Rooted in Red Deer 2050, a newly formed Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee is working to develop a strategy that imagines a thriving, diverse and competitive business environment for Red Deer.
The formation of the committee follows extensive focus group discussions with key leaders from the Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce, Red Deer Polytechnic, and The City of Red Deer. These discussions revealed the need for a clear economic development governance model that maximizes investment and fosters long-term prosperity.
“We are excited about this opportunity to rethink and strengthen our approach to economic development,” said Peter Lacey, Chair of the Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee. “We are bringing together several community and business leaders to drive Red Deer towards a more unified strategy for growth and prosperity”
The Committee was recruited in the fall of 2024, with a focus on engaging members from all sectors of Red Deer’s business community. We sought individuals who are passionate about reimagining economic development and bringing fresh perspectives to the city’s growth. The Committee began meeting in January, tasked with delivering a final report and recommendations to City Council by the end of April 2025.
Key anticipated outcomes of the committee’s work include:
- Identifying Red Deer’s economic growth priorities to align with the city’s strengths, assets, and future potential.
- Establishing a clear governance structure to enhance collaboration between The City and business leaders that plan a role in economic development.
- Strengthening regional partnerships to position Red Deer as a leading economic hub in Central Alberta.
- Ensuring accountability and measurable success through clear monitoring and reporting systems.
“Red Deer hasn’t necessarily experienced the same level of growth as some other communities,” said Mike Olesen, General Manager of Growth and Finance. “Our aim is to address this challenge by working collaboratively and strategically and bringing together diverse voices to develop a roadmap to drive economic success in Red Deer and beyond.”