Red Deer City Council has approved a development permit for Phase 1 of Project Nexus, allowing the establishment of a 24/7 low-barrier emergency shelter and associated support services at 7740 40 Avenue.
The approval enables the Red Deer Homeless Foundation to move forward with the first phase of its proposed social care campus, which is intended to bring together shelter, health, recovery and housing supports in one coordinated location. The emergency shelter will be operated by Hope Mission and will provide up to 200 permanent sleeping accommodations, in addition to 50 temporary sleeping accommodations that would be made available as surge capacity in periods of prolonged heat or cold, for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
In addition to the emergency shelter, the approved development includes a courtyard, community garden, health and medical services space, and professional office space. Together, these uses are intended to support a campus-based model of care that improves access to services and strengthens pathways to housing stability and recovery.
Prior to the application being considered by Council, The City of Red Deer undertook a public engagement process to gather feedback and input from residents and stakeholders on the proposed permanent shelter. Engagement included online feedback and information sharing through The City’s public engagement platform, available at Nexus Permanent Shelter Engagement. Feedback received through this process was provided to Council as part of the decision-making package.
Council's approval includes 21 specific conditions related to site operations, security, maintenance, transportation, environmental assessments and community safety. These conditions are intended to ensure the development operates in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Direct Control District established for the site and addresses considerations identified through administration's review process.
“Council’s decision on Project Nexus marks an important step in advancing a coordinated approach to homelessness in our community,” said Mayor Cindy Jefferies. “This project brings together housing, health and social supports, and reflects extensive planning and public engagement. As it moves forward, we will continue working with partners to ensure it is implemented responsibly and with careful attention to both client needs and community impacts.”
This site has historically been used for industrial and office uses and was identified by the landowner as a location that could support a coordinated, campus-based model of care. The establishment of Direct Control District 36 earlier this year created a tailored regulatory framework to enable shelter, housing and related support services on the site, while ensuring appropriate compatibility with surrounding industrial uses.
The development permit approval applies only to the uses included in the current application. Any future phases of Project Nexus or additional uses proposed for the site will require separate development permit applications and approval by Council.
Construction and site preparation activities will proceed once all permit conditions and applicable regulatory requirements have been satisfied.
For more information, visit Project Nexus Campus
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