The most recently considered site for a future permanent shelter in Red Deer is no longer on the table after City Council ceased negotiations with the private landowner last week.
The decision to cease negotiations occurred as the site was determined to be cost prohibitive based on currently committed provincial funds. The size of the site, servicing required, and environmental factors all contributed to the financial constraints, making the site unviable.
On the heels of this decision, City Council is going back to the province to talk about a way forward in absence of a site, and to call on the province to share their potential vision and operating model for a future permanent shelter before moving forward to find another site.
“This is a provincial project. With four sites previously and unsuccessfully put forward to the Province of Alberta, it is time for a different conversation – a conversation that includes discussion about process, about model and operator. We as a City Council want to know what services a future permanent shelter might include. We want to know who it will serve. We want to know how it will be integrated into our community,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “There are several factors currently hindering our ability to proceed, cost is just one of these factors. We know our community wants certainty, as does City Council. We will continue to do everything we can to work with the province to site and develop a permanent shelter that acknowledges the needs of all in our city.”
Over 130 sites were considered for a permanent shelter in Red Deer, with four formally put forward to the Province of Alberta for consideration:
- The first site considered by City Council was located in Railyards (downtown). Following targeted input sessions, City Council decided not to proceed with the site as it did not align with community needs and values. It was removed as a site option.
- The second site recommended by City Council was located at the north end of Red Deer and was not supported by the province due to concerns related to compatibility with nearby amenities.
- The third site, located in south Red Deer, was unanimously supported by City Council on October 11, 2023, followed by support from the province; however, land negotiations failed.
- The fourth site put forward was located in northeast Red Deer. It was initially supported by the province; however, City Council has now ceased negotiations as it was determined to be unviable. The size of the site, servicing and other factors all contributed to the site being cost prohibitive.
The City is not releasing the addresses of the sites put forward to the province as we focus on next steps and work to respect the privacy of the private property/landowners today and going forward.
“We want to share more information with our community as we progress through this process. But right now, we are working to find a way forward with the province, and we do not have any new information to share just yet. We know this is disheartening for many. I, like you, hoped we might already have shovels in the ground for a new permanent shelter in Red Deer. But siting and developing a shelter in the right place in the right way is important work, and we want to ensure we are aligned in our vision and approach. We are committed to honouring a housing first focus that considers the needs and impacts for everyone in our city. Red Deer, I believe we will get there; we just need to find a new way forward.”
According to Red Deer’s Point in Time (PIT) Count, held in the fall of 2022, the number of persons experiencing homelessness in the city increased to 334 in 2022 from 144 in 2018, confirming local outreach staff expectations that the number of people experiencing homelessness is increasing.
The temporary shelter is approved to continue to operate in its current location at 5239 53 Avenue until at least May 1, 2025, with City Council remaining committed to continued emergency shelter in Red Deer.
A community update will be provided following City Council’s meeting with the Province of Alberta. A date has not been set for the meeting, but Mayor Johnston anticipates a response from the province this week.
For more information on the future shelter project, visit reddeer.ca/shelter.
March 18 2024 - FAQ - Permanent Shelter (pdf)