Greetings, my dear Red Deerians. This is the final time I will be writing the blog post as I bid you farewell. It’s traditional for the outgoing Mayor (Premier, Prime Minister, etc.) to write the incoming one a letter of welcome. Advice is shared and best wishes extended. So that’s the blog for this month - an open letter to our great city's next mayor.

Dear Mayor,

Congratulations on becoming our City's "Chief Elected Officer." The community has chosen you among the other candidates as being most worthy of their trust and their hopes for this precious Red Deer. Chief Elected Officer is a formal definition found in the Municipal Government Act, which, by the way, is a book of regulations you will soon become very familiar with. Former Mayor Gail Surkan put the MGA definition best when she said the Mayor is "first among equals." A more fitting description of your new role in your new life - I don’t believe exists. You have one vote on all matters, identical to your council colleagues. It is also a reminder that every citizen is your equal and that you represent them all.

So, Mayor, I’d like to share some learnings and observations with you as my gift and fondest wishes for a successful term. I’ll call it a point list.

1. You’re it!

On your first day, go and look at the name outside your door - it’s yours! It confers and confirms that you are in place now that the election and swearing-in is over. The euphoria of winning and the backslapping have concluded. You’re it. Let that sink in. You’re it. Allow the magnitude and the sacredness of the office to shape your thinking, your speech, your relationship to people. People measure you with a high standard, and that’s perfectly proper. Your language matters, and your body language especially matters. Oh - notice how your nameplate is the movable piece in the bracket. That’s a reminder that, like me and the great mayors that came before me, you are residing here on a temporary basis. Make the most of your term or terms. Make each day count.

2. Accept the unpredictability of each day and adapt to it.

The best-laid plans can be, and in fact will be, put asunder. Your calendar is a best attempt at organization. Your administration wants you, your council wants you, the media wants you, the province, the feds, the community agencies, builders, developers, fellow mayors - they all want you! If you are not accustomed to constant interruption, get training on time management. Prioritize your activities. Be proactive in your approach. Put first things first, as Seven Habits author Stephen Covey would say.

3. Invest in your council.

Your relationship with council will define you and your term. I can’t overemphasize the value of building a relationship of trust and mutual understanding with each councillor. “First among equals” means that these eight are your team. They look to you for guidance, instruction, and feedback. They expect your confidentiality, your discretion. They will want to know if you have their backs and that you will go to bat for them. They have every right to expect that their opinion, their judgment, will be invited, pondered, and recognized. George Cuff, the dean of council governance, said in 2013 that great councils become great when they don’t get hung up on who gets the credit. I’ve never forgotten it. Spend time with them. I’ve had over 40 one-hour sessions with each one of my councillors - that’s 320 hours of interaction. It was worth every minute.

4. You’re only new once.

Within 12 months, your descriptor will go from “the new mayor” and “newly elected mayor” to being simply “the mayor.” Take advantage of your newness. You will open every door of every office right across the city, province, and country because everyone wants to meet (and evaluate) the “new mayor.” So leap into the community with confidence. They elected you and they want to see you. The major drivers of the community - the Chamber, BILD, RDCA, RDP, Tourism Red Deer, UIVS, RDLIP, the service clubs, the ethnic community, entrepreneurs, the foundations, the philanthropists. Enjoy your newness. It will build you up quickly. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you will influence the community.

5. Embrace your administration.

The city manager and her senior managers are as skilled as skilled professionals can get. They represent a workforce that’s as passionate about the city as you are. Administration is in charge of the day-to-day running of the city. The mayor does not dictate whose streets get plowed first, doesn’t direct the sequence of traffic lights, doesn’t set human resource policy or plot transit schedules. Let the professionals and their staff do what they do best - their jobs. Establish an excellent working relationship with your only employee, the city manager. Evaluate the success (or failure) of city efforts through interaction with the city manager. Cultivate trust. Recognize their contributions. Seek their opinion. As Covey would say, “Seek first to understand rather than be understood.”

And so, Mayor, I wish you every good and perfect success, for by them the city we love is well served. I can’t help but encourage you to keep a sense of humor. Be vulnerable. Give yourself permission to make mistakes. Accept your weakness. Leverage your strength. God bless you, Mayor.

And for you, my most dear ones, I wish you peace and happiness. My heart is full of gratitude for your trust, grace, and patience.

I’ll see you around this great city, and together we’ll continue to build it.

Mayor Ken Johnston

There are moments in a city’s history that define the future - and I believe we are in one of those moments right now.

In June, The City of Red Deer issued $1.06 billion in building permits. That’s not a typo. One billion dollars in development activity in a single month - the highest on record. And while that number is eye-popping on its own, what it represents is even more exciting: a new era of growth, opportunity, and transformation for our city.

Of that total, $970 million was for the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre redevelopment - a historic investment in health care that will not only enhance services for central Albertans but will reshape the very fabric of our city.

When a development of this scale lands in a community like ours, the ripple effects are enormous. The hospital expansion will bring an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 new employees to Red Deer. Think about that for a moment: Thousands of skilled professionals, many with families, looking for homes, schools, restaurants, services, recreation, and connection. It’s not just about a building; it’s about a complete transformation of the local landscape.

Health care is paramount - and this investment is long overdue. We all recognize the urgency of modernization and capacity building, and it’s something we have been advocating for many years. The vision of a provincial, and indeed national, medical centre of excellence is now within our grasp.

This level of activity signals a shift in momentum for Red Deer. We’ve always been a hardworking, resilient city. But now, we’re poised for something bigger. The next decade, I believe, belongs to Red Deer.

This is our time. As I stated to the Premier over lunch in July, this Red Deer’s decade.

This project is the largest capital investment our community has ever seen, and with it comes tremendous responsibility - and tremendous opportunity. We must be ready. That means ensuring our infrastructure, housing, transit, and services can support the influx of new residents. It means collaborating with businesses, educational institutions, and community partners to prepare for the future workforce. And it means engaging with residents - new and longtime - to build a city where people want to stay, grow, and thrive.

My recent meetings with Alberta Health Services have been very encouraging. There is a clear awareness of the logistical, social, and human resource challenges our community will face. Red Deer Polytechnic is also assessing where its health-care programming needs to expand to supply the skilled graduates our community will require.

This transformation won’t happen overnight. The full scope of the hospital project will unfold over several years, with more announcements and activity in years three and four of construction. But the groundwork starts now.

Personally, I hope I’m around to walk through the front doors of the new hospital on opening day. That’s going to be a truly amazing moment, not just for me, but for all of us who’ve watched, worked, and waited for this vision to come to life.

Very few mid-sized Canadian cities are in a position like this. This is a once-in-a-generation, face-changing opportunity. And it’s happening right here, in Red Deer.

So how do we make the most of it?

We come together. We plan smartly. We get our act together as a city, not just at City Hall, but across all sectors. We lean into collaboration and innovation. We ask: what kind of Red Deer do we want to be in five years? Ten years? And we start building it - today.

I’ve always said that Red Deer punches above its weight. With this investment and this momentum, we now have a chance to rise even higher. Let’s make sure we’re ready.

Until next month,
Mayor Ken Johnston

My dear Red Deerians,

I’m hoping this finds you well and enjoying your all too brief summer. My goodness, August is soon upon us!

This month, I wanted to speak about an issue we’re all familiar with and one that Red Deer is not alone in facing – the issue of housing. As we all know, The City has significant housing needs across the housing spectrum. Numerous applications in support of housing groups have been made; all were declined by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Earlier this year, we were successful in being conditionally approved for a $12 million grant, which would enable the construction of 352 desperately needed housing units. We were able to meet the conditions, except one, that required us to change our zoning to permit four units as of right on all lots, in all neighborhoods.

If you are not familiar with planning definitions, “as of right” is also referred to as a permitted use. A permitted use is one that conforms to current zoning and, as long as it meets the development permit guidelines (e.g., parking, frontage, etc.), can go forward with no requirement for public consultation with affected citizens or neighbours. Fourplexes, duplexes with house suites in each, backyard suites, in combination with the principal dwelling, would all be permitted uses. Current zoning does not permit this. Applications for this type of construction today would require zoning exceptions, consultation, and public hearings.

Clearly, the condition would result in a material change in the ability of citizens to have their voices heard in how neighbourhoods are planned or evolve. We accepted the conditions as a way of facilitating public feedback prior to a public hearing anticipated for December 2025. At our Council meeting of July 21, administration provided a report on those consultations. Two key themes emerged:

• A significant number of Red Deerians support increasing housing options.
• There was clear rejection of city-wide four residential units as a permitted use.

Frankly, I was not surprised by the report. Citizens have a right to a voice in matters affecting their property and their neighbourhoods. Builders and buyers need certainty when making choices on the location and dollar value of their investment.

Council agreed unanimously that this condition was not a fit for Red Deer. We informed CMHC and the Federal Housing Minister. Councillors spoke of “cookie-cutter zoning” and “one-size-fits-all” as not practical. I described the requirement as a “gun to the head” of cities earnestly trying to solve the housing crisis.

So now what? Our decision to reject the requirement – while a sound one – does not solve Red Deer’s housing crisis. Rents are high, vacancy rates low. Housing stock at the entry level is unaffordable for many Red Deerians. But Council and administration see a way forward. We’re confident we can meet our housing targets by advancing other initiatives that reflect community priorities and build support for a more diverse housing mix. We are looking to maintain funding with an adjustment to remove the four units as of right requirement. We’re asking –

pleading, in many ways – that we be given the flexibility to build this much-needed housing.

We’re not alone in this issue. Windsor, Ontario, declined a $30 million grant and has asked for removal of the four units as of right or blanket zoning requirement. Toronto has rejected a six-plex zoning condition as well.

Much can be achieved with these housing dollars, and Red Deerians are eager to move forward. We’ve only begun discussions with our federal counterparts. We are both steadfast and optimistic for a “win-win” outcome. Adequate housing is a fundamental human right in Canada. Together, we can further the dreams and aspirations of Red Deerians seeking housing, while ensuring the right to be heard is preserved for everyone.

Until next time, Red Deer.

My dear Red Deerians,

Recently, I was privileged to be on a panel with Mayor Jim Wood from Red Deer County and Mayor Megan Hanson of Sylvan Lake to provide insight into the role of elected office for those considering running in this year’s elections. A huge thank you to our local Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce for hosting us.

You may not have been able to attend this event, but you might still be wondering what skills are needed and what challenges come with being an elected official.

First of all, if you are considering running, I commend your devotion to your community. The opportunity to serve your fellow citizens by maintaining and improving their quality of life is a tremendous honor. It comes with many challenging days and difficult decisions - but it is deeply rewarding. I wish you well.

I thought I would share my answers to the questions posed to us by the Chamber as a way of hopefully answering some of your own. Here are a few of those questions:

1. What skills or abilities did you bring from your previous or current career?

Public service is a people business. You need to like people - actually, you need to love people to be happy in this role. If you’re currently in a business or agency where you engage with many people, that’s excellent preparation for politics.

Name a “people business” and chances are there are members of current or past councils from it: bankers, teachers, hairdressers, athletes, entrepreneurs, police officers, lawyers - all of these professions involve strong interpersonal skills. I often remark that my 40 years in banking prepared me well for my 12 years in public service.

2. How do you handle issues or groups that go against your personal beliefs?

We all have personal values and opinions. Once elected, however, you must remember that you represent all citizens, not just those who voted for you. You must keep an open mind and always be amenable to persuasion. This is not just wise; it’s a legal requirement of your office.

Council works collectively. The public expects us to listen, to ask clarifying questions, to reflect on different perspectives, to be prepared, genuine, mature, tolerant, gracious, and non-judgmental. If you’ve ever served on a jury, you’ll know how assumptions and beliefs can be tested. Public life is much the same.

“One-agenda” candidates tend to become frustrated and ineffective, as they often resist full debate and dialogue. We are human - and the public knows that. Attitudes and beliefs evolve. Be willing to engage in honest, respectful debate, with your colleagues, the public, and most of all, with yourself.

3. How do you handle misinformation and social media?

Misinformation is, unfortunately, a reality. Facts are often overlooked in the stampede to judgment. Politicians have not always helped matters - some have betrayed public trust. But the vast majority do not. Still, trust levels remain low, and that means you must be prepared for every interaction.

Do your research. Know your city’s issues. Know the reliable sources and direct people to them. Social media must be approached with caution. It is not a forum for balanced engagement, and it never will be. My advice when it comes to debating on social media? Do the opposite of what Nike says -  “Just don’t do it.”

Many colleagues have been attacked, maligned, and denigrated to the point that their mental health suffers. This impacts their families too. A landfill will always have an odour, social media as a forum for public discourse is no different.

4. How many hours per week are needed to do the job well?

This varies by councillor. When I ran in 2013, the handbook said 30 to 50 hours per week. In other words, it’s a full-time commitment.

Reading, research, committee work, public appearances, council meetings, intergovernmental responsibilities, Deputy Mayor duties - these all take time. And you’ll still need time for yourself and your family. Balance is key in public service. Good physical, mental, and spiritual health are essential.

Also, be prepared for the loss of privacy. You’re a public figure, and you need to be accessible. Get used to it, and embrace the many questions and concerns that citizens will bring to you. It’s a privilege.

5. Given all the challenges, why should people run for elected office?

This question could also be asked the other way around: Why shouldn’t people run for office?

Leadership is badly needed - leadership not driven by ego or dominance, but by care. Leadership that listens, that is gentle, peaceable, collaborative, and genuine.

Financial pressures, growth demands, aging infrastructure, service expectations, housing, zoning, intergovernmental relations - these are all major issues. And none of them can be solved without humility, grace, self-reflection, forgiveness, and perseverance.

Politics - or rather, public service - is a reflection of our imperfect pursuit of something greater than ourselves. Something more noble.

As you read this, I hope you feel inspired to consider running. And if not, I hope you’ve gained a deeper appreciation for those who do.

I remain grateful for your trust and the opportunity to lead. Until next time.

Mayor Ken Johnston

The wheels of life are turning so much faster… I was reminded of that lyric from a Gino Vannelli tune this morning.  All to say that the business and  the busyness of life can blur our attention to so many important things. A couple of those came into focus for me this past weekend.

Carolyn and I had the privilege of attending the IG Walk for Alzheimer’s on Saturday, followed by the MS Walk on Sunday. My role as Mayor brings me to all corners of our community, to support all kinds of causes, and often serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges people face when coping with chronic illness.

To state the obvious: both of these diseases diminish people's ability to enjoy life fully—and both are, as yet, incurable.

I was encouraged to see the turnout on the weekend. Volunteers, sponsors, the media and the people living with these conditions all coming together in hope and support. An incredible showing of community at its best and very impactful.

What impacted me most, however, was the role of caregivers—especially family caregivers.

At both events, I had the opportunity to meet a few caregivers. Two in particular stood out: both were husbands whose wives were living with serious illness—one with Alzheimer’s, the other with multiple sclerosis. Both men were humble, almost reluctant, in accepting any recognition for their extraordinary care. One had been caregiving for 25 years; the other, “only” 12.

I invite us to pause for a moment to consider what that level of sacrifice and love entails. I’m sure most of us have nursed a child, or a spouse or friend through an extended recovery period.

For most of us it’s a few months in duration and the prognosis most often is recovery.  There are others, however, with a far longer duration of care and the prognosis is chronic, sometimes terminal. Those are the people I met this past weekend. Those are the unsung heroes.

I’m sure you know some of these unsung heroes. You may be one of them! They quietly answer the call to care, putting their own lives aside for the sake of a struggling loved one. “I’m taking care of Mom now.” “Dad’s going to need more help.” “It’s not getting better.” “I’m so tired, but it’s okay.” “One day at a time.” These are just a few of the things caregivers say—or hear—every day.

Over the past few days, I’ve done some reading about the realities caregivers face. Here are just a few of the challenges:

• Isolation – Caregivers can feel cut off from their communities and friends.
• Stress – The weight of being on call 24/7, responsible for the health and safety of a loved one, is immense.
• Finances – Health plans often don’t cover the many extras and lifestyle adjustments required.
• Emotional toll – The emotional demands are deep and varied.
• Finding balance – Caregivers struggle to maintain their own personal lives under the weight of their responsibilities.

There are many more challenges—and each caregiving journey is unique. So, what can we do, dear Red Deerians?

If you are a caregiver and are feeling overwhelmed: please reach out. There are local supports available—like the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Golden Circle, the Alzheimer Society, the MS Society, the Canadian Cancer Society, and many faith communities. You are not alone.

If you know a caregiver, give them your care. Visit. Listen. Offer a hand to hold, a meal, a gift card, or a heartfelt note. Tell them, “I care about you.” There’s no single perfect way to help—just be sincere, and present.

I’m in a hurry to get things done. I rush and rush until life’s no fun. All I really gotta do is live and die, but I’m in a hurry and don’t know why…. I thought I would choose another song’s lyrics, this one from “Alabama”. Let’s not be so rushed that we miss the essence of relationship which is love of neighbor.

Let’s become more aware that behind the person with the diagnosis is a caregiver. Let’s also remember that caregiver can be employees who rapidly become a family member. They bear many of the same stresses endured by the biological family.

Whatever the status, caregivers need and deserve our support for their sacrifice and extraordinary care.

To all the caregivers: we see you, we thank you, and we stand with you.

Until next time my dear Red Deerians.

Greetings my Red Deerians,

As April begins to fade, our beautiful city is once again bursting into the splendour of spring. I must say, we are in need of more rain as we approach the summer months. Central Alberta has received only 50 per cent of its average precipitation this year - for the third year in a row. Mountain snowpack levels are also well below normal. Let’s all hope and pray for rain, not only for our crops but also to support our water supply and reduce the risk of wildfires, which are becoming far too common in our province.

That brings me to this month’s topic, my dear citizens.

A series of recent events have led me to reflect on where spirituality fits - or should fit - into our daily lives. Now, don’t worry, I’m not here to preach or launch into a sermon. But the death of a close friend, the Easter season, and most recently, the passing of the Pope, have made me pause and consider that often-overlooked part of ourselves: our spirituality - our sense of place in this world.

Many of us are familiar with expressions like “school spirit,” or “that’s the spirit!” When a new season arrives, we speak of “the spirit of the season.” We describe people as having a kind or gentle spirit - or, at times, we say the opposite, referring to an unkind or even malicious spirit. Our spirits can be high or low, depending on the circumstances of our lives.

When I was a teenager, the song Spirit in the Sky was quite popular. Its lyrics pointed toward a spiritual destiny beyond this life. Later, the famous band The Police released Spirits in the Material World, reminding us of our spiritual nature and the invisible connections we share with each other.

If we truly believe we are composed of body, mind, and spirit - as we often say - how should we relate to that spiritual element within us? Every major religion has formed around this innate part of humanity: our drive to seek meaning and connection beyond ourselves. Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Indigenous teachings, Hinduism, and many others are expressions of this yearning. Yet too often, we neglect to explore our own spirituality.

We recognize the importance of physical and mental health, but our spiritual wellbeing is just as vital. When we invest in all aspects of ourselves - body, mind, and spirit - we become more whole, more grounded, and more resilient. Our spiritual strength adds vitality to our physical and mental lives.

Every day, we face the challenges of the world: finances, relationships, health concerns, politics, global events, and even tension with coworkers or neighbours. These things wear on us. To meet them, we need inner strength, peace, and faith. And those come from taking the time to nurture our spirit.

So today, my dear citizens, I invite you to take a moment to reconnect with your spiritual self. In doing so, you may just find yourself truly in the spirit of things.

Until next time,
Mayor Ken Johnston

Greetings, my dear Red Deerians!

What an extraordinary month March has been! From the remarkable $10 million cardiac catheterization donation, a generous gift from the Donald Family, to the approval of $13 million for crucial housing projects, not to mention our local teams claiming numerous provincial titles, the arrival of a new Prime Minister, and the announcement of a Federal election call — it’s been a month full of milestones and change.

As I reflect on all these developments, I also pause to consider an event in March that showed a different side of our community. A troubling gathering outside the Care for Newcomers and the Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association of Alberta called for the deportation of immigrants, in a language of hate and white supremacy. But thankfully, this was followed by a powerful and heartening response: the “Hugs vs. Hate” community gathering, which truly reflected the welcoming spirit of Red Deer.

In that same week, local journalist and blogger Josh Hall published an outstanding piece on anti-racism, and I was honored to participate. So many of you, my fellow Red Deerians, reached out to express your disgust at the racist message and to reaffirm your commitment to keeping our community welcoming and inclusive. Red Deer’s true heart was on full display, I am so encouraged.

Sadly, my friends, I regret to say much remains to be done so that the stain of racism is finally blotted out.  I strongly encourage you to read the December 2023 study by the Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership (RDLIP), titled “Anti-Racism Asset Mapping: Red Deer, Alberta.” It offers a sobering look at how our city is experienced by Indigenous and immigrant populations. For many, it’s not the same Red Deer that the rest of us experience.

We may wonder, what can we do to address racism? After all, it’s a question that’s been asked across North America and the world for centuries. And yes, we do have laws and community standards in place to combat discrimination. There are countless reports, investigations, court cases, and tribunals, not to mention books, plays, music, and movies that explore the issue. Yet, the hurt, fear, and racism persist.

The truth is, we can’t legislate acceptance. That must come from our hearts. It must come from a genuine desire to connect, share, and learn from one another. Immigration built this country — I’m an immigrant, and so are all non-Indigenous people among us.

While legislation ensures our rights as minority individuals, it is inclusion that says, “You are welcome here.”

May I suggest we take the time to educate ourselves. You may say “how the heck would I do that?” I am not speaking of attending classes or reading books. I’m talking about genuine human connection.

Titilope Sonuga, an Edmontonian poet of international acclaim, writes poignantly about her experience moving to Canada from Nigeria at the age of 13. One line from her poetry particularly resonated with me: “Festival is just another way we say, you are welcome here.” If we truly want to welcome others, if we want to include and educate ourselves, our neighbors, and our children, we need to engage and participate.

Take the time to enjoy a meal at an ethnic restaurant — Red Deer has so many to offer. Take a moment to meet the chefs, talk to the owners, and explore the ethnic supermarkets around town. Attend a cultural celebration or feast day; they’re often advertised in various media. Experience an Indigenous ceremony, celebration, or powwow. Most importantly, take the time to connect with your neighbors.

You can make a difference. You can be a role model. Most of all, by making these connections, you’ll be fostering a sense of belonging in others while nurturing the precious values of inclusion and community.

Let’s continue to work together to ensure that Red Deer remains a place where everyone truly feels welcome.

Until next time!
Mayor Ken Johnston

Greetings my Red Deerians,

As I write this, the pivotal game between the USA and Canada is just a few hours away. No sense in thinking that this is just a hockey game, it isn’t. Our nation has been insulted, our sovereignty at risk. What was unimaginable a few months ago is now a very real threat.

Please forgive my playfulness when I muse that like most of us, you either didn’t know the meaning or only had minimal knowledge of the word “tariff.” Tariffs have been in use since nations began trading with one another, which is to say, five centuries or so in the North American context and longer in European and Asian. By now, you will know it’s a tax placed on goods imported into a country by the importing country. It makes foreign goods more expensive and less desirable. It affects direct sales and backs up into supply chains, factories, assembly plants, research facilities. It affects cash flow, resourcing, inflation and it ultimately costs jobs. Tariffs penalized trade relationships especially when retaliatory tariffs are placed by the exporter on goods it imports. Overall, it benefits no one. No one wins in a trade war, everyone loses…EVERYONE.

Our neighbor to the south, through its current president, has decided punitive tariffs are necessary. The reasons are increased need for border security, more drug enforcement and a commitment to defense spending. Tariffs will be devastating for our country, in every region, in every city, town or village. The US is our largest trading partner. More expensive Canadian exports expose us to a broad range of economic chaos.

That is a reality and a reality that must be addressed. It must be addressed by diversifying our global trade relationships. It requires us to critically examine interprovincial trade, our regulatory framework, our ability to attract foreign investment. We must revise and redraw the economic roadmap of this country. We must focus on supporting our own businesses. If ever there was a time to “buy Canadian”, this is surely it. I need not expound this further, my good citizens, except to say that out from the dark shadow cast by our once friendly neighbor, comes a pride and optimism in what we can become as a nation.

As if tariffs were not abhorrent enough, our very sovereignty is being threatened. Presidential musings over the “51^st state” are being touted as the way forward. Canadians, you and me, are saying “enough.”

In all my 70 years, I have never experienced patriotism on a national scale like this. The feeling of national pride, shared identity, shared history, shared destiny has never been greater. Canadians are taking matters they can influence into their own hands. We are making buying decisions on everyday items like groceries, clothes, appliances. We are cancelling travel and major ticket purchases like cars and real estate. We are realizing how beautiful this country is, both in its natural beauty and in the values it upholds.

The provincial and federal governments are working together, forging a path of consensus. Nation building, once dormant in this country, has become the theme, the focus of today’s Canada. I look for widespread economic reform over the next few years. I look for a boom in local small business. I look for major investment in energy, mining, innovation, research. It will come because Canadians are united over the restoration of their country’s global reputation. Canadians will no longer expose their economic and social futures to the fickleness of the US political opportunism.

Sometimes, it takes the proverbial “wake up call”, that “glass of water in the face,” that “hit the road, Jack” experience for us to realize what we took for granted has gone. In many ways, we became overly dependent, complacent, even neglectful in our role and commitment to the US and Europe. For that realization, we owe the president a thank you for reminding us that we matter, we exist, we are sovereign.

Let’s not delude ourselves. These next few years, perhaps a decade, will be challenging. Our city will be affected, people will be hurting. It’s a safe assumption that our quality of life, our standard of living is going to decline before it comes back up. But it will come back to not only equal but surpass what we have now.

Canada will continue to have the friendship and indeed, earn new admiration by the global community. We need determination, unity and courage. Our very future depends on it. Your country needs you, Red Deer. Do your bit. Express your belief in this grand, wonderful country. Put actions to your words and together we build the nation. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Until next time,
Mayor Ken Johnston

Greetings my dear Red Deerians, and Happy New Year! Another year’s hopes are ours to strive for in this incredible city we call home. I wanted to reflect on a tragic fire that occurred at Prairie Bus Lines on January 9. Thankfully, no one lost their life but there were five injured employees, and two critically injured. As well, there was extensive damage to the structure and an obvious impact on the operations of Prairie Bus Lines. I am grateful as is the community that the damage was limited.

But that’s not what I’m reflecting and have been reflecting on these past few weeks. What occurred that day at Prairie Bus Lines was astounding. It should cause us to contemplation, examination and reflection on how we regard our fellow man.

Our community’s temporary homeless shelter at the Safe Harbour Society is immediately next to Prairie Bus Lines. Eight homeless men and women rushed from Safe Harbour shelter into the shattered remnants of the bus bay. They were first on the scene and were instrumental in rescuing the workers who were caught in the explosion and fire. Let’s pause at the words “first on the scene.” Imagine the chaos those people arrived to see. 

Imagine the cries for help, the discovery of the injured and the imminent danger of further explosions they exposed themselves to. Media accounts report they were pulling men from the building who were physically on fire. They were the heroes at the scene. No doubt they helped save lives and lessen the terrible impact on the accident’s victims.

Homeless people as heroes? Surely that can’t be true. But it is and it invites us to challenge our conception, our thinking, and for many of us, our bias, when it comes to people who identify as homeless. People who had nothing, not even an address, risked their lives to save others. They ran “toward” the disaster not “away” from it. A concern for the well being of their fellow man is what drove them onward. A determination that they could assist, that life was at stake, was their rallying cry.

To a segment of our population who is often labelled as useless, worthless, a waste of resources, how are we to regard their extraordinary heroism?

I challenged my own perspective, and I have long been an advocate and a volunteer. There are days when I have been overwhelmed with people saying: “Mayor, what are you doing with those homeless?” “Mayor it’s time you acted and got rid of them.” “Mayor, they have ruined our city. You need to make it miserable on them and they’ll leave.” Those are the days when my judgements increase, and my humanity is lessened. I am human, we are all human, capable of stigmatizing, too apt to label.

In my reflection, I especially recall the biblical account of the Good Samaritan, an account we are all likely familiar with. Samaritans were particularly hated by Jewish people as “unclean”, “half-breeds”, “untouchable”. In answering the question, “who is my neighbor?”, Jesus used the account of the extraordinary humanity of the Samaritan toward the victim of a crime. It shocked the listening audience into reflecting on how we judge and label one another. It shocked them into understanding that the people they so despised could be the highest example of what it meant to be a good neighbor.

I encourage you, my fellow Red Deerians, to challenge your assumptions, your perspectives. Heroes live among us and in this case, they came from a marginalized and often detested group. The explosion and the rescue are a wake-up call for all of us. Allow it to change your thinking and approach to the housing and shelter issues. I know I will.

Until next time,
Mayor Ken Johnston

Greetings Red Deerians, and a very Merry Christmas to each and everyone.

Like you, I have favourite Christmas memories. I dare say, no other holiday or other season for that matter, evokes times past quite the way Christmas does. It is a season “kept in the heart” as Dickens wrote in his immortal work “A Christmas Carol.” No matter our age, or stage in life, the Christmas season speaks to and affects the heart of all of us.

I’m assuming, my dear Red Deerians, that you are familiar with “A Christmas Carol.” If not, it’s an enjoyable read and there are innumerable movie versions.

Recall the scene of Scrooge in his office on Christmas Eve when he is in interrupted by two gentleman canvassing donations for the poor and underprivileged. Scrooge asks why should they focus on Christmas on a reason to be canvassing when the poor, are poor, all year round. They reply that the Christmas season is far more urgent than other times in the calendar, because it is the time “when want is most keenly felt.”

Against the backdrop of the lights, the decorations, the music, and the food. Against the joy of presents, the reunions of family and the gathering of friends, “want” is most keenly felt. It’s such a tragedy that a season so rich in its celebration, is also a season when the lack of resources is truly felt. Poverty is most keenly felt, loneliness, trauma, grief, intensify their impact.

The joyful noise of the season is devastating and defeating to the ears of those in need of material goods, social connection and spiritual renewal.

Redemption comes to Scrooge when he accepts that “mankind was my (his) business”. His cynicism is replaced with humanity. His bitterness gives way to the joy of life. The enduring story of hope concludes with that realization. And yet, my dear Red Deerians, the “want most keenly felt” remains among us. This “want” of the season should our “wake up call”, just as it was Scrooge’s.

I’m encouraging you to become more aware of the want that is all around. You likely won’t have to go very far to encounter it. As important as it is to support agencies and groups monetarily, the wants and the needs are often beyond that. And besides, not all of us are able to donate financially. Just as Scrooge was shaken out of his apathy and estrangement back then so Dickens challenges us to do the same today.

We can talk to a neighbour, visit a shut in, be a shoulder to lean on for a co-worker. We can repair a broken relationship. We can be humble, gracious, meek, human. We can change a life by changing our own.

It takes very little to meet the “want” that we encounter. People “want” what we “want”, hope, connection, empathy, an opportunity. We all need to believe that together we matter. Together we can make a difference. Scrooge was given the hope that his life could change, and he embraced that hope. May we embrace it just as strongly, and as Tiny Tim said, “God bless us, everyone”.

Until next year,
Mayor Ken Johnston

My Dear Red Deerians,

I trust this finds you well. I wrote this over the past two weeks and place the dates so you can follow along.

November 6:  Looking out over the City Hall park today, I see the first effects of winter. A snowfall overnight and into the morning reminds us that winter is approaching for a few days but will soon take up residence for a few months. I feel discouraged these past few weeks and a little tired. Often, when I get into these periods, I realize the expectations I set for myself are unrealistic. I get down on myself. I tell myself that things aren’t better, or they should be better than they are. I begin to doubt myself. I pay attention to the negative voices and discount the positives. My optimism is put to the test. “Am I making a difference”, I ask. “Why did I decide to do this? Is all this really worth it? Why am I doing what I am doing? Will tomorrow be different or at least a better day? What’s the point?” Like a pack of snapping wolves, these questions find their way into my consciousness.

November 8:  A recent visit from the President of the Royal Canadian Legion reminds me of the Remembrance Day ceremonies we will mark on November 11. Everyone has, or should have their own appreciation, for the men, women, families and for their sacrifices, for the sorrow, for the grief caused by global conflict. The place names remind us:  Normandy, Passchendaele, Vimy, Dieppe, Inchon, Pearl Harbour, Sicily, Kabul, just to name a few on a very long list where the ultimate sacrifice was made.

When I came to the office in October 2021, I made some changes to the layout. I wanted to create a welcoming space where conversation and the community could be shared, and we have had well over a hundred meetings here. But I did not change the pictures on the wall to the left of my desk. One of those pictures is from a troop ship leaving Halifax and heading to Europe in 1915. Its decks are packed with young men from across the country. Roughly 100 faces look back at the photographer, and by extension, they look at me. I frequently take the time to study their faces, wondering what might they be saying to themselves as that photo was taken.

Greetings my dear Red Deerians. I’m writing this as I hear about the potential for our first snowfall of the new season. Are we ever ready for its inevitability? I hope you are as much as I am! 

There’s a Tom Petty song that goes “The waiting is the hardest part.” I referenced that because I was pondering several different ideas for this month’s blog. I’m glad I waited until now because “waiting” is what this blog is about.

I received an invitation from my dear friend and Minister of Health, Adriana LaGrange, last week. She told me the wait had ended for the community and that finally a cardiac catheterization lab was going to be constructed a full five years ahead of schedule. I am unable to find the words for how I felt upon hearing that. A deep sense of relief, of joy, of bittersweet memory, of accomplishment, of gratitude. All of those and more were pouring over me. Off I drove to the hospital, and I began to reflect on my personal “wait” as well as the “wait” for so many others. For families, for cardiac patients, for the doctors and health care workers and for the community.

A flashback, if you’ll permit me, to October 2016, in fact October 24, 2016 almost exactly eight years ago. The front page headline of the Red Deer Advocate said “Local Doctors Want Life Saving Heart Treatment at the Hospital.”  The story highlighted that mortality rates in Red Deer and the Central Zone were 50 to 75 percent higher than anywhere in the province due to the lack of cardiac catheter therapy. 

Patients suffering a cardiac episode required ambulance or STARS transport to Calgary or Edmonton for the life saving treatment. While “waiting” for that transport, life hung in the balance and the condition of the heart deteriorated. Families and doctors also “waited” for the transport, knowing every minute counted. The “waiting” was indeed the hardest part. Upon reading the article, I thought, “this could be me.” I have family history, hypertension and not an active lifestyle.  I met with then, Mayor Veer, and we soon mobilized Council to joining the effort of getting a cath lab. I soon discovered there were many physicians and other health care providers in that effort. I was happy and honoured to join their ranks.

But the real shock took place one month after that article. My dear wife, Isabelle, suffered a massive heart attack. She was airlifted to Calgary but not before we said our goodbyes at the helicopter pad. She was not expected to survive but she did. She came back by ambulance to Red Deer a week later and was admitted to the ICU. Just over three months later, after giving it everything she had, Isabelle died.

While in the ICU for those 102 days, I began to experience the effects of the waiting on not just me and the kids but on every family that had loved ones in the ICU. The ICU is a place of waiting. Waiting to see improvement or deterioration. Waiting for hope, for encouragement, often, sadly, waiting for the end. And when that waiting is a result of a medical service that didn’t exist here, the waiting is inexcusable, it’s maddening, it’s unbearable.

Back to the present now. I’m a little early for the press conference so I walk the short distance from the meditative garden to the ICU I know so well. I like to visit the staff there especially the nursing staff who remember Isabelle fondly and fought so hard beside her. I thank them once again and once again I see families waiting just as I did.

A sense of deep gratitude fills me as I walk back to the press conference. I am so grateful for the tireless efforts of so many doctors, so many volunteers, so many community voices who spoke out for the service. I am grateful to Time is Life, to Society for Healthcare Equity in Central Alberta (SHECA) and the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, to the mayors of the surrounding communities, to our local MLAs but most especially to my friend, Minister Adriana LaGrange. She refused to take no for an answer and found a way to get the service done. The wait for the press conference is over now and I step to the microphone. I say: “My friends, this is an extraordinary day because the wait is over.”

Truly, the wait will be over for those of us who will need this service. Lives will be saved. The waiting will be reduced, and hope will instead replace it.  

My dear Red Deerians, in whatever you are waiting for in the hard part of waiting, may you never give up hope. May you persevere with optimism, strength and courage. Let the Cardiac Catheter story be an example of what can happen when the community comes together in a righteous cause. May your wait be rewarded as ours was just a few days ago.

Until next time,
Mayor Ken Johnston

Greetings my most wonderful Red Deerians. My goodness, it’s September! Summer (or at least the months of June, July, August) have flown by. I do hope you had a chance to reconnect with family and friends, do some travelling, gardening, golf, fishing, or any activity that provided rest and renewal. Other than my birthday month (April), September is my favourite. Ironically, I dreaded September as a kid as school was back, but as a parent, I embraced September for the same reasons! Perhaps the song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” says it best around the back-to-school theme!  And that’s what I wanted to reflect on in this month’s blog because, all kidding aside, back to school is the most wonderful time of the year.  Of course, I don’t mean it in the context of the relief we felt as parents. Back to school is the annual recognition that the next generation is coming of age.

Back to school means we, as a society, have the modern facilities that are equipped to provide learning. It means we have the technology, the libraries, and athletic facilities our kids need to thrive. We have a functioning transportation system for those that need it. We have cafeterias and food programs that ensure that no child goes without. It means we have after school and in school programming to help our kids develop. It means we strive towards safe environments from violence or bullying. Above all, it means there is a reason to hope and to believe that this generation has the supports it needs to be capable of the demands placed upon it. If you think I’m wearing rose coloured glasses, consider those countries who lack any or all of that infrastructure, and be thankful.

Our highest recognition should go to the teachers who daily give of themselves in the equipping of our children to succeed. Being an educator is a noble purpose for one’s life. Teachers continually give of themselves, their hearts and minds, to the betterment of the kids and families they serve.  Be sure to thank them for their extraordinary contributions.

A few days ago, I was a guest at the Montessori classes for preschool and kindergarten. What a joy to be in the company of 20 three-to five-year-olds. The topic of our discussion was “being a peacemaker and a peacekeeper.” A pretty heavy topic for this age group I thought, but I was eager to participate. After some preliminary dialogue around my resemblance to Santa and whether I preferred cats to dogs (I do!), we began the topic of conversation. A young lady asked “is being a peacekeeper the same as keeping people safe?”  What an excellent question, I thought. I answered that “yes” peacekeeping was very much connected to safety, the way a police officer does, or a teacher or a parent. Then she asked, “how do you keep us safe?” I replied that we have police, emergency, fire and ambulance services, clean water, electricity, safe buildings and rinks, outdoor playgrounds, safe roads and buses, all that sort of thing. I also talked about how we promote a friendly city where all could feel safe. I spent a wonderful hour there.

While driving back to City Hall, the child’s question came back to me, “how do you keep us safe?” I thought, as best as I was able, around the perspective of what safety is to a very young totally dependent child. My dear Red Deerians, as we celebrate the beginning of the school year, I invite you to think about that same question: “How do you keep us safe?”  Ask yourself, as I did:

• How’s my driving around schools and playgrounds?
• Can I afford a donation of money, food, or time to school lunch programs?
• Can I donate excess clothing, toys or books?
• Can I volunteer to be a youth mentor?
• Can I recognize and thank a teacher, or ask where could I help?
• Can I volunteer with Neighborhood Watch or Citizens on Patrol?
• Should I volunteer for local sports, arts, libraries, or wildlife agencies?
• Am I the best parent, the best family member I can be?

All of this to say that in this often dangerous world where peace is so elusive, we can offer hope, purpose and safety to the next generation. It is possible to be peacekeepers and peacemakers. An old hymn starts with the words… “let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” What a thought as we begin the new school year.

Until next month,
Mayor Ken Johnston

Greetings once again, my dear Red Deerians! I trust your summer is going well and you’ve had an opportunity to rest. Slowing down or better yet, stopping our busy lives, enables us to reflect, to take stock and evaluate life.

I must say, my dear Red Deerians, I have had cause to reflect these past few days and as you read this, I may be on a short vacation, a time of further reflection. 

Just recently, a few days back, a friend of some 28 years died suddenly. He was younger than me and like me, a retired banker. He was a family man and a successful career person. He was an extraordinary volunteer. He was everything a person, a citizen, a friend should be. And now he is gone in a tragic loss to his family, those who knew him and the community in general.

I have experienced the death of friends and colleagues, my parents, extended family, a younger brother, my first wife. In every situation, including just now, I ask the questions, “Why, why now? Why can’t life be more fair? What’s the point?” We have all asked those questions and many more. We shouted them to the wind, or in the solitude of nature, or in our church, or in our homes. We have whispered them, we have prayed them and we have experienced them with tears. The questions remain, as do we who ask them for a time.

One of my favorite Scripture verses is from Psalm 90 verse 12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” The “heart of wisdom” is formed by the knowledge that our lives are fleeting. “Our lives are better left to chance” as the Garth Brook’s song, ‘The Dance’, goes. Numbering our days gives us the perspective, the reflection, if you will, that life is meant to be lived in relationship. Life is not about me, or you, it is about us. My friend, Elder John Sinclair, often says, “We breathe the same air, drink the same water, share the same sun.” We are meant to be in relationship.

I often hear, “he/she lived a good life.” I think it’s the greatest compliment we could extend as it speaks to a love of life, rich in relationship and grounded by purpose. Is this not how we should measure a life – our own lives? If I have learned anything from the losses I have encountered, the grief I have experienced, it is to embrace the life given to us and cherish the memory of those gone before.

I read Stephen Covey’s ‘The Seven Habits of Successful People’ frequently. One of his habits is “Begin with the end in mind.” It is meant to remind us to begin any project, any task, with how the finished project looks. And it especially applies to life as he opens that particular chapter inviting us to picture our own funeral service. He invites us to begin our life in the present with how others evaluate it at the end. Quite a sobering experience as we ponder what might be said about us. What will we be remembered for? Will our lives reflect a kind heart, a generous spirit, a dedication to family, to community? To further quote from the Garth Brooks song, ‘The Dance’, he reflects on his own life with the words: “I could have missed the pain, but I would have had to miss the dance.” The dance being the memory of a special moment in life. And life is full of special moments if we reject the fear of judgement, loneliness, lack of control, failure, the pain of grief.

I have been blessed by the lives lost that have been lived in relationship. My first wife, Isabelle, very fittingly summed up her life at the end by saying, “I had a good dance.” She never stopped “dancing.”

My dear Red Deerians, let us embrace the time set for us. Let us all “dance like no one is watching,” to quote from another song by Kathy Mattea. Let’s honor those lives gone before us by giving thanks for their contributions, embracing the lives that are with us, and by extension, earn the compliment, “he/she lived a good life.”

Until next time,
Mayor Ken

Hello once again, my dear Red Deerians. I am writing this on the hottest day of the year so far, July 10. I trust your summer is going well and that you’re able to visit family and friends as well as enjoy some time away.

I just concluded my sixth and final “State of the City Address” for 2024. Each year, the Mayor gets an invitation to deliver a high-level review of the year past and what the current and future years might hold. Since my election, I have been privileged to respond to the invitation, three times in 2022, four times in 2023 and now six times in 2024. We are becoming more connected to each other, I believe, and we are far more curious about the great city we call home. I introduced every presentation this year with the words “Whose city is it, anyway?” And isn’t it so obvious that depending on our perspective, our experiences, our age, our stage of life, our occupation, even our neighborhoods, that we encounter the city in different ways, each to our own lens.

My presentation at the Golden Circle Seniors Resource Centre was received and perceived differently than the Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce, or the RCMP Veterans’ Association and yet they were the very same address! It’s all about perception shaped by our experience, and current situation. We all understand this or certainly have a sense of our own and others realities.

When I ran for public office in 2013, I came to realize that a Councillor is a Councillor for all citizens not just those who voted for me. That realization is even greater now that I am Mayor. All citizens, new or long-term, younger or old, multicultural, multifaith, all expect and deserve the best efforts of their Mayor.

It’s an expectation I embrace from a love of the city that has given so much to my family and I these past 28 years. I am also so energized by the people I encounter: the community builders, the volunteers, the tireless acts of dedication and service, the agencies, the business community, the faith community, those serving our most vulnerable, those providing care for seniors care for the disabled, care for newcomers. People care. People serve. The privilege to serve alongside them, let alone be their Mayor is never lost on me.

Like a family, we have the bond that links us and that is a love of the city we build today, to give to the next generation of Red Deerians.

Just as a family has disputes, disagreements, and divisions from time to time, so do we. I’m often involved in them, which should come as no surprise. In general people say, “Mayor, you need to do something about “this issue” or “Mayor, those people are…” (insert word) greedy, lazy, conspiring, evil, untrustworthy, shallow, hypocritical and so it goes. These disputes, the “us versus them” issues, are a result of not understanding each others perspective or not being willing to listen. They are then magnified by our own sense of what is the right way, the only way, to solve problems.

There’s a wonderful idiom we would do well to remember: Put yourself (or walk a mile) in someone else’s shoes. If we dedicate ourselves to this, our empathy and understanding will increase. We will avoid judgment. Compassion and tolerance will take root in us. We will see our own experiences may not be the same as others, and that’s OK. We’ll become far more open minded, enabling us to look beyond our own bias and perceptions.

“Whose city is it, anyway?” It’s all our city, of course. And think of how much more we could build it up and each other up by being willing to work on ourselves and our issues through a different lens.

Take care, my most dear Red Deerians. Introduce yourself to someone new today. Be kind to yourself and embrace the differences we bring to this most beautiful city.

Until next time,

Mayor Ken Johnston

Greetings my dear Red Deerians, and welcome back to the Mayor’s Blog. I want to talk to you today about our growth prospects, where I believe opportunity presents itself and where, once again, Red Deer’s spirit of collaboration and innovation can set us apart as a chosen destination.

No doubt, you may have heard Premier Smith speak of her vision for Red Deer being Alberta’s next city of a million people. When I first heard this, I began to reflect on what that might look like, what impact it would have, and how we might set out to accomplish the task. Being a former banker, I calculated that at our current population of 110,000 people, at a growth rate of 5 per cent every year, it would take 44 years to get to a million.

Keeping pace with the wants and needs of a growing population will require much planning, much collaboration and much focus for all levels of government and all facets of our community. All our social, health, economic and culture sectors will need to be fully engaged. Growth brings many challenges making many of us uneasy that our quality of life may be reduced. My experience with the growth in Alberta these past 44 years encourages me, as it should you, that success is achievable.

Alternatively, if you consider our trading area of 250,000 people, it would take 28 years for the region to reach one million. Seems like a lot of years but depending on your age, you could certainly be a part of that milestone. After all, when I came to Calgary in 1981, it had a population of 594,000.  Today, it has 1,665,000, an increase of over a million people in 43 years – it can be done!

Just as oil and gas provided the catalyst for the growth of Calgary and all Alberta, Red Deer will need it’s own catalysts to accomplish the same. And the great news is, they are emerging and developing today. I speak firstly of the new Regional Hospital which will be breaking ground, I believe, in 2025. This two-billion-dollar project will bring an immense wave of employment, capital and economic activity to the city and the region. As it builds out, it will attract all levels of health care professionals, developers, post secondary expansions, retailers, food services, social and finance infrastructure, investors and the list goes on. It will transform Capstone and the downtown. It will propel 11A annexation and North of 11A.

Once completed, we will have a world class medical facility, unmatched by any in the province. In combination with the Sheldon Kennedy Centre for Excellence, the Justice Centre and the technology, trades and medical programming at the Red Deer Polytechnic, we are positioned to become a central hub in the province for research, innovation, and training excellence.

I mentioned energy as a catalyst for growth in Alberta. Our traditional energy resources of oil and gas remain vital and are now complimented by advances in wind, solar, hydrogen and carbon capture technologies. Red Deer and the region are very well positioned to become a provincial leader in these technologies.

The future of the Red Deer Regional Airport is bright, which will also be a contributor in the province. Our natural environment will become an even greater attractant for people who want to connect and reconnect with nature. We have a uniqueness in our work/life balance. More people are seeing and wanting to be part of the Red Deer scene. I haven’t even mentioned our sports amenities, our vibrant cultural landscape and our tourism sector, all poised to carry us forward.

The greatest opportunity lies, I believe, in the development of a high-speed rail corridor. The Edmonton/Calgary corridor is one of the fastest growing and wealthiest regions in Canada. A high-speed rail linkage with a stop in Red Deer, as has been proposed, would transform Red Deer’s economic and social future. It would be possible to work in the metro centers and live in Red Deer.  A shorter commute time to work from 150 kilometers, than from 30 kilometers – yes it will happen! The supply chain impact will be monumental for Alberta and Red Deer will be its prime beneficiary.

Growth brings opportunity, it brings collaboration, creativity and enterprise. Managed well, it fosters community and generational success. A million-person city? I believe it can be done and will be done by the Red Deer we are, and yet to be.

Until next time,
Mayor Ken Johnston

My dear Red Deerians.

I wanted to share my vision with you today on what we can become as a recovery community in the years ahead. As you know, Council recently passed a motion asking the Government of Alberta to transition our Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) out of our community. This resolution was reached after an extensive amount of debate, research, discussion, tours of facilities, input from experts on every side of the issue, and, of course, much public input from our citizens from every part of our community.

I understand that some of us may be hurt, angry, confused, or in fear of what this could potentially mean for our city. I also understand that this is a divisive and emotional issue, striking at the heart of our beliefs and our compassion. At the core of this motion is the deep concern for the health and well-being of every Red Deerian but especially those who are afflicted with the disease of addiction.

My dear Red Deerians, Red Deer is not alone in its struggles in this tragic escalation of opioid addiction. Cities throughout Canada and North America, indeed throughout the world, are struggling to combat and overcome this disease in the face of ever-increasing toxic additives, organized crime, and the oppression of those most directly affected. Those directly affected people include our neighbours, our sons and daughters, our fellow employees and coworkers, the homeless, those in poverty, those suffering from mental health issues, those that are desperate.

It’s time for a full-on approach to this disease. It’s time to say as a city there is a better way, a far more compassionate and effective way, to restore the health and dignity of not only our effected citizens but all relationships affected by addiction, and by extension the health of our city and cities. Sadly, but so very tragically, there are only two routes through addiction, death or recovery.

Addiction is brutal, it is all consuming, it annihilates the individuals mind, body and soul and it annihilates relationships. It destroys hope and cripples’ communities. That is why I introduced the Alberta Model of Wellness to our Council in 2022 and asked them to endorse it as a way forward for Red Deer. I have been encouraged these past few years by the operational and capital investments made by the Government of Alberta in striving toward a recovery-oriented system of care.

Our recovery community at the north end of the city is fully operational now, providing treatment beds for over 70 people. The province is planning, in total, 11 recovery centres over the next few years to provide people a way towards restoration in a clinical and structured setting. Opioid agonist therapies are providing the much needed and much required harm reduction therapy. Locally, that clinic is now treating over 200 people and integrating them back into meaningful purpose. Our Dream Centre is operational and providing care for those affected by addictions. Therapeutic living units - the first ever in Alberta - are in operation at the Remand Centre providing recovery opportunity for those incarcerated.

Council’s motion did not simply call for a transition or closure of the OPS by the end of 2025. Far more importantly, and far more urgently, it called for a significant increase in mental health supports, in detox, in the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VOPD), in agonist therapy, supports in housing, and in police enforcement. This is the full measure response that I have communicated both in writing, and in person to the Ministry of Addictions and Mental Health.

Human life, all human life, is precious. We need, and must, come to the aid of our citizens who find themselves trapped. Shortly after Council passed this motion, I wrote a letter to Minister Dan Williams, Mental Health and Addictions with the Government of Alberta. I made it very clear, my dear Red Deerians, that those full measures are needed to effectively and sustainably bring health, safety and restoration to all who suffer from the disease of addiction. All the supports that I have outlined above and more as determined by the Health Ministry will be needed.

I am convinced that if supports are available in full measure and fully accessible to everyone they will be accessed and they will be effective in bringing people into recovery. The Minister and I had an excellent first meeting on March 12, 2024. He will shortly be sharing his preliminary strategies on the way forward with your Council. I was encouraged by his wisdom as he indicated that this will be a thoughtful, time framed, careful, strategic, and fully resourced response to our motion.

But to be truly successful, and to be truly transformational as a city, we will need to involve all our community. And most especially this includes our citizens, who may be fearful or angry, or doubtful that this is the way to approach this most critical issue. For that reason, I will be meeting over the next several months with members of the substance use coalition, with physicians, and other government and non-government agencies. The broader goal of our recovery vision is to be a full community of recovery. This means all our systems of care, our education, legal, correctional, judicial, housing, employment, and social supports, etcetera, will be focused on community wellness. To get this done, to get this restoration, and this renewal, it will require all of us to keep always, the suffering, the desperate, the addicted and oppressed at the heart of our conversations.

I am learning from everyone and am looking for their ideas, for their hearts, and for their energies. I will have more to report on this over the next few months, but for now, my dear Red Deerians I wanted to inform you, invite you, and engage you as we go forward in the journey of recovery.

Hope to see you shortly in this beautiful city we call home.

Mayor Ken Johnston