Getting on the Agenda

Legal & Legislative Services is your direct link to Council and will provide you with as much assistance and current information as possible to ensure that your issue is brought to Council in a timely and impartial manner.

Before you request to have an item placed on the Council agenda, review the information below.

Council Meetings

When are Council meetings held?

Red Deer City Council meets every two weeks on Mondays in Council Chambers at City Hall (4914 - 48 Avenue). If the Monday is a statutory holiday the meeting is held on Tuesday. For a list of Council meetings, please visit Council Meetings and Schedule.

Regular Council Meetings are broadcast by live stream on the Council Meetings and Agenda Site. Past Council Meetings are also available for viewing on the same site.

Are Council meetings open to the public?

Members of media and public are once again welcome to attend Council meetings in person in Council Chambers. Additionally, meetings will continue to be broadcast through live-stream online at meeting.reddeer.ca.

What types of issues does Council consider?

Items brought to Council meetings vary. Issues may include requests to change bylaws or land zoning, petitions, or a variety of other concerns.

Getting on the Agenda

How do I get an item on the agenda?

Email: 
legislativeservices@reddeer.ca

Write a letter:
Mayor & City Council
c/o Legal & Legislative Services
P.O. Box 5008
Red Deer, AB T4N 3T4

Deliver your request in person during business hours:
Mayor & City Council
c/o Legal & Legislative Services
4914 - 48 Avenue, Red Deer

Requests from the public to get an item on the agenda at a Council Meeting will be referred to the Council Agenda Review Committee by the City Clerk.  Please note this does not apply to Public Hearings.

What should I include in my letter or e-mail to Council?
  • The date, your first and last name, your mailing address, daytime phone/cell and/or email address (if applicable).
  • Outline the details of your request providing background information or any other details you feel will be helpful in presenting your information to Council.
  • Attach document(s) that may assist Council in making a decision. If your issue is land or building related, please include the street address and legal description of the property in question. Attach maps, sketches or drawings where applicable.
  • The City Clerk must receive your letter prior to 4:30 p.m., six Mondays (6 weeks) before the council meeting at which you would like your item discussed. This gives the City Clerk time to collect comments and additional information from city administration.
What personal information could be released in the agenda?

Letters from residents normally include personal information, such as name, address, phones numbers, and possibly opinions and other personal information. While maintaining the dual objectives of open government and protection of privacy, it is possible that personal information may be publicly disclosed. The City of Red Deer strives to protect personal information not necessary for disclosure; however, redaction is not always guaranteed. 

When will my issue be discussed?

The City Clerk will advise you by letter or email of the date your item will be considered.

Are all requests to have an item discussed at a Council meeting granted?

The Council Agenda Review Committee will determine if the request(s) to speak or present will be granted or denied.

Depending on the nature of the item you would like discussed, city administration may be able to handle your request and it may not need to proceed to Council. There are also cases where a request will not be granted if a similar item has appeared on the Council agenda in the last six months.

Participating in the Council Meeting

Will I get a copy of the Council agenda before I attend the Council meeting?

Copies of the Council agenda are made available on The City's Meetings & Agendas site prior to the Council meeting. You will be advised by phone and or email of the approximate time that Council will be discussing your specific item. Your item will be discussed even if you do not attend the meeting.

Do I have to speak at the Council meeting?

No, you do not have to speak at the Council meeting. However, if you wish to speak to your item please indicate your desire to speak in your letter or contact the City Clerk prior to the meeting. If you do not wish to make a presentation you may choose to be available to answer any questions that the Mayor or Councillors may have.

Can I use audio-visual equipment for my presentation?

Yes. Contact Legal & Legislative Services on the Friday prior to the Council meeting to advise if audio visual equipment will be required. A computer, screen, DVD, flip charts, overhead projectors, are all available for your use. Arrange a time to set up and test the equipment prior to the Council meeting.

How will I know when it is my turn to speak and how do I begin?

If the City Clerk has been notified that you wish to speak, the Mayor will invite you to come forward to the podium at the appropriate time. Begin by stating your name and, if applicable, the name of the company or group you are representing. If several members of a group are present, one person should be appointed to act as a spokesperson for the entire group. When addressing Council, remember to keep your comments brief (5 - 10 minutes) and confined to the topic.

How do I address the Mayor and a Councillor?

The Mayor, or the Mayor's delegate, is the Chairman of the meeting and should be addressed as "Mayor......."

When addressing a Councillor, the Chairman should be addressed first and then the Councillor, "Mayor......., Councillor...."

Can I ask Council or the administration a question during my presentation?

If, while addressing Council, you wish to ask a question of someone in the Council Chambers, such as an individual member of Council or the city administration, please direct your question to the Chairman. The Chairman will then direct the individual concerned to respond to the question, if appropriate to do so.

What do I do after my presentation?

Council may wish to ask you questions. Please remain standing at the podium until excused by the Chairman.

When will a decision be made?

A decision will normally be made at the Council meeting. However, there are occasions when additional information is required before Council can make an informed decision. In this event, the item will be tabled to a future Council meeting until the additional information is received. In any case, the City Clerk will advise you via a letter of Council's decision with respect to your item.