February 3, 2026

City Council passed First Reading of two proposed zoning bylaw amendments related to the property at 7740 40 Avenue, advancing the bylaws into the statutory public process. If ultimately approved, the amendments could allow a future shelter use to be considered on the site. 

With First Reading complete, the bylaws will now proceed to a Public Hearing on February 25, 2026, where community members will have the opportunity to provide input before Council makes any final decision. 

Rezoning decisions determine what land uses may be considered on a property, not how or when they would operate. 

“Passing First Reading allows this proposal to move into the formal public hearing stage, where Council can hear directly from the community before making a final decision,” said David Girardin, Senior Manager of Growth. 

What Council decided 

Council's decision at First Reading was limited to land use only. Specifically, Council approved moving forward with consideration of: 

• Creating a new Direct Control zoning district (DC(36)), and 
• Rezoning the property from Heavy Industrial (I2) to DC(36). 

Passing First Reading introduces the bylaws into the statutory process required under Alberta’s Municipal Government Act and enables a Public Hearing to occur. 

What this decision does not do 

Passing First Reading: 

• Does not approve a shelter to open 
• Does not approve building renovations or site design 
• Does not approve shelter operations 
• Does not approve staffing, programming, or security plans 

Those matters would be considered later, through separate Development Permit and operational approval processes, and only if the rezoning is ultimately approved through all three readings. 

Why zoning is considered first

Under Alberta’s Municipal Government Act, Council must first determine whether a proposed land use is appropriate for a site before reviewing any development or operational details. Rezoning establishes the range of uses that may be considered, not the specifics of how a use would function. 

Council’s role 

In considering these bylaws, Council is required to focus on: 

• Land-use compatibility 
• Planning principles 
• Compliance with statutory process 

Council is also the Development Authority for this site, meaning any future development applications would return to Council for consideration. 

Public input and expanded communication 

In addition to the Public Hearing process, The City has proactively expanded its communication efforts beyond legislated requirements. This has included: 

• Advance notification letters to businesses within 100 metres prior to First Reading 
• Sharing information through the shelter inbox and email subscription lists 
• Posting information publicly on The City’s website 

Community input received to date has been shared with Council and will continue to be considered as the process moves forward. 

What happens next 

A Public Hearing will be held on February 25, 2026. 

• Community members may submit written comments or speak directly to Council at the Public Hearing 
• Council will consider all feedback before deciding on Second and Third Readings 
• Only if all three readings are approved would the rezoning take effect.  

Those who wish to submit written comments on this Public Hearing matter may do so by: 

• Completing and submitting the Public Hearing Submission Form
• Emailing your comments to publichearings@reddeer.ca;  
• Dropping off a written copy of your submission at City Hall (4914 48 Avenue) during business hours to the attention of Red Deer City Council c/o Clerk, Legislative Services; or  
• Mailing your submission to Red Deer City Council c/o Clerk, Legislative Services, Box 5008, Red Deer, AB T4N 3T4.  

More information

Residents and media are encouraged to review the FAQ and visit the Shelters Services in Red Deer page for the most up-to-date information on:

• The rezoning process
• Key timelines
• Public participation opportunities

Questions and comments related specifically to the rezoning process may be directed to shelter@reddeer.ca 

Resources

• February 3, 2026 - Public Hearing Set as City Council Invites Community Input on Zoning Changes
• Shelter Rezoning Notification Letter (pdf) - includes map of proposed rezoning of 7740 40 Avenue from Heavy Industrial (I2) to Direct Control District No. 36 (DC36)
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (pdf)
• Rezoning Application - 7740 40 Avenue

In December 2025, the Downtown Business Association (DBA) formally requested that The City of Red Deer begin the legislated process to disestablish the Business Improvement Area (BIA).

In response, The City is following the required provincial process, which includes opportunities for BIA taxpayers to receive information, provide input, and participate in a vote. City Council has not made a final decision, and no changes take effect unless the process is completed.

For more information and to sign up for email updates, visit reddeer.ca/downtownbusiness.

The Province of Alberta is leading a project to widen Highway 2 between 32 Street and Highway 11 to improve safety on one of the province’s most collision-prone corridors. This is a Provincial project, not a City-led initiative. For full project details or media inquiries, please contact the Government of Alberta or visit alberta.ca/highway-2-improvements-in-the-red-deer-area. 

Key Facts:

• This is a Provincial highway safety project designed to reduce collisions. 
• Minor pre-construction impacts are expected in portions of Maskepetoon Park, Heritage Ranch, and the Red Deer River. 
• The City of Red Deer continues to work with the Province to protect the Waskasoo Park System. 
• Environmental and Indigenous considerations are being addressed by the Province.

F3 Networks Canada Inc. (F3) is constructing a new fibre-optic infrastructure across Red Deer. TELUS has partnered with F3 to deliver its PureFibre services over this network, promising faster, more reliable internet speeds. Importantly, this is a project led by F3 - not The City of Red Deer. All questions or concerns should be directed to F3.

Additional information

Key Facts:

What residents need to know?

• Direct installation questions or concerns: Contact F3 Networks Canada Inc. directly - they’re fully responsible for all fibre-related activity.
• Notice damage to City infrastructure or disruptions: Report it using the Report a Problem tool, or call the main City line at 403-342-8111. The City will route it to the proper department - whether Public Works, Utilities, or Engineering - to investigate and respond.
• Road safety hazards or settling ground after excavation: These fall under the City’s Construction & Maintenance teams. You can report these to Environmental Services (for water, sewer, or storm concerns) or Parks & Public Works (for concrete, asphalt, landscaping) via Report a Problem.

Contact Info:

Direct inquiries to F3 Networks
Email: Customerservice@F3Networks.ca
Phone: 778-200-9100