Community
Red Deer sees the glass as half empty while Blackfalds and the County see it as half full.
The opinions expressed are those of the author.
The city dealt with a 10 year capital budget recently and what came out of it was a news article about not building a swimming pool. The gist of it is that if the city wins a lottery they will build a pool.
The city says it needs to win the Provincial Government lottery or the Federal Government lottery in order to build an Aquatic Centre that could cost a $1,000 per resident of Red Deer.
Let us revisit a spending article 4 months ago about Canada’s fastest growing community with a population over 5,000.
July 3 2019, and the town of Blackfalds announced they are expediting moving forward on twinning their Multi-Plex to the tune of $15 million, and $5 million to expand their library. This is only a few years after opening their $15 million Abbey Centre.
Blackfalds moved construction up a few years to avail themselves of economic savings. Construction costs are down while the industry has slowed and the residents will save money.
Granted it is still $2,000 per resident as Blackfalds only has 10,000 +/- residents.
The city of Red Deer is delaying discussing building an Aquatic Centre, 18 years after opening the Collicutt Centre.
Blackfalds, population of 10,400 will spend $1,500 per person twinning their multi-plex just a few short years after spending $2,000 per person on the Abbey Centre. $500 per resident on the library.
In just a few years Blackfalds is committing about $4,000 per resident on recreational facilities.
A story this past week, Bentley Alberta, population 1,078 recently opened a playground at a cost of $500 per resident. Fundraising and community support helped.
These are communities investing in themselves with councils that see solutions instead of problems.
The city says it is broke, after building new ice rinks, subsidizing ice rinks and will be paying for many years to come. The Harris rink will see million dollar payments for another 7 years or so from the city taxpayers. Keeping our debt levels up there.
Blackfalds built the Abbey Centre a few years ago, but at least 10 years after Red Deer built their last complex, Collicutt Centre, at a cost to Blackfalds, of about $2,000 per resident yet they are back in the game, now.
Sylvan Lake is investing in recreational infrastructure, the county is building. Due to tenders coming in 50% and lower real estate costs.
The County, Blackfalds, Sylvan Lake, and Penhold are seeing the glass as half full while our council sees the glass as half empty.
When ever you watch a documentary of a success story there is always the negative fearful book keeper trying to keep things status quo. Is there a documentary out there about book keepers seeing a half full glass? I don’t know.
I think that our city council is sated with book keepers and sorely lacking of much needed visionary leadership.
The terms to describe this council appears to be “Caretaker” and “Interim”. The feeling is this council is between generations, maintaining the status quo, until the next “Growth” or “Next Generation” council comes in.
Perhaps it is time for the next generation, open to new ideas and new processes open to more risk and investing in infrastructure that benefits all citizens of Red Deer. Just saying.
.
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.
Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
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