how does it compare with the revenue side?
Law enforcement appears to be heavily weighted to the downtown. If 30% of our law enforcement budget goes into the downtown, does the city get 30% of our tax revenue from downtown? No not even close.
I am not totally against having a nice downtown, but like most people I do not spend much time downtown. Making the downtown such a high priority at the expense of other sections of Red Deer, does disturb me.
If we were to look at Edgar Industrial Park, my sense is that the Return on Investment is high, that the tax revenue far exceeds the expense to the city. That same sense tells me for downtown the expense to the city far exceeds the revenue.
The city is spending hundreds of millions of dollars to bring 23 acres to market, how much will they spend to bring 3,000 acres north of 11a to market? Downtown they want to spend millions on trails, millions to paint the old railroad bridge, tens of millions on a pedestrian bridge only a few hundred meters from Taylor bridge. They spent millions on extras on the bus terminal. 10s of millions rebuilding the arena, without asking if it was still in the right place. They want to spend 100s of millions on buildings like the Aquatic Centre and a concert hall downtown.
For the 3000 acres north of 11a, where they expect 20,000 plus new residents, the city will spend “0” dollars on a swimming pool, zero dollars on an indoor ice rink, they are not even planning on building a high school.
High return for their investment north of 11a and a negative return on their investment downtown for many years to come. Like areas like Edgar Industrial Park, North of 11a will subsidize the downtown. I guess we should be happy with that, but I am not. Are you?
It is nice to have a downtown, would it not be nicer to build facilities in other areas, where they are needed but cannot be built because the city over extended itself downtown? I wonder who else may feel this way.
Thank you.
L to R: Cindy Jefferies, Susan Knopp, Lane Tomalty, Bre Fitzpatrick
Photo credit: The SnapHappy Photographer
After a decade of leadership under Cindy Jefferies and Susan Knopp, 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer (100+ WWCRD) is proud to celebrate 10 years of supporting local charities and the announcement of Bre Fitzpatrick and Lane Tomalty as its new co-leaders. This marks an exciting new chapter for the group, which has made a significant impact on not-for-profit organizations in Central Alberta.
Cindy and Susan have led 100+ WWCRD with vision, dedication, and a commitment to empowering women to lead and inspire change. Under their stewardship, the organization has raised over $630,000 for local charities by hosting 4 annual 1-hour meetings. Since 2015, more than 36 local charities have received funding through the group.
Reflecting on their tenure, Cindy and Susan stated:
“Leading 100 Women has been an honour and a privilege. When we began this journey, we didn’t know where it would go – we simply loved the simple, elegant, and fun ‘100 Who Care’ concept and thought it was a great fit for our community. We are grateful to the many women who have stood with us. They are the magic of the organization! We are confident Bre and Lane will steward this leadership role well and we look forward to supporting it – just not from behind the microphone!”
Bre and Lane bring a dynamic energy and fresh perspective to the organization. Both have been involved with the group and have been mentored by Susan and Cindy over the past year. They are eager to continue the collaboration, connection, and local support this team of women have established in Red Deer.
In their joint statement, Bre and Lane shared:
“We are humbled to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Cindy and Susan have laid. Many needs are at the doorstep of our community and in the hearts and minds of our members. We know a powerful, caring, and united group of individuals can play a huge role in driving change and breaking barriers.
To celebrate this milestone and leadership transition, the 100+ WWCRD hosted the final meeting of 2024 on November 25th at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. The evening featured reflections from Cindy and Susan, the selection of the Salvation Army as the charity of choice, an opportunity for members to connect with Bre and Lane as they outline their vision for the organization’s next chapter, and a toast to 10 years.
For more information, please visit www.100womenreddeer.ca
About 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer
100+ Women Who Care Red Deer is a network of compassionate, empowered, and dedicated women who make a direct, immediate, and positive impact in Red Deer and area. We support local non-profit and charitable organizations that work every day to make our community a better place to live. 100% of funds donated go to the selected charities – there are no
administration fees, and all costs are covered by the generosity of sponsors. Collectively, we make a difference.
The group meets 4 times annually for 1 hour. Non-profit and charitable organizations are nominated by members. After hearing 3 randomly drawn pitches, the members vote to select their top choice. The group with the highest number of votes receives the members’ donations. Each member or team commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Since 2015, the average raised has been more than $15,000 per meeting.
Membership is open to all women In Red Deer and area. We invite you to join us! The first meeting of 2025 will be on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Founded in February 2015, the organization currently has about 150 members. We are committed to uniting this powerful group of 100+ women who care and lifting the amazing non-profits and charitable groups they support.
Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
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