The funding will support various initiatives aimed at increasing housing supply and affordability. Specific projects will be determined in alignment with Red Deer’s long-term growth strategy and housing needs. Some of these projects will include:  

• Allowing underutilized and surplus City lands to be used for housing.
• Exploring different ways to add housing supply, which may include zoning changes, incentives, and other policy tools. 
• Investing in grants and incentives to support residential development.
• Improving permitting and approvals processes to make housing development more efficient.
• Remediating lands that were previously contaminated for new housing.

These programs and policies are still being developed and will be shaped through community discussions. 

In simple terms, this means that property owners could choose to build up to four residential units on eligible lots without needing rezoning approvals or public consultation. This could include options like a fourplex, duplex with suites, or a main house with both basement and backyard suites. However, this does not mean every property will be redeveloped. This change would make it easier and faster to add more housing in Red Deer.  

No. The decision to adopt four-units-as-of-right will be made by the next City Council in late 2025 or early 2026. The broader question for Red Deer is how much density we want in our neighborhoods and what that looks like. The City will engage residents and businesses throughout 2025 to explore this question.

While the HAF2 funding is tied to a decision on zoning changes, Council will weigh public input, infrastructure needs, and long-term growth goals before making any decisions in late 2025 or early 2026. If Council does not approve the change, The City would be required to return the grant funding. 

No. Even if four-units-as-of-right were adopted, changes would happen gradually over time, and only where landowners choose to develop. The City anticipates that 67 units would be created over three years with this change. Development depends on: 

• Landowners' choices: Homeowners and property owners decide whether to add more units. If they don’t want to, nothing changes. 
• Market demand: Builders won’t add fourplexes unless there’s a need for them. 
• Infrastructure and financing: Construction costs, servicing, and financing all play a role in whether more units are built. 

In cities that have adopted similar policies, change happens gradually over time, not all at once. Most lots stay as they are, while some evolve as new housing is needed. 

High density housing, including four-units-as-of-right, is about providing flexibility, giving property owners the option to build more housing if they choose, while ensuring Red Deer can grow in a way that meets the needs of the community. 

• More housing options: This policy would make it easier to create homes for different needs - young families, seniors, and all benefit from a wider range of housing. 
• More affordable choices: Increasing supply helps ease pressure on rental and housing costs, giving more people access to a place to live. 
• Vibrant, complete communities: More housing can mean more local businesses, better transit service, and stronger neighborhoods. 
• Efficient land use: Allowing gentle increases in density helps communities grow without needing to expand outward, which can save money on infrastructure like roads and utilities. 

The City of Red Deer is launching a public engagement process to ensure residents and businesses can learn about the funding and share their perspectives. Engagement opportunities will begin in May or June of this year, with details available at engage.reddeer.ca.

If Council does not adopt the zoning change, The City would be required to return the $12 million in grant funding. Any expenses already incurred, including engagement costs, would be paid by The City of Red Deer. 

Several municipalities in Alberta have been approved for funding under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) – first round, including Edmonton, Calgary, Airdrie, Banff, Sylvan Lake, Stony Plain, Westlock, Bow Island, Westlock, Smoky Lake and Duchess.  

For updates and engagement opportunities, visit engage.reddeer.ca.