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City of Red Deer

New ice surface, spray park and other amenities for North Red Deer as G.H. Dawe expansion about to begin

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G.H. Dawe Community Centre project kicks off this spring

During budget deliberations earlier this year, Council approved the 2021 Capital Budget for the G.H. Dawe Community Centre project. The enhancements will improve access, increase opportunity to modernize fitness and programming, provide additional outdoor amenities including a spray park and washroom facilities, and modernize the current ice surface and add a second surface.

The modernization/improvement of the G.H. Dawe Community Centre focuses on the following areas/aspects of the facility, which were not upgraded as part of the G.H. Dawe Community Centre Revitalization Project in 2008.

  • To meet ice user needs with the decommissioning of the Kinex Arena:
    • modernization of the existing ice surface to NHL standard size
    • twinning of existing arena
    • relocate underground services to facilitate the twin
  • To meet parking, site servicing and egress requirements:
    • Introduce right in and right out site access off of 67 Street for improved traffic flow and parking
    • create facility access on the north side of the facility
  • To align with Phase 2 of the 2007 G.H. Dawe Master Plan:
    • review fitness/programming and barrier-free access opportunities
    • outdoor spray park and outdoor washroom facility

East Side

North East view

East corner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Proceeding with the G.H. Dawe Community Centre project right now enables us to benefit from cost advantages, while stimulating our local economy at a time when our community needs it most,” said Sarah Tittemore, Community Services General Manager. “The project will work to provide as many opportunities as possible to engage qualified local contractors at a time when it is needed the most.”

Starting later this week, contractors will begin to mobilize on the site, with office trailers moved into place, and safety fencing set-up. Full site preparation will begin near the end of May.

Pending approvals, the contractor will begin underground service work that will extend between June and July. At the same time as this work is taking place on the site, inside the facility demolition will begin in preparation for the project tie-ins. Any disruptions to programs and activities on the site will be communicated, and it is anticipated that programing like summer camps and fitness activities to be transitioned to another facility for the duration of interruptions.

The G.H. Dawe Community Centre is a community hub for citizens living in north Red Deer and across the city. The facility is shared by the G.H. Dawe Community School, the G.H. Dawe Branch of the Red Deer Public Library, and St. Patrick’s Community School.

For more information about the G.H. Dawe Community Centre project, visit www.reddeer.ca/daweproject.

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.

“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.

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City of Red Deer

Red Deer will choose a new Mayor as Ken Johnston decides to step away

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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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