City of Red Deer
G.H. Dawe Community Centre set to open March 19

The expansion project at the G.H. Dawe Community Centre is nearing completion and is set to welcome the community to experience the new spaces on March 19. The jointly funded project between The City of Red Deer, Province of Alberta and Government of Canada focuses on the modernization and replacement of existing spaces, as well as the addition of new amenities.
- Two NHL-sized arenas;
- Fitness and programming spaces including state-of-the art fitness equipment, two group fitness studios and a 230 metre fitness track; and
- Multiple public art installations.
Accessing the recreation facility will also be more convenient with the outdoor upgrades which include the addition of parking and an entrance on the north side of the building, and site access off 67 Street. The G.H. Dawe Community Centre will be open with new extended operational hours, exciting new programs and adjusted admission fees Monday March 20.
The $43 million expansion project is funded by the Government of Canada through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program ($15.1 million), the Government of Alberta through Municipal Sustainability Initiatives ($12.8 million), and The City of Red Deer’s 2020, 2021 and 2022 capital budgets ($15.1 million).
For details on the March 19 event, programs, hours, fees and the expansion project, please visit www.reddeer.ca/Dawe.
The expansion project at the G.H. Dawe Community Centre is nearing completion and is set to welcome the community to experience the new spaces on March 19. The jointly funded project between The City of Red Deer, Province of Alberta and Government of Canada focuses on the modernization and replacement of existing spaces, as well as the addition of new amenities.
First 500 people to arrive will receive a FREE gift.
Tour the facility and experience the expanded amenities, including:
- Two NHL-sized arenas (Sledge Hockey Accessible)
- Come watch a sledge hockey game at 11 a.m., then join the players on the ice to try sledge hockey yourself
- Free public skating 2 – 4 p.m.
- Fitness and programming spaces including state-of-the art fitness equipment, two group fitness studios and a 230-metre fitness track
- Enjoy the creativity of multiple public art installations, get your art walk tour card and learn about each piece
- Contribute to legacy art pieces being led by RDP art students
- Check out the new bookable poolside party room
- Additional parking has been created for convenience as well as 67th Street access
- Opening June 1st in the G.H. Dawe; Booster Juice
- Opening summer of 2023; free public outdoor Woody’s Spray Park (North side access)
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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