Red Deer City Council has approved amendments to the Committees Bylaw to formally establish a Greater Downtown Governance Committee, creating a dedicated governance structure to support coordination, strategic investment and ongoing revitalization in Greater Downtown Red Deer.
The Committee will support a coordinated governance approach for Greater Downtown, which includes Historic Downtown, Capstone, Parkvale and Railyards. It will bring together Council, Administration, businesses, community organizations and residents to help ensure community perspectives are reflected in municipal decision-making and downtown priorities are advanced in a coordinated and transparent way.
“The value of this Committee is that it creates a dedicated table for focused conversations, collaboration and accountability around the future of Greater Downtown,” said Bobby-Jo Stannard, Manager of Safe and Healthy Communities. “By bringing together different perspectives through a clear governance structure, the Committee will help support more coordinated decision-making, stronger alignment between partners and a shared focus on achieving meaningful outcomes for downtown over time.”
The Committee will act as Council’s designated forum for reviewing and providing advice on municipal matters affecting Greater Downtown, helping inform Council decisions. Its work will focus on priorities including neighbourhood identity, investment-friendly environments, destination development, community safety and well-being, parking management, and a connected and accessible downtown.
The Committee will also advise Administration on Greater Downtown policies, initiatives, guidelines and plans. Where authority is delegated by Council, it may adjudicate and award available funding related to Greater Downtown activation, vibrancy and improvement projects. The Committee’s work and eligible initiatives will be supported by revenue from the downtown parking program, creating a dedicated revenue stream for Greater Downtown priorities.
Membership will include one Councillor, four Greater Downtown business representatives, one representative from a local business or economic development organization, one representative from a downtown social agency, and two citizens at large, with preference for at least one resident of Greater Downtown. The Committee is required to report to Council annually.
Recruitment for public members will begin in August as part of The City’s annual committee recruitment process, with appointments anticipated during the 2026 Organizational Meeting of Council and terms beginning in January. Residents, business representatives and community members interested in contributing to Greater Downtown’s future are encouraged to learn more about Council Committees and the recruitment process at reddeer.ca/committees.
For more information and updates on Greater Downtown, visit reddeer.ca/greaterdowntown.