Community
November 19 2018 Red Deer 2019 Capital Budget Meeting; Item Aquatic Centre
Red Deer Multi-Use Aquatic Centre conceptual model from MacLennan Jaunkains Miller Architects
After perusing the agenda for Red Deer’s November 19 Budget meeting, I would say it is obvious that people want a 50m pool.
20 years ago it was hoped for, and there was discussion about it being incorporated into the Collicutt Centre. 15 years ago it was hoped to be incorporated into the downtown Recreational Centre.
4 years ago the discussion started about being built by Hazlett Lake in the north-west corner of Red Deer.
There have been serious concerns about the downtown location. Bussing, parking, traffic and size have brought at least 4 councillors to withdraw support for the downtown location.
The cost is phenomenal and mysterious and holding back support. 2013 the number tossed about was $85million plus demolition, streets, lights etc.etc. Now 5 years later the number could be $110million plus demolition, streets, lights etc.etc.
Yellowknife is budgeting $50 million, UBC cost $39 million, Markham and Saskatoon cost $56 million in 2018 dollars.
Why do we need a Rolex if a Timex will do? The term Taj Mahal is used when talking about Red Deer structures from Public Works to Bus Stations, is that necessary?
Out of the 7 largest cities in Alberta, Red Deer is the only city that cannot host a 50m swim. We are talking about Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie and Lethbridge doing what Red Deer cannot and unwilling to do.
The number of pools is a great concern. We have had only 4 pools since 2001, and if we only renovate a current pool then we will be down to 3 pools for a couple of years then be at 4 pools for another 32 years. If we build or renovate a pool every 25 years. The goal was 4 pools for 60,000 residents but we will probably be at 4 pools for 150,000 residents in 32 years.
The city recently replaced one ice rink downtown, the college opened a new ice rink recently and the city wants to build another rink in the near future. Interesting because the number one activity of Red Deer residents is swimming, even the Red Deer Advocate posted that a few weeks ago. 60% prefer the Collicutt Centre.
When Red Deer Lodge was renovating their pool, they offered free passes to the downtown pool, a couple of blocks away, and had few if any takers.
The downtown location is wrong, the cost given is wrong, the delay offered is wrong, so where is the disconnect?
E-mail legislative [email protected] and ask or tell them what you think. I did.
Just saying.
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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