City Council passed second and third readings of a Zoning Bylaw Amendment today that, if the required development permits are approved, will result in:
- Removal of supervised consumption service permissions at 5233 54 Avenue.
- Extension of the temporary shelter’s operation at 5239 53 Avenue until May 1, 2027.
- Expansion of the site to add emergency shelter as a use into an adjacent unit at the temporary shelter site (5239 53 Avenue) for the upcoming winter season.
- Additional capacity for detoxification and overnight shelter at 5246 53 Avenue.
Today’s decision comes after the Province of Alberta announced plans on September 23, 2024, to expand recovery support services in Red Deer. This provincial plan includes the following:
- A Mobile Rapid Access Addiction Medicine clinic operated by Recovery Alberta, located in the homeless shelter parking lot. This will offer screening, diagnosis and referral to services; access to the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program; and education, naloxone kits and needle exchange.
- A Dynamic Overdose Response Team of paramedics and licensed practical nurses to monitor a designated area of the Safe Harbour shelter facility, as well as the surrounding block.
- Recovery coaches in and around the homeless shelter to provide outreach services and help guide individuals along the path of recovery.
- Enhancements to medically supported detox capacity in partnership with Safe Harbour that will help more people safely withdraw from substances so they can continue their pursuit of recovery.
With approval of the Zoning Bylaw Amendment today, a development permit will also be required for extension of the temporary shelter’s operation, expansion of the site to add emergency shelter, and for additional capacity for detoxification. The development permit would be considered by Council, as the Development Authority for the use on this site. Per Zoning Bylaw requirements, The City will conduct further legislated consultation before City Council’s approval of a future potential Development Permit.
“Red Deer City Council is committed to supporting recovery-oriented services in Red Deer. The Zoning Bylaw Amendment approved today is necessary for the Province to proceed with its plan and respond to the growing and complex needs of our community – needs for more emergency housing and recovery in Red Deer,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “We must take a coordinated approach to address homelessness and addictions in our city, and today’s amendment is about supporting sustainable solutions that consider the needs of all Red Deer citizens.”
In addition to approval of the Zoning Bylaw Amendment today, City Council previously approved a Development Permit enabling Recovery Alberta to operate a Mobile Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (M-RAAM) Clinic in the parking lot at 5256 53 Avenue, where the current overdose prevention site (OPS) is located. Alberta Health Services applied for the permit, and since the service falls under Health and Medical Services, it is a permitted use, requiring no additional zoning adjustments. This approval occurred on November 12, 2024. The OPS will ramp down and transition out between December 2024 and March 2025, with the M-RAAM replacing the current OPS.
When it comes to housing and homelessness, The Province is responsible for funding and operational planning. The City of Red Deer oversees zoning and development approvals, facilitates public consultations, and ensures compliance with municipal policies.
More information about the Province’s plan to expand recovery support in Red Deer can be found on their website at www.alberta.ca with details provided in a news release distributed by the Province on September 23, 2024.