City Council: Recap– July 28, 2026

Red Deer City Council made the following decisions at today’s regular meeting of Council. 

CONSENT:  

Alberta Mid-sized Cities Mayors’ Caucus Summit Budget Request 

• Administration provided Council with an update on planning for the 2026 Alberta Mid-sized Cities Mayors' Caucus (MCMC) Summit, which Red Deer will host from September 16 to 18. 
• The report highlighted how the Summit will showcase Red Deer, strengthen relationships with municipal and provincial partners, generate local economic activity, and be delivered on a cost-recovery basis. 

Update on Ministry of Transportation's Highway Improvements in the Red Deer Area 

• City Council received an update on the Ministry of Transportation’s Highway Improvements in the Red Deer Area report for information. 
• More information: News Release - City Council directs Administration to negotiate with Province on Highway 2 project impacts (See News Release Section)

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 3367/T-2026 – Gas Station on Rezoning from C-3 to R-M on 32 Street Esso  

• City Council passed first reading of a Zoning Bylaw amendment to rezone 4745 and 4749 32 Street from Neighbourhood Commercial Zone to Residential Medium-Density Zone.
• The South Hill property was previously home to a gas station, convenience store and other commercial uses, which have since closed. The landowner is proposing to remove the aging commercial buildings and transition the site to residential development that is compatible with surrounding townhomes and other residential uses.
• Administration supports the proposed amendment, which would create an opportunity for additional housing in an established neighbourhood and aligns with the Municipal Development Plan, the Community Housing and Homelessness Integrated Plan, and Council’s priority of housing that works for Red Deer.
• The amendment will proceed to advertising and a public hearing before Council makes a final decision. 

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 3357/CC-2026 – external application Amendment to create a site exception for Cannabis Retail Sales at 2120-90 Thornburn Avenue  

• City Council passed first reading of a Zoning Bylaw amendment to create a site-specific exception allowing Cannabis Retail Sales as a discretionary use at 2120-90 Thorburn Avenue.
• The property is located in Timberlands North and is currently zoned Mixed-Use Commercial: C-5, which does not permit Cannabis Retail Sales. The proposed location is within an existing commercial development and meets the separation and location requirements in the Zoning Bylaw, including required distances from schools, daycares and other cannabis retailers.
• Administration supports the proposed amendment, which would fill a vacant commercial space and support Council’s priority for economic growth.
• The amendment will proceed to advertising and a public hearing before Council makes a final decision. 

REPORTS: 

Westerner Exposition Association Annual Financials Report 

• The Westerner Exposition Association presented their 2025-2026 Annual Financial Report.
• The presentation highlighted continued progress in strengthening the organization’s financial position.
• While WEA remains reliant on grants and continues to face long-term debt obligations, operational performance improved over the past year through increased revenues, reduced operating expenses, and stronger cash flow.
• Council directed Administration to complete additional financial analysis and strategic assessment work, including a review of current loan agreements and repayment options, and report back by the end of the first quarter of 2027 to help inform future decisions and protect The City’s financial interests.
• "While WEA's financial position continues to improve, it remains important to understand the long-term implications of its financial obligations. This work will help ensure Council has the information it needs to prioritize financial sustainability and make informed decisions for the future,” said Sam Mugford, Chief Financial Officer 

Recommendation from Housing and Homelessness Integration Committee (HHIC) 

• Council supported a recommendation from the Homeless and Housing Integration Committee recognizing the importance of stable, long-term funding for youth transitional housing.
• They passed a resolution directing the Office of the Mayor and Council to advocate to the Governments of Alberta and Canada, along with other relevant funding partners, for sustainable, long-term funding to support youth transitional housing initiatives beyond the current 2026/2027 funding period. 
  

PUBLIC HEARINGS:  

Kentwood NE Kingsgate Neighbourhood Area Structure Plan 3217/B-2026-readjust the boundary to the north to include part of 8040 52 Avenue for +/- 1.35 hectares (3,35 acres) of land  

• Following a public hearing today, City Council passed second and third reading for an amendment to the Kentwood Northeast (Kingsgate) Neighbourhood Area Structure Plan (NASP) that would expand the boundary to include approximately 1.35 hectares of land at 8040 52 Avenue. 
• The amendment is intended to support the Highway 11A twinning and overpass project by enabling future access to 8040 52 Avenue from Kingston Drive, while also establishing the planning framework for additional residential development in the Kentwood neighbourhood.