City of Red Deer
One last hurrah! CFR leaving Red Deer next year
Westerner Park Celebrates 5 Years as Home to Canadian Finals Rodeo
In partnership with the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA), Westerner Park proudly marks five outstanding years as the host of the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR).
For over half a decade, Westerner Park has been a dynamic hub for rodeo enthusiasts, distinguished athletes, and passionate fans, uniting in celebration of the indomitable spirit of Canadian Rodeo, our western heritage and the agricultural sector in Alberta.
As we bid adieu to this chapter, we mark the transition of this distinguished event to a new host city. We wholeheartedly convey our best wishes to the incoming hosts, confident that they will continue with the same ardor and devotion that Westerner Park has exemplified throughout our tenure.
The collaboration forged between Westerner Park, the Canadian Finals Rodeo, the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association, the City of Red Deer, and Red Deer County, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Together, we’ve preserved the legacy, showcasing the heart and soul of rodeo in Canada, while also leaving a profound impact on our broader community.
“Hosting the Canadian Finals Rodeo at Westerner Park has been a privilege and a source of immense pride for our organization. We are grateful for the memories created and the impact this event has had on our community. As we pass the torch to the next host city, we look forward to an exciting future for Westerner Park. We remain committed to being a dynamic destination for agriculture, entertainment, culture, and community engagement in Alberta.”
— Shelly Flint, Chief Executive Officer, Westerner Park
We eagerly anticipate the continuation of the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Alberta, secure in the knowledge that this iconic event will remain a cornerstone of our nation’s rodeo heritage.
“The City of Red Deer is incredibly grateful for the five years the CFR made Red Deer home,” said City of Red Deer Mayor, Ken Johnston. “From the citizens, the businesses, and our whole community we are thankful for the benefits this event brought to us, and we are excited to have one last hurrah this year. City Council and I wish the City of Edmonton all the best in keeping this event to our great province.”
Red Deer County Mayor Jim Wood remarked that “over the past five years, Red Deer County has been a proud sponsor of the CFR. The world-class event has given visitors a chance to see what central Alberta has to offer and provided a big boost to local businesses. I am excited to welcome contestants and rodeo fans one last time, knowing that next year the legacy of Canadian rodeo and agriculture will remain in good hands”.
Furthermore, Westerner Park, along with the City of Red Deer and Red Deer County, will continue to collaborate in bringing events and initiatives that the community desires. This collective effort will result in continued
economic prosperity for Central Alberta.
Moreover, the recent 30-million-dollar expansion to Red Deer Regional Airport presents exciting opportunities for our community, promising increased accessibility and potential growth for events hosted at Westerner Park.
“Looking ahead, the future is bright for Westerner Park. We eagerly anticipate the myriad of opportunities to host both new and returning clients, further solidifying our position as a premier destination for dynamic events. The next chapter promises growth, innovation, and even greater contributions to the vibrant tapestry of Central Alberta’s cultural and economic landscape.”
— Tyler Nightingale, President, Westerner Park Board of Directors
About Westerner Park
Westerner Park is Central Alberta’s largest tradeshow, agricultural, sports, entertainment, and convention facility. A not-for-profit organization and agricultural society, Westerner Park typically generates $150 million annually in economic activity, hosting over 1,500 events and 1.5 million visitors each year.
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.
City of Red Deer
Council ends reduced fine option for early ticket payment, school and playground zones start at 7 AM
City Council approves first reading of updated Traffic Bylaw and General Penalty Bylaw
Red Deer City Council completed first reading of updated Traffic Bylaw (3707/2025) and General Penalties Bylaw (3036/A-2025) that will provide clarity and consistency in application of the bylaws as well as eliminate challenges in enforcement.
Key updates to the bylaws include:
- Ticket Pre-Payment:
- Removing the option to pay a parking ticket early to receive a reduced fee from the General Penalty Bylaw and adding it to the Traffic Bylaw.
- School and Playground Zone Start Times:
- Through investigating requests from schools to have school and playground zones start at 7 a.m., rather than 8 a.m., Administration determined that almost all school and playground zones in the city have students on the street prior to 7:30 a.m. To be consistent across the city, the start time is being moved to 7 a.m. providing an added measure of safety for all students.
- Salt on Sidewalks:
- Removing the provision prohibiting the use of salt on sidewalks as this provision was rarely reported and it is difficult and costly to enforce.
- Permits:
- More structure was added to the bylaw to clearly articulate conditions and requirements of Use of Streets Permits, as well as Excavation Permits and Alignment Permits.
- Lastly, fees for closures impacting on-street and off-street stalls have been adjusted to reflect the actual revenue in each parking zone rather than the flat fee.
- Penalties:
- Penalties have been reviewed and updated.
- During the last bylaw adoption, the penalty associated with vehicles being towed due to snow or street sweeping operations was inadvertently missed. This penalty has been added back in at a slightly higher amount due to an increase in the cost to tow a vehicle through The City’s contractor. This prevents the costs associated with towing vehicles during these operations from being subsidized by the tax base.
“These updates streamline the bylaws to create clarity for residents and administration,” said Erin Stuart, Inspections and Licensing Manager with The City. “They also help to eliminate regulations that are challenging to enforce and bring penalties in line with other City Bylaws.”
Second reading of both bylaws is anticipated for January 27, 2025.
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