Community
“Downtown” issue was an issue in 1992 mayor’s race and an issue today.
We are on this treadmill called “Downtown subsidy” and have been on it for decades. John Campbell campaigned for mayor in 1992 asking for subsidized or decreased taxes for downtown businesses.
Since then we have sponsored and subsidized events and statues, spent 10s of millions on fancy stations, fire hall, police and bus come to mind.
We spent over a 100 million relocating the public works yard. 10s of millions on road realignment, services upgrades, marketing plans and increasing policing.
There is still talk of a 27 million dollar pedestrian bridge to connect downtown to Bower Ponds and the golf course, a few hundred metres from the sidewalks on Taylor Bridge.
Now the city is contemplating more subsidies, grants and tax holidays for the downtown. Money for updating the facades of businesses downtown. The shopping centres on the south end of town is getting facelifts without my taxes. Bower mall is getting revamped without my taxes. Why should downtown have their hands out so often and expecting returns?
I have shrubs growing in 20+ year old cracks in the sidewalk in front of my house, trees trying to grow in the cracks in the road in front of my house, but I am expected to subsidize upgrading the fronts of businesses downtown.
If I spend money updating my house the city increases my taxes, but I am expected to subsidize the upgrading of downtown buildings, so that the landlords can increase the rents?
Perhaps it is time to get off this treadmill. Perhaps a smaller downtown is in order?
Some down on council, think the downtown is the priority of council but I believe it is the citizens who are the priority and if the majority of citizens do not go downtown, why should they subsidize entertainment, and upgrades for the few that do?
Every neighbourhood is feeling increased crime, homelessness, depreciation and degrading facilities.
I am just asking because I see more grants, subsidies and tax holidays for the downtown, coming up very soon. When will it end?
Not anytime soon, I’m afraid.
Community
100+ Women Who Care Red Deer celebrates 10th season in 2025 with new leadership
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.
Community
Festival of Trees tickets on sale! Update from the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation
Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
Artificial Intelligence2 days ago
World’s largest AI chip builder Taiwan wants Canadian LNG
-
Business22 hours ago
Senator Introduces Bill To Send One-Third Of Federal Workforce Packing Out Of DC
-
MAiD21 hours ago
Nearly half of non-terminally ill Canadians who choose euthanasia say they are lonely
-
National2 days ago
Canadian gov’t budget report targets charitable status of pro-life groups, churches
-
Business2 days ago
For the record—former finance minister did not keep Canada’s ‘fiscal powder dry’
-
Daily Caller2 days ago
LNG Farce Sums Up Four Years Of Ridiculous Biden Energy Policy
-
Frontier Centre for Public Policy19 hours ago
Christmas: As Canadian as Hockey and Maple Syrup
-
armed forces2 days ago
Top Brass Is On The Run Ahead Of Trump’s Return