In simple terms, City Council was asked to decide whether this type of use could be allowed on this property in the future. It does not mean a shelter is approved, being built, or moving to this location. It also does not decide how a shelter would operate. Those decisions will come later and involve other approvals and the Province of Alberta.
Rezoning Application - 7740 40 Avenue
On January 8, 2026 a Rezoning Application was submitted to The City of Red Deer, by the Red Deer Homeless Foundation, to allow a shelter use on the site located at 7740 40 Avenue.
February 27, 2026
Red Deer City Council approved a rezoning application for the property located at 7740 40 Avenue, following two days of public hearings that drew significant community interest and participation.
The application was submitted by the Red Deer Homeless Foundation, with City Council approving an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw that changes the zoning of the site from Industrial (I2) to a Direct Control Zone. City Council also passed an amendment to change it from a permitted to discretionary use, allowing Council to more closely regulate how the site could be used in the future.
This rezoning does not approve the construction or operation of a shelter. Instead, it establishes the land use framework required for a shelter to be considered at this location in the future. Any proposal would still require development permit approval from Council.
With approval of the amendment, City Council emphasized the importance of establishing appropriate requirements at the development permit stage. As the Development Authority for this Direct Control District, City Council will be responsible for reviewing and making decisions on any future development permit applications for the site. Nearly all members of Council spoke to their commitment to carefully consider the feedback shared during the public hearing and to carry those perspectives forward should a development permit application come forward for consideration.
What Council decided
Council's decision was limited to land use only. Specifically, Council approved:
- Creating a new Direct Control zoning district (DC(36)), and
- Rezoning the property from Heavy Industrial (I2) to DC(36).
What this decision does not do
- Does not approve a shelter to open
- Does not approve building renovations or site design
- Does not approve shelter operations
- Does not approve staffing, programming, or security plans
Those matters would be considered later, through separate Development Permit and operational approval processes.
Why zoning is considered first
Under Alberta’s Municipal Government Act, Council must first determine whether a proposed land use is appropriate for a site before reviewing any development or operational details. Rezoning establishes the range of uses that may be considered, not the specifics of how a use would function.
Council’s role
In considering these bylaws, Council is required to focus on:
- Land-use compatibility
- Planning principles
- Compliance with statutory process
Council is also the Development Authority for this site, meaning any future development applications would return to Council for consideration.
More information
Review the FAQ and visit the Shelters Services in Red Deer page for the most up-to-date information on:
Questions and comments related specifically to the rezoning process may be directed to shelter@reddeer.ca.
Resources
- Shelter Rezoning Notification Letter (pdf) - includes map of proposed rezoning of 7740 40 Avenue from Heavy Industrial (I2) to Direct Control District No. 36 (DC36)
- Red Deer Homeless Foundation: Project Nexus
Frequently Asked Questions
Does rezoning approve a shelter?
No. Rezoning establishes whether a particular use may be permitted on a property. It does not approve:
- Construction or building alterations
- Shelter operations or programming
- Day-to-day management of a facility
Why is this site being considered?
This is a privately initiated application submitted by a landowner. Council is required to consider applications that meet legislative requirements.
Who is making the rezoning decision?
City Council is the decision authority for rezoning applications and is acting in its legislative role. Council considered the application through a formal process that included a Public Hearing before making the decision to approve the rezoning application.
What is The City of Red Deer’s role in this process?
The City’s role is limited to land use and development approvals, including:
- Reviewing and processing the rezoning application
- Holding a Public Hearing and receiving public input
- Making a decision on whether the proposed land use is appropriate
- Reviewing any future Development Permit or Safety Codes applications, if applicable
The City does not:
- Select shelter sites
- Operate shelters
- Decide how shelters are managed or programmed
What is the Province of Alberta’s role?
The Province of Alberta is responsible for:
- Funding shelter services
- Selecting and contracting shelter operators
- Determining shelter models, programming, and service delivery
- Overseeing shelter operations
Who operates the shelter?
Shelters are operated by organizations contracted by the Province of Alberta. The City of Red Deer does not operate shelters. At this time:
- Safe Harbour Society is currently operating the temporary shelter site at Cannery Row.
- The Province of Alberta has indicated that shelter operations at the temporary site will transition to Hope Mission on April 1, 2026.
If this application is approved, does it mean the shelter is moving?
We do not yet have this information. At this time, the approved rezoning application only considers whether a shelter use would be permitted on this property from a land use perspective. The City of Red Deer does not yet have specific details related to operations and construction of a potential future shelter.
What happens now that rezoning is approved?
Now that rezoning was approved:
- Additional approvals are still required (e.g., Development Permit, Safety Codes permits)
- Rezoning alone does not authorize construction or operation
- Any future development would take time and be subject to further review and communication
Will the current temporary shelter site close?
This rezoning application does not determine the future of the current temporary shelter site. Decisions related to shelter locations, closures, or relocations are the responsibility of the Province of Alberta. The City of Red Deer will continue to work with the Province and local shelter operators to determine next steps and ensure we can share up to date information with the community; however, this is not information we have at this time.
Where can I get more information?
Information about the rezoning process, timelines, and participation opportunities is available on The City of Red Deer’s website at reddeer.ca/shelter.
Questions related specifically to the rezoning process may be submitted to shelter@reddeer.ca.