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June 2010 > A publication by The City of Red Deer for the citizens of Red Deer

www.reddeer.ca

Red Deer is a vibrant community where innovative thinking leads to inspired results. But what makes Red Deer vibrant? Is it our top-notch

municipal services and governance structure? Our focus on a sustainable future? Or is it the little things that set our city apart, the things we sometimes take for granted as Red Deerians?

Really, it’s all those things and more that have created a community alive with opportunity. So turn the page and explore the possibilities. You may just fi nd some of the hidden treasures that make our city shine.

1 What Makes Red Deer Vibrant?

2 The Little Big Things

2 A tribute to the past, a vision for the future

3 Let’s talk taxes

4 The City’s online presence: What’s not to ‘like’?

5 Growing green with the new downtown parkade

6 Red Deer Rocks the Vote

8 A better way of doing business

8 The right location is a safe investment

9 Safety isn’t secondary

10 Red Deerians? More like volunteerians!

11 Refreshing changes at the Water Treatment Plant

11 Building a better experience at the G.H. Dawe

12 What’s in the works?

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The Unknown Soldier faces west, away from overseas battle� elds and toward home. � ough

made of stone, he is alive with the memory of those lost to war and the promise of a peaceful future. Truly, Red Deer’s cenotaph holds deep meaning in our community.

Soon, we will be better able to appreciate this monument in Red Deer’s downtown, thanks to the development of a pedestrian park near the cenotaph.

Veterans’ Park, expected to be complete by Remembrance Day, will feature seating, enhanced lighting, landscaping, and other design elements that will add to the distinctive beauty of Red Deer’s historic downtown. � e plaza will also help create a more pedestrian-friendly environment by slowing tra­ c and o� ering a space where the community can come together.

But the cenotaph plaza is a small part of a large and long-term plan that contains almost 200

recommendations for the revitalization of Red Deer’s downtown. � e Greater Downtown

Action Plan highlights the need and importance of working together to

create a thriving downtown that’s inviting for

families, businesses, and visitors.

“Downtown Red Deer has an incredible amount of potential,” said Craig Curtis, City Manager. “� e Greater Downtown Action Plan is about realizing that potential and creating a vibrant downtown core where Red Deerians can � nd business opportunities, art galleries, shops, eateries, cultural activities, festivals, or even a place to call home.”

Work has already begun to put this plan into action. Veterans’ Park is an important step toward the vibrant downtown that the Greater Downtown Action Plan envisions, something the community will see � rsthand this Remembrance Day when the park is completed. By preserving and, indeed, promoting such a vital representation of Red Deer’s past, we are ensuring an exciting future full of community pride.

Veterans’ Park is an important

step toward a vibrant

downtown, something the

community will see firsthand

this Remembrance Day.

The Little Big ThingsOur community grows in numbers every year,

and it’s easy to see why. People � ock to Red Deer for the promise of big-city amenities and a small-town feel.

But even though people tend to think of the big-city, big-ticket things that make Red Deer a great place to live, work, and play, it’s really the little things – the small-town things – that make our community vibrant.

� e City values those little things. We work every day to o� er programs and services that you just don’t see in every big city. And the little things that create our community pride are easy to spot once you look for them.

Have you ever noticed, for instance, someone cleaning litter from our parks, neighbourhoods, or downtown streets? Chances are that person is a City employee, dedicated Green Deer volunteer, or Downtown Business Association sta� er. Or have you ever laced up your skates to enjoy a clean sheet of ice at one of our neighbourhood rinks? Each of our 61 outdoor rinks and ponds gets a weekly visit from the zamboni so that they’re kept in supreme condition.

We celebrate every season of the year in our community by hosting festivals like CentreFest and WinterFest – none of which would be possible without

a score of City sta� , volunteers, and organizations working together to build community spirit.

But it’s not just � e City that understands that the little things are what makes Red Deer vibrant. Time and time again, Red Deerians promote our small-town spirit by being actively engaged in our community.

� e success of Earth Hour this year is a prime example of that. Our electricity consumption went down 4.6 per cent thanks to Red Deer citizens who heard the Earth Hour call. Every year, we see creative designs from citizens decorating rain barrels as part of our rain barrel challenge. And, perhaps most importantly, Red Deerians have become actively involved in the way � e City does business by attending the annual Let’s Talk event at our local malls and discussing City projects and initiatives in our Let’s Talk Red Deer forum at www.letstalkreddeer.ca.

Red Deer may very well be a city with a rich array of amenities, but without the little things that make our city vibrant, we wouldn’t be a community alive with opportunity.

What makes Red Deer vibrant?

Join the discussion at

www.facebook.com/thecityofreddeer

and tell us what you think.

A tribute to the past,

a vision for the future

and long-term plan that contains almost 200 recommendations for the revitalization of Red

Deer’s downtown. � e Greater Downtown Action Plan highlights the need and

importance of working together to create a thriving downtown

that’s inviting for families, businesses,

and visitors.

Historic photos courtesy of the Red Deer & District Archives

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Let’s talk taxesA loonie doesn’t seem like much, but during tough economic times, we can’t a� ord to underestimate the value of a dollar. � at’s

why � e City stretches every cent to give you the quality of life you want at a price tag you can a� ord.

Without municipal tax dollars, we couldn’t o� er the programs and services that make our community vibrant, safe, and livable. Your municipal taxes support a city where emergency response is quick, recreation opportunities are abundant, and roads are well-maintained. Every dollar you pay in taxes is a dollar we put toward the programs and services you rely on.

By paying taxes, you are creating a community alive with opportunity, and we can’t a� ord to underestimate the value of that, either.

Mayor & City Manager: 1.5%

Community Services & Social Planning: 5.8%

Inspections & Licensing: 1.4%

Police & Emergency Services: 31.3%

Transit: 9.2%Information Technology Services: 4.2%

Electric Light & Power: 2.0%

Recreation, Parks & Culture: 18.9%

Environmental Services: 0.7%

Corporate Services & Finance: 4.3%

Human Resources: 2.6%

Public Works: 9.6%

Development Services & Engineering: 3.0%All Others: 5.5%

Photography by Dwight Arthur

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The City’s online presence:

What’s not to ‘like’?The City’s online presence:

What’s not to ‘like’?Family members and high school

friends, colleagues and neighbours, � rst loves and mere acquaintances:

these days, it seems as though everyone is sharing their business on Facebook. And

now � e City is too.

Don’t worry, though. On � e City’s o­ cial Facebook page, you won’t see any status

updates about what’s on the stove for dinner or which celebrity � e City most resembles. Nor

will you � nd the same old City news. Instead, � e City has tried to strike a balance between being informative and informal, said Julia Harvie-Shemko, Communications & Strategic Planning Manager with � e City.

“Our Facebook page allows us to share information that might not be appropriate for a news release or utility bill insert,” said Harvie-Shemko. “It also allows us to provide up-to-the-minute news and receive real-time feedback from the community.”

Over 1,000 fans receive almost-daily updates from � e City through wall postings on the o­ cial Facebook page – but the page’s real value lies in its ability to spark discussions between page fans and � e City.

“Traditionally, information sharing between � e City and Red Deerians has been largely one-sided,” said Harvie-Shemko. “Facebook has given citizens another way to access City sta� quickly and easily. By commenting on our postings, citizens are giving us a valuable look at how they view � e City and what we do.”

But Facebook isn’t the only online tool � e City is using to � nd out what Red Deerians are thinking. In March, � e City launched Let’s Talk Red Deer, an online forum at www.letstalkreddeer.ca where citizens can provide input into major City projects and initiatives.

Our Facebook page allows

us to share information that

might not be appropriate for a

news release or utility bill insert.

It also allows us to provide

up-to-the-minute news and

receive real-time feedback from

the community.

- Julia Harvie-Shemko, Communications &

Strategic Planning Manager at The

City of Red Deer

www.facebook.com/thecityofreddeer Join the discussion at www.letstalkreddeer.ca

Find us on Facebook at

“� e Let’s Talk forum allows citizens to share their thoughts on important community issues, like parks planning, environmental stewardship, and � e City’s budget,” said Harvie-Shemko. “We know people are busy and sometimes can’t make it to an open house to tell us what’s on their minds. � e forum gives them an opportunity to contribute to City planning whenever and wherever they can.”

Since its launch, three discussion forums have been active at the site, with two more expected to be live within the coming year. So far, the response from Red Deerians has been tremendous, according to Harvie-Shemko.

“� e Let’s Talk forum has shown us that Red Deerians are eager to be engaged in City business,” said Harvie-Shemko. “� is tool has helped us create a dialogue with citizens about the issues that matter. And because the forum is both independently moderated and anonymous, we have received candid feedback that will better prepare us to make decisions that re� ect the community’s priorities.”

� ough the Facebook page and Let’s Talk forum have proven successful at engaging the community, these tools are intended to supplement, not replace, the ways Red Deerians receive information about City business and provide feedback to � e City, added Harvie-Shemko.

“Citizens can still stay well-informed about City business through the traditional communication tools we use,” said Harvie-Shemko. “Facebook and the forum are just two more ways that we can share information with and get feedback from Red Deerians.”

So the next time you’re online, creep us on Facebook or join the discussion at Let’s Talk Red Deer, because thanks to our expanded online presence, we’re making City business your business too.

Photo by Dwight Arthur

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Downtown Red Deer will soon be growing more green – not only because of the new

cenotaph plaza but, also, because of an innovative feature of the new downtown parkade.

On top of 421 parking spaces that will make parking downtown easier, the parkade features a living roof, one of the many green elements that will make the structure more sustainable.

“When we call it a ‘living roof ’ or a ‘green roof ’, we mean those things quite literally – the roof is covered in grass,” said Fred Dieno, Parking Coordinator with � e City. “A living roof has a lot of practical uses in a new development like this; it absorbs rainwater, provides insulation, creates a habitat for wildlife, and helps lower air temperatures. Really, it’s a design feature that’s both functional and cutting edge.”

Set to open this summer, the new parkade o� ers architectural features that aren’t always seen in a concrete parkade. In addition to the living roof, the parkade boasts the latest in high-tech parking and walk-up access, numerous safety features, energy e­ ciency – the list goes on. But when all the pieces of this one-of-a-kind building are put together, they create more than a parkade; they create a building that will add convenience and sustainability to the downtown core.

� e City was thinking ahead when the foundation for the parkade was pre-engineered in 2002. During construction of the Transit Terminal, support pilings for a three-level parking structure were added, anticipating that additional downtown parking would soon be needed. And that foresight paid o� : with those support pilings in place, the construction of the new parkade got o� to a smooth start in 2009.

To make sure the project was completed in the quickest, most cost-e� ective way, the project construction used precast concrete, which is developed in slabs in a factory ahead of time and then installed on site. And by charging market rates for stalls, � e City expects that the parkade will eventually pay for itself – an added bonus in tough economic times that will amount to a mere $6 a day or $80 a month for downtown parkers.

“Increasing the a� ordable parking in our city centre will not only bene� t the area; it will also provide downtown businesses with more parking options,” Dieno said. “Downtown will be a more desirable place to do business when parking is readily available not only to employees but to customers as well.”

Once construction of the parkade is complete, the Transit Terminal will move from its temporary home on Alexander Way back to its permanent place under the parkade. � e covered terminal also features some improvements: new public restrooms, added security features, retail kiosk opportunities, and expanded transit o­ ces.

“We’re excited about the enhanced customer service we’ll be able to provide by having our Transit Customer Service Centre right at the terminal,” said Kevin Joll, Transit Manager with � e City. “And because the lighting and pavement upgrades at our temporary terminal will remain in place once we move in August, Alexander Way will continue to enjoy some of the bene� ts left behind because of our temporary relocation.”

Even though the project will be completed on budget, Joll acknowledges that the process required a degree of patience at times. “Red Deerians have been incredibly understanding about the challenges that construction sometimes brings. But once we’re up and running, I’m con� dent the community will agree the new parkade and transit terminal are the perfect addition to Red Deer’s downtown.”

When we call it a ‘living

roof ’ or a ‘green roof ’, we mean

those things quite literally – the

roof is covered in grass.

- Fred Dieno, Parking Coordinator with

The City of Red Deer

Growing green with the new downtown parkade

Photo by Dwight Arthur

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We asked local public figures why it’s important to vote

in our upcoming municipal election, and

here’s what they had to say.

Joel Ward – President & CEO Red Deer College

I vote because it is my civic duty to do so. By voting I respect the many before me who marched, fought, and even died for that right. By voting I express my opinion as to the fitness of our elected leaders and their policies. By voting I am empowered to determine, to a certain degree, my future, the future of my children and the future of my community. By not voting I will have abdicated my right to influence government and will have enabled the will of others, whose opinions maybe contrary to my own, to prevail.

At the municipal level our leaders are more in touch with the needs and everyday concerns of the people in our community. I believe that it’s important for all governments to work on strategies to get people to understand that their vote can make a difference and know that their politicians are going to be held accountable.

We asked local public figures why it’s important to vote

Most people tend to think of government as a small group of people sitting around a table making all the big decisions. Sometimes we need to remind people that citizens hold the real power in driving change in their communities. Councilors, MLAs and MPs play important roles — but in the end they answer to voters.

Voting shows pride in our city and it shows that people care about who governs it. A better voter turnout gives us a municipal government that is truly the choice of the people, not the choice of a small group.

Kwame – KRAZE 101.3 DJ

Meghan Rountree – Miss Universe

Canada contestant

Leo Paré – Red Deer Advocate

Jesse Wallin – Head coach, Red Deer Rebels

Red Deer the Vote

It’s your life, it’s your city, it’s your home and it’s your family that is affected. You have to make a choice and drive yourself to find out the issues that matter in your community and get out there and vote.

People have to feel that they have a stake in the community, that their voice counts, that they can influence their surroundings. We all know we are happier when we feel that way. Voting is one very powerful way to make that happen. More people need to experience that feeling at election time. Once you do, it’s hard to go back to being someone who just accepts what others decide for them.

Gail Surkan – Former mayor of Red Deer

Photography by Dwight Arthur

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A better way of doing business2010 was a tough

budget year in our community. Like many families

across Red Deer, � e City had to dig deep and � nd ways to adjust to our new

economic reality, with the added challenge of maintaining high levels of service for Red

Deerians.

But we’re not just reacting to the new economic climate; we’re also taking steps to ensure the long-

term � nancial sustainability of our organization. One of the ways we’re doing this is by introducing

enterprise asset management, a key project identi� ed in � e City’s 2009 – 2011 Strategic Plan.

Enterprise asset management is a long name for a simple concept. Say you have an old car. Even if the car is well-maintained, there will come a point where

the cost to maintain it will become greater than its value. At that point, replacing the car makes good � nancial sense.

� e City has assets too, but on a larger scale. Roads, buildings, heavy equipment, street lights, water mains – these are all assets, and enterprise asset management is helping � e City be more strategic in maintaining and replacing them. Rather than running our assets to failure, we are implementing best practices to increase the use we get from our assets while reducing the long-term cost of maintaining and replacing them.

“Enterprise asset management helps � e City understand the level of service we are able to o� er in the long run,” said Russell Crook, Asset Management Program Coordinator with � e City. “Our program and service delivery relies on keeping and � xing our

assets appropriately. If we don’t do that, we run the risk of being unable to provide these services to Red Deerians.”

� rough this process, � e City is better able to make accurate long-term projections as to asset life cycles – that is, when the asset should be repaired, rehabilitated, or replaced. Understanding this will help � e City make di­ cult decisions during tough budget years like 2010: by recording our assets and how long they will last, we can strategically plan for upcoming capital costs, assess our short-term priorities, and determine the right time to do the right thing to the right asset.

By planning for the future through asset management, we are more prepared to deliver our programs and services in a sustainable manner – and that’s just a better way of doing business.

L ocation, location, location: it’s important when investing in real estate, but vital when developing

a police station where citizens can easily access police services. Last year, � e City saw � rst-hand the value of the right real estate when local Mounties moved into the expanded 67th Street Emergency Services Station on one of Red Deer’s busiest roads.

Next year, though, the right location with the right people will be on Gaetz Avenue, which the rest of Red Deer’s RCMP will call home when the new downtown police station opens early next year.

“� e new downtown RCMP detachment will make our police services more accessible to the community,” said Colleen Jensen, Director of Community Services with � e City. “Increasing access increases our ability to respond quickly to issues, deliver a high standard of service, and communicate with the public. Truly, it increases our ability to meet the community’s needs.”

� is police station doesn’t just have the right location; it also has the right blend of functionality and design, according to Jensen. “� e new detachment will combine public service and policing requirements in an attractive building. � is building will be both a

recognizable feature in our downtown core and a one-stop shop for basically anything Red Deerians need from our RCMP.”

A key feature of the new station will be a payment centre where citizens can pay for things like criminal record checks. And while customer service has been a focal point in developing the brand new building, we’ve also set our sights on creating a sustainable station.

“Sustainability is so important when we’re designing and constructing new City developments; the new downtown detachment is no di� erent,” Jensen said. “� rough environmentally friendly elements and a focus on our future needs, we have built a facility that will accommodate growth and sustain a good portion of our police services for many years to come.”

Construction of the new detachment is well underway, and the police o­ cers, support sta� , and volunteers who work in the existing downtown station are starting to get eager to move. And with good reason: the humble brown brick building across the street from City Hall is over 30 years old, but shows the wear and tear of a 50-year-old structure because of its round-the-clock use.

But these downtown detachment workers will have to wait a bit longer before they settle into their new home: though the project is on budget, time lines are a bit behind schedule, so the station is not set to open until early 2011.

� at’s okay: sometimes, the right location is worth the wait.

an attractive building. � is building will be both a

The right location is a safe investment

Sustainability is so

important when we’re

designing and constructing

new City developments; the

new downtown detachment

is no different.

- Colleen Jensen, Director of Community Services

Photo by Dwight Arthur

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You wouldn’t drivewould you?

A better way of doing business

Safety isn’t secondaryCall it whatever you like – a basement suite, mother-in-law suite, even granny

suite – but we call them secondary suites and see them as important housing options just like any other house, apartment, condo, or duplex in our community. � ough the suite may be secondary, it still needs to be a safe source of housing for Red Deerians.

� at’s why � e City has implemented some new guidelines for regulating secondary suites. � ese regulations, paired with changes to the Alberta Fire Code, aren’t meant to make the process more di­ cult for owners of secondary suites; rather, they’re meant to keep tenants of secondary suites safe.

Secondary suites bene� t Red Deer for a number of reasons, and the new bylaw improvements to regulate them make them a viable source of housing for renters and a potential source of mortgage support for homeowners.

So whether you currently live in a secondary suite, own a property with a suite, or are thinking of constructing one, there are some important things you need to know about changes to the � re code and about the new secondary suite regulations in � e City’s Land Use Bylaw.

� ings like ceiling height, window size, smoke detectors, heating, ventilation, and suite entrances all need to be considered when you rent, own, or build a secondary suite. If the suite doesn’t meet the requirements of the � re code or the bylaw, it isn’t legal or safe.

� ere’s a lot to know about having a legal secondary suite, but � e City is here to point you in the right direction. So give us a call or visit our website. After all, the last thing you want to call your secondary suite is ‘illegal’.

For a secondary suite to be legal, there must be…• Only one suite per dwelling• A separate entrance door to the suite• One additional parking space if the suite has no more than two bedrooms,

or two additional parking spaces if the suite has more than two bedrooms• Room and unit separations• Heating and ventilation systems, as per the fire code• Adequately sized bedroom windows that open to the outside, as per the

fire code• Habitable room height, as per the fire code• Interconnected smoke alarms

For specific details about these regulations, visit

www.reddeer.ca

Photo by Dwight Arthur

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People often wonder how much of a di� erence one person can make in a community. Well, in Red

Deer, one person can make a world of di� erence, if the success of last year’s Green Deer event is any indication.

In two months, over 2,000 bags of garbage were collected as part of the annual e� ort to remove the trash and litter that had built up over the winter – all because of the incredible work done by local volunteers.

“Green Deer is all about cleaning up our community,” said Suzanne Jubb, the Recreation department Community & Program Facilitator responsible for coordinating Green Deer every year. “In the spring, there’s a huge amount of garbage in our parks and on our streets, and the more volunteers we get, the better.”

Last year, volunteer participation in Green Deer was tremendous, with over 6,800 participants collecting more than 2,000 bags of garbage. Jubb credits last year’s extended deadline for the staggering show of support. “Green Deer used to be two weeks, but last year, we increased it to two months, which was incredibly positive. It made a major di� erence in the amount of garbage picked up.”

While City sta� play a role in keeping our parks and neighbourhoods clean, activities like Green Deer provide Red Deerians an opportunity to help create a vibrant, healthy community. As the success of Green Deer shows, there is certainly no shortage of passionate people in Red Deer who value our city.

But Jubb isn’t surprised by the support Green Deer receives; on the contrary, she understands it quite well.

“Green Deer contributes to our community pride,” Jubb said, “and Red Deer residents are passionate about trying to make our city a better place to live.”

But City sta� do more than create volunteer opportunities for others. Employees like Carol Dyck don’t just work for � e City; they also work for the community. A Human Resources Consultant by day, Dyck spends her spare time volunteering for the projects and initiatives that help make Red Deer vibrant.

Most recently, Dyck volunteered to wrangle other volunteers for Red Deer’s Olympic Torch Relay – an event that drew over 15,000 people to the Westerner in mid-January.

“� ings like the Torch Relay build community spirit,” said Dyck. “And we couldn’t have held it without the volunteers; there’s just no way.”

More than 800 volunteers contributed to the success of the Olympic Torch Relay. Countless volunteer hours were spent planning the evening’s festivities, and when it came time for the event, Red Deerians showed up in droves to lend a hand any way they could. Everything from setting up tents and displays, manning barricades, guiding partygoers, aiding mascots – these dedicated volunteers were eager to help wherever they were needed.

“� ere’s no question that the volunteer spirit is alive and well in Red Deer,” Dyck said, “and that Red Deer would not be the wonderful community it is if we didn’t have it.”

Events like the Olympic Torch Relay rely on volunteers. Without the people who generously o� er their time to help an event succeed, many of the activities that help create a vibrant community would not be possible.

Building a sense of community is one of the greatest bene� ts of hosting special events like the Torch Relay, according to Dyck. “� e event not only got people excited about the Olympics -- which was really the goal for it -- it also made them realize that something as easy as this creates community and makes them want to be more a part of it.” And that just wouldn’t be possible without the help of volunteers.

Red Deerians? More likeVolunteerians!

10

There’s no question that the

volunteer spirit is alive and well in

Red Deer and that Red Deer would

not be the wonderful community it

is if we didn’t have it.

- Carol Dyck, Human Resources Consultantfor The City of Red Deer

Photography by Dwight Arthur

11

We need it; animals and plants depend on it; it grows our food; and it cools us o� on a hot summer day. But a lot of Red Deerians probably don’t

realize how our water gets from the Red Deer River to the water treatment plant and into our homes and businesses.

A water intake and screen building makes this happen by drawing water into the plant and screening debris and � sh from entering the station. Without these components, treatment of our water would be more di­ cult, and we wouldn’t have the high-quality drinking water we enjoy in Red Deer. And because the need for clean drinking water grows with our population, � e City has begun work on upgrading the water intake and screen building.

� e upgrades should help increase capacity for the intake, which will allow � e City to continue to provide clean water to its growing customer base, according to Gord Ludtke, Environmental Planning Engineer with � e City. “Our population is expected to keep growing, and this new water intake and screen building ensures we can meet the needs of Red Deerians for the next 30 years.”

Enhancing the intake and screen building will also allow � e City to be better environmental stewards. Not only will the development create over 1,000 square metres of new � sh habitat, the new water intake will also provide a better � sh screening and return system.

“One of our key concerns about drawing water from the river has always been preserving the natural habitat and the water levels for future generations,” Ludtke added. “Improving our water intake and screen building will help us make sure we are taking the right amount of water from the Red Deer River, protecting it for years to come.”

Construction of the new water intake and screen building is well underway, with an expected startup of early 2011. But we won’t be without clean water in the year until the intake is up and running. A refreshing glass of water is still just a turn of the tap away – and the upgrades to the water intake will make sure it stays that way well into the future.

Building a better experience at the G.H. DaweSoon, the smell of fresh paint will be replaced by

that of swimming pools. Instead of saws and drills and hammers, the sounds of laughter and splashing and whirring treadmills will � ll the air. Bare walls will become alive with art.

� e G.H. Dawe Community Centre may be a bustle of activity now, with construction crews putting the � nal touches on the revitalized facility - but that’s nothing compared to how vibrant it will be when it opens its doors to the public on August 1.

Built over 30 years ago, the G.H. Dawe was in need of some major work when it closed for renovations on March 31, 2008. And a little over two years to the day that construction began, citizens will be welcomed back into a revitalized centre that boasts a family aquatics area, two water slides, a spray park, a dedicated � tness area, an expanded branch of Red Deer Public Library – the list goes on and on.

“Revitalizing the Dawe will have a tremendous impact on the way citizens across our community enjoy recreation opportunities,” said Colleen Jensen, Director of Community Services for � e City. “By

enhancing the Dawe, we are bringing this facility up to the standard we have set for our other recreation centres, which will allow us to o� er a better recreation experience to residents in Red Deer’s north end.”

Building a better experience at the G.H. Dawe was top-of-mind when � e City moved forward with the project, according to Jensen. “Red Deerians expect that our recreation centres o� er a variety of reasonably priced activities in a safe, comfortable environment, and we’ve achieved that with the Dawe.”

By incorporating green technologies and environmentally friendly materials, � e City has also ensured the G.H. Dawe will remain sustainable as it serves the public well into the future.

“We have been very strategic in enhancing this facility,” Jensen said. “We wanted to create a space that re� ects our respect for the environment while promoting the vibrant, distinctive character of our community.”

Without a doubt, by revitalizing the G.H. Dawe Community Centre, � e City has built a better recreation and leisure experience for Red Deerians across the community.

Citizens will be welcomed

back into a revitalized

centre that boasts a family

aquatics area, two water

slides, a spray park, a

dedicated fitness area, and

expanded branch of Red

Deer Public Library.

Photo by Dwight Arthur

Refreshing changes at the Water Treatment Plant

12

New Development Road Improvements

• West QE11 Business Park (N36) Phase 1: intersection & divided arterial roadway construction

• Taylor Drive Improvements (28 st - 19 st): 4 signalized intersections improvements / modifi cations

• 67 st from 30 ave to 20 ave: 4 lanes (Design in 2010)

Road Capacity Improvements

• 32 st intersection improvements, widening & roadway reconstruction (Spruce Drive to 40 ave)

• 67 st Corridor Improvements: Study & Design ‘09, Golden West / Orr Drive improvements in 2010

Road, Sidewalk and Pathway Improvements

• 32 st sidewalk improvements between 30 ave and 57 ave

Traffi c Signals and Improvements

• 32 st and Lawford Ave: Pedestrian Signal

Water

• Clearview booster station upgrade for North development

• Northwest industrial NE36, SE36, NE25 (53-54)

• NHC water crossing on Riverside Drive

Sanitary

• Anders on the Lake: lift station & additional pumping capacity

• EHC: Timberstone (SW23), Trunk (56-55)

• Riverside Drive trunk twinning: Civic yards to WWTP (Contract B)

• Northwest Industrial: South ‘1B’ basin (45-67, 67-68). Design in 2010 & construction in 2011

• NHC (EHN) Northland Drive sanitary trunk – River to 30 ave

Storm

• East hill central – North of 67 st (SW27) – Pond D8 & Trunk (77-23)

• NHC – NW annexation – Northland drive from Gaetz ave to 78 st cres. Oversize to accommodate Chiles area NW of HWY 11A / HWY 2A intersection

• NHC (EHN) – Northland Drive storm trunk & pond at river from river to 30 ave

GDAP Traffi c Initiatives

• Cenotaph Plaza construction

• Realign 55 st west of Gaetz ave (R25) (by WTP)

• Gaetz ave revitalization from 46 st to 52 st

North Highway Connector Projects

• North highway connector (NHC) – Phase 1A – includes design, land acquisition, approaches & work by outside agencies

New Subdivision Development

• Queen’s Business Park – Industrial – Phase 1 & 2

• Timberlands phase 1 – Residential

• Timberlands phase 1 – Commercial

• Garden Heights (SW 27) – Residential

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www.reddeer.ca

If you would like more information like this from your City, let us know.

Communications & Strategic PlanningThe City of Red DeerBox 5008, Red Deer, AB T4N 3T4

Phone: 403-342-8147Fax: 403-342-8269E-mail: communications@reddeer.ca

Please recycle this newsletter after reading. Thank you.

The department of Engineering Services is responsible for:

• The City’s roadway network including the construction of bridges, roads, and sidewalks, and the installation of traffic lights and pedestrian signals.

• The planning, design and construction of The City’s water distribution, storage, and pumping facilities, wastewater collection and storm drainage systems.

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From home to school, work, practice, shopping, or even parks and trails – wherever your destination, there are places you need to be, all across our community every season of the year.

� e City understands. � at’s why we put our crews right to work on road and sidewalk improvements once the last ski� of snow melts. With 11 major projects and a number of smaller enhancements in the works this year, we’re doing what we can to get you where you need to go as safely and quickly as possible.

And you play a part in this, too. Our road crews are out there working every day to help you get to where you need to be. So if you come across them working in the course of your daily travels, slow down and give them some space. � at way, you can help them get to where they need to go safely and quickly too.

You’re going places, and with our upcoming road improvements and maintenance, you may just get there a little bit easier.

what you think!