Community
I once opposed but now support the Molly Bannister Dr. Extension
Molly Banister extension needs to be protected. As a long time Sunnybrook resident, I once opposed it but fervently believe it should be built.
20 years ago when the population of Red Deer was 60,000+/- it did not seem important. The trails were nice, families enjoyed the woods. Watching the deer and moose and even skunks.
10 years ago when the population of Red Deer was 90,000+/- it started to mean something. Traffic on 32 Street was getting busier, louder and faster. 40 Ave started getting busier and accidents were getting more common at the intersection of 32 Street and 40 Avenue. The children still enjoyed the woods outside my house and the grandchildren liked the magical forests, the animals and the fellowships of hikers and dog walkers.
A few years ago the population of Red Deer was almost a 100,000 and the grandchildren stopped wanting to go in the woods. It started with the homeless camps, the needles, the garbage and the dangers that clouded the woods.
Fewer people were walking passed our house but there was an increase of seemingly homeless people scoping out the neighbourhood, more thefts, more garbage, more needles, fewer animals and fewer times of enjoyment.
32 Street got busier, more people short cutting down Selkirk Boulevard to avoid the 32 St. and 40 Ave, intersection.
On the other side of the woods by my house is a little street that runs from 32 Street to Sunnybrook Farms and the traffic is increasing.
Now a developer wants to remove the Molly Bannister extension from the neighbourhood plans, so he can build more housing. Don’t we have 3,000 acres north of 11a looking to be developed? Aren’t the 3 neighbourhoods sitting with plenty of empty lots up by the 40 Ave and 67Street traffic circle, struggling to grow? Hasn’t Capstone neighbourhood been on the books for years, and delayed again?
I have noticed great changes since the city had only 60,000 residents, what will happen when the city hits 180,000 residents and the extension is removed? Increase 32 Street to 8 lanes because they are already talking about widening to 6 lanes.
My apologies from one who once opposed the extension, sat on the environmental board and helped update the city’s Environmental Master Plan I now wholeheartedly support keeping the land for a future Molly Bannister Extension.
I think everyone should think about the ramifications and let the city know. Thank you.
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!
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