City of Red Deer
Permanent Shelter What We Heard Report released

Input on the permanent shelter collected from May 10 to June 13 was analyzed and compiled into a community report and posted to The City’s website today.
During the input process, information was shared about previously used site criteria and participants were asked whether they agree with each, and why or why not. They were also asked if there were other criteria to consider, and additional input on areas outside the site criteria. Input was gathered through an online survey, in-person sessions, and/or email:
Between May 25 and June 10, 2022, an online survey was conducted with 723 participants sharing their input.
Seven in-person input opportunities, which were held on June 8, 9 and 10, saw 101 participants.
More than 80 emails were received from citizens and stakeholders sharing their input about the future permanent shelter in Red Deer. Emails received up to 8 a.m. on June 13 were included in report.
In summary, the top broad themes we heard across all input activities were as follows:
Impact to surrounding neighbourhoods
Improved integrated services
Move forward with long-term approach (consideration of location and financial impacts)
Continued community involvement through input opportunities, information sharing and opportunity for community to support in long-term success.
The top site-based themes we heard across all input activities were as follows:
Impacts to surrounding land use is the most important consideration when making a decision about the location for a future permanent shelter in Red Deer.
Impacts to people, specifically as it relates to “citizen safety” for everyone in the community, must be considered.
Residential neighbourhoods should not be considered.
Protection of recreational spaces and natural habitats
Financial compensation should be considered for those who are directly impacted by the location of the future permanent shelter.
Accountability must be a priority.
Council will review the report and consider next steps in the site selection process. Administration will recommend a Council Ah Hoc Committee to decide site criteria based on Council and community input and technical expertise, then develop a site criteria evaluation matrix which will guide the site selection process. The full report to Council can be found on Council’s meeting site.
Thank you to all citizens and community partners who provided input on the permanent shelter. The full What We Heard report can be found within the Council report and on all the Permanent Shelter webpages under resources. The direct link to the What We Heard report is here.
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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