On January 6, 2025, Emergency Services implemented Dynamic Staffing. Approved by City Council as a cost-saving measure in the 2025 Operational Budget, this initiative aims to reduce overtime hours while maintaining core emergency services.

Key Facts:

• No firefighter/paramedic jobs have been cut.
  • There are currently 194 permanent firefighter/paramedic positions within The City of Red Deer’s emergency services department.
  • Since 2022, we have added 32 new positions to Emergency Services.
  • Since 2007, Red Deer’s population has grown by approximately 35%. The number of firefighter/paramedic positions has increased by 73% - growing from 112 to 194.
  • In June, a Letter of Understanding was signed between The City and the IAFF to enable hiring of up to 12 temporary paramedics, in EMS-only roles, for terms of up to 12 months.
    
    
• Dynamic staffing, introduced as part of the 2025 budget process, is aimed at reducing reliance on overtime, not reducing staff.
  • In 2024, The City paid $3.2 million in emergency services overtime - the highest per capita in Alberta.
    
    
• All fire stations remain operational, and we continue to meet all required standards for emergency response and staffing.
  
  • Target: 10-minute response time for fires, 90% of the time.
  • Target staffing: 31 personnel per shift across five stations.
  • Station #2 may operate with adjusted staffing if staff are unavailable for their scheduled shifts.
  • Mutual aid agreements with surrounding communities ensure additional support when needed.
    
    
• Reducing unnecessary overtimes helps ensure the long-term financial health of emergency services and the organization, minimizing growing costs and impacts to taxpayers.
  • Overtime is paid at double the regular rate. For a first-class firefighter, the regular pay rate in 2024 is $50.11/hour. With overtime, this becomes $100.22/hour.

On The Record:

“The City’s emergency services team has grown significantly over the years. Since 2007, Red Deer’s population has increased by approximately 35 per cent, and our firemedic staffing has grown by 73 per cent - from 112 to 194 positions.” - Fire Chief, Ken McMullen. 

"Public safety remains our highest priority," said Mayor Ken Johnston. "City Council has every confidence in the decisions being made by Chief McMullen and our Emergency Services leadership team. They are balancing operational needs with financial responsibility while ensuring Red Deer remains well protected." - Mayor Ken Johnston.

Find out more at reddeer.ca/emergencyservices.

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. 

NOTE: A Government of Alberta public information session will be held on July 15 from 7 – 9 p.m. at the iHotel on 67 Street. 

The Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF2) has been a hot topic in our community, with many residents taking the time to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas with us. We appreciate the strong level of engagement, as it reflects how much Red Deerians care about their neighbourhoods and housing future. Following these conversations and public participation sessions, City Council has decided not to move forward with a blanket four-units-as-of-right zoning change. Instead, we are continuing to explore other ways to increase housing options that better align with local needs and community priorities.

You can read all about HAF2 at reddeer.ca/HAF2. Here is a snapshot of where we are now:

Council Will Not Proceed with Blanket Four-Units-As-of-Right

City Council has decided not to move forward with a citywide zoning change to allow four units as-of-right. Instead, Administration will continue exploring housing solutions that better align with local needs and community feedback.

Housing Options Remain a Priority

The City remains committed to increasing housing supply. Other planning tools and strategies will continue to be explored to help meet housing targets in ways that respond to the needs of our city.

Federal Funding and Local Decision-Making

While the $12 million federal Housing Accelerator Fund grant is designed to accelerate housing development, local zoning decisions remain within the City’s control. The City will continue to advocate for flexibility to use funding in ways that meet community needs, such as supportive and affordable housing.

Ongoing Transparency and Engagement

Your input matters. We will continue to keep residents informed and engaged as housing discussions progress, ensuring decisions reflect both community priorities and Red Deer’s long-term housing goals.

On The Record:

“Red Deerians want more housing options, but they do not support applying Four Units As-of-Right as a blanket zoning change. We know the housing challenge in Red Deer is real and urgent, and Council remains committed to finding solutions that balance that urgency with the values and priorities of our community.

We want to thank everyone who shared their perspectives. The input we received was invaluable and will continue to guide our efforts as we work to increase housing availability in a way that makes sense for Red Deer.” - Mayor Ken Johnston.