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 2011
 December 16-31
 December 1-15
 November 16-30
 November 1-15
 October 16-31
 October 1-15
 September 16-30
 September 1-15
 August 16-31
 August 1-15
 July 16-31
 July 1-15
 June 16-30
 June 1-15
 May 16-31
 May 1-15
 April 16-30
 April 1-15
 March 16-31
 March 1-15
 February 16-28
 February 1-15
 January 16-31
 January 1-15 

 2010
 December 15-31
 December 1-14
 November 16-30
 November 1-15
 October 16-31
 October 1-15
 September 16-30
 September 1-15
 August 16-31
 August 1-15
 July 16-31
 July 1-15
 June 16-30
 June 1-15
 May 16-31
 May 1-15
 April 16-30
 April 1-15
 March 16-31
 March 1-15
 February 16-28
 February 1-15
 January 16-31
 January 1-15

 2009
 December 16-31
 December 1-15
 November 16-30
 November 1-15
 October 16-31
 October 1-15
 September 16-30
 September 1-15
 August 16-31
 August 1-15
 July 16-31
 July 1-15
 June 16-30
 June 1-15
 May 16-31
 May 1-15
 April 16-30
 April 1-15
 March 16-31
 March 1-15
 February 15-28
 February 1-14
 January 16-31
 January 1-15
 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 











 

 
Synopses and Snippets of
Red Deer Regional News
that would be of interest to residents and visitors, with focus on business, municipal and community development as well as heritage, culture, attractions, transportation, recreation and parks, from a variety of resources including local media, news releases and personal knowledge.
 
Jan. 7, 2012
Stock Car Race Track Suggested for Region
The Saskatoon Stock Car Racing Association is exploring the idea of a high-quality paved banked oval racetrack in the Red Deer region due to its central location and the number of stock car racers from the region travelling to Saskatoon. Local support and suitable land such as an old gravel pit are being sought.

Jan. 6, 2012
2011 Home Sales Up Over 20% from 2010
The Central Alberta Realtors Association released statistics for home sales through MLS (Multiple Listing Service) in the city and area during 2011. In Red Deer, 1,560 homes were sold compared to 1,260 in 2010 representing a 22% increase. In the surrounding region, 2,207 homes were sold compared to 1,730 the year before representing a 28% increase. Average prices in Red Deer were down however from $330,893 in 2010 to $269,829 in 2011. In the outlying area, the average price in 2011 was $235,832 down from $241,439 the previous year. Part of the drop was due to more high-end homes being sold in 2010. It is expected that in 2012, sales will increase as will prices.

Jan. 5, 2012
Red Deer to Develop Six Charters Over Time
During debate on the 2012 operating budget, Red Deer city council introduced six strategies referred to as charters that will be embarked on over several years. Each of the six charters -- Safety, Dialogue, Identity, Movement, Design and Economy -- has a specific objective and key strategies. The Movement charter is tied to the Integrated Movement Study currently under way that explores various transportation modes of travel in the city. The Safety charter is tied to a Social Master Plan to be completed by 2014. The Dialogue charter explores the diversity and strength of public opinion. The Identity charter will work toward establishing a brand that will be recognized by Albertans and tourists. The Design charter will reflect the character and values of the city. The Economy charter will aim to stabilize and diversify the economy of the city.

Jan. 4, 2012
Oilsands Components Made in Central Alberta
It has proven to make economic sense for many companies in Central Alberta to manufacture several components for oilsands construction at home rather than hundreds of kilometres further north closer to the projects. Transportation, training and living costs are significantly lower in Central Alberta and there are efficiencies in manufacturing in a shop rather than onsite.

Dec. 30, 2011
Rocky Mountain House Adopts Historic Fort Brand
Town council at Rocky Mountain House has adopted a historic fort theme as a brand to attract more tourists. Architectural guidelines will encourage businesses and developers to use rustic elements in their design in recognition of the town's proximity to the foundations of four former Hudson's Bay and Northwest Company fur trade forts between 1799 and 1875 at the National Historic Site. River rock, field stone, timber, wooden siding, cedar shakes and cross-beams with stucco and siding are being suggested. Although there was a settlement at the forts, the town itself became established in 1912, in large part due to the arrival of the railway. During the fort days, nine different Aboriginal cultures came to trade. It was also home base for the explorer, fur trader and map-maker David Thompson.

Dec. 28, 2011
Mayor Wants High Speed Rail Tied to Transit
Red Deer Mayor Morris Flewwelling is suggesting that the mayors of Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer should meet with Premier Redford to discuss the issue of high speed rail linking the three communities and GreenTrip funding originally set up to fund regional and urban public transit systems. It has recently been suggested that GreenTrip funding could be diverted to building high speed rail. Although the mayor is an advocate of high speed rail, he believes that it will only work if it is connected to an efficient and effective urban and regional transit network that needs to be in place first and that it will require provincial and federal funding. The mayor would also like to see the future high speed terminal located closer to downtown rather than west of Highway 2 as is currently contemplated. A provincial study released in 2009 suggested five stops on a future line -- two in each of the larger centres and one in Red Deer. It also explored various technologies ranging from under 200 km/h to 480 km/h.

Dec. 27, 2011
Ronald McDonald House 80% Complete
The $12 million Ronald McDonald House under construction across from the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre and backing onto Gaetz Avenue is now 80% complete and is on target to open in February as expected. The multi-coloured 3-storey, 27,000 sq. ft., 11-suite building is expected to affordably accommodate about 400 families per year from out of the city during treatment of critically ill babies, sick children and high risk pregnancies. The facility includes large kitchen, large library, barbecue pit, themed indoor play area, outdoor playground, laundry room, nursing rooms, gathering space and a balcony that overlooks the park across Gaetz Avenue. Financial donations came from individuals, groups, various fundraisers, corporations, the province and Ronald McDonald Charities. Over 100 volunteers have already signed up to perform various duties in the facility. Operation of the facility is expected to cost $1.2 million per year.

Dec. 23, 2011
Nordegg Minesite Receives Parks Canada Funding
Parks Canada recently announced that it is contributing one third of the funds for a $187,500 restoration project at the old Brazeau Colleries Minesite at the Nordegg National Historic Site. The Nordegg Historical Society and the Alberta Historic Resources Fund each matched the contribution. A restored log cabin dating back to 1913 had been used to accommodate mine workers and later became the home of a junior manager. The trail system will be modified to link to the cabin. The Nordegg mine was in operation from 1912 to 1955. The site has 75 structures. Some have already been restored and more will be restored in the future. The Brazeau Colleries Minesite was declared a Provincial Historic Resource in 1993.
City Downtown Improvements to Continue
The City of Red Deer and the Downtown Business Association are continuing to improve the historic downtown area to make it safer and more attractive. The Facade and Shopfront Improvement Program will have $40,000 to contribute with matching funds to businesses that improve the look of their buildings. In addition, the City plans to complete the Little Gaetz Revitalization Plan in 2012 that gives a streetscape facelift to the historic street between 46th and 53rd Streets. The section between 48th and 51st Streets was mostly done this past summer. The revitalization includes paving stone crosswalks, mid-block crossings, landscaping, cultural spaces, wider sidewalks, decorative lighting, planters and architectural street markers.

Dec. 21, 2011
Blackfalds Passes Budget; Taxes Up 4.75%
Blackfalds town council has passed its 2012 operating and capital budget of over $24 million that will result in an average 4.75% increase in property taxes. Operating costs for 2012 are expected to be over $13 million, up from last year, while capital expenses are anticipated to be $3 million lower than last year at $11 million. Incremental tax increases will boost the town's ability to plan for major projects in the future. The town has grown from 4800 in 2007 to 6400 in 2011 resulting in an increase in expectations for future amenities and services.
Lacombe County Taxes to Rise 3-3.5%
Lacombe County council has passed its 2012 operating budget of $39 million and capital budget of $17.5 million, resulting in an average tax increase of 3% for residential properties and 3.5% for farm properties. Capital projects include road and drainage improvements, a new fire hall in Bentley and a Blackfalds to Lacombe pedestrian and bicycle trail.
Red Deer County Passes 2012 Budget
Red Deer County council has passed its $35.5 million operating and $38 million capital budgets for 2012 resulting in an average 3.5% increase in property taxes. The capital budget includes $12 million carried over from 2011 construction projects that could not be completed due to poor weather conditions. Other aspects of the capital budget include $7 million for bridge work, $6 million for paving and $18 million for other road projects.
Rural Business Centre to be Located in Rocky
The provincial government has announced that it will set up a Rural Alberta Business Centre in Rocky Mountain House to help support new entrepreneurs by providing access to business information and advice, research services and seminars and workshops. Seven similar centres will be set up throughout the province.

Dec. 20, 2011
Attendance Record at November Festival of Trees
A record of about 23,700 people attended the 18th annual Festival of Trees that took place at Westerner Park in November, almost double the attendance at last year's event. The previous record was set in 2007 with an attendance of around 22,000. This year, $1,020,000 was raised that will go toward enhancing equipment and services for the Minimally Invasive Surgery Department at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. The record amount collected was in 2007 when $1.1 million. Last year, $875,000 was raised. About 2,800 volunteers, 516 donors and more than 1,500 volunteer entertainers contributed to the event.
Tour Bus Set Up for Parties
A new business in Red Deer involves a black and green 1993 International school bus set up with a 3.7-metre dance floor, 2000-watt sound system, LED strobe lighting, tinted glass and booth-style seating. The 40-person capacity bus has been used for trips by sports teams and bands as well as for birthday parties, themed road tours and various other events. Bash Bus Tours charges $800 for 3 hours use.
Province Contributes to Olds Affordable Housing
The provincial government, as part of the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative, is contributing $5.3 million toward 60 more level four supportive care beds for seniors as part of the 100-unit Vantage West project. Olds currently has 230 supportive living beds.

Dec. 19, 2011
Sylvan Lake Store Closes After 83 Years
Cobb's, an independent grocery store that has been doing business in downtown Sylvan Lake for 83 years, is closing its doors as it can no longer compete with the big box stores that have opened up in recent years in spite of earning several grocery awards from the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers. When the current owners, Don and Rita Gummo, bought the store in 1999, there was little competition. However in recent years, the fast-growing community of 11,000 has attracted four large competitors, Sobeys, No Frills, Wal-Mart and Shoppers Drug Mart. The store was named after A.F. Cobb, who purchased what was then a Co-op grocery and dry goods business in 1928.

Dec. 17, 2011
Penhold Residential Development Nears Record
By the end of November, housing permits in the town of Penhold, with a current population of around 2100, were just shy of breaking a record with 61 homes valued at $9.7 million. The previous record was set in 2007 at $10.3 million. The growth is attributed to the town's proximity to Red Deer and Innisfail, the attractiveness of small town living, the new regional multiplex and a new regional high school expected to be completed in 2014.

Dec. 16, 2011
Rebranded Capri Hotel as Sheraton Now Official
The rebranding of the Capri Hotel and Convention Centre on Red Deer's south hill that has been under way for some time into the Sheraton Red Deer Hotel is now official. Extensive renovations costing about $10 million have included the addition of 24 rooms as well as the upgrading of the existing 217 rooms. The lobby, fitness room and business centre have also been upgraded. The previous owners, the Pasutto family, sold the hotel in 2008.

Dec. 15, 2011
Olds Council Passes Budget; Taxes Up 3.4%
Olds town council has passed a $21 million operating budget and $4 million capital budget for 2012 that will result in an average 3.4% increase in property taxes. The operating budget includes a 3.4% increase in salaries and wages. The capital budget includes $1.2 million for road, sidewalk and trail improvements and repairs, $1.5 million for water and waste water infrastructure improvements and repairs, and $1.3 million on equipment and general infrastructure.

Dec. 14, 2011
Red Deer County Defines Protected Natural Areas
Staff and consultants at Red Deer County have identified 27 sites considered to be of environmental significance due to natural features essential to biodiversity, soil, water or natural processes. If adopted by county council, the inventory of "natural capital" will be included in the municipal development plan, currently under review, giving the sites special protection. Conventional agriculture will be permitted and the landowner will be considered the primary steward of the land. The new boundaries for the protected sites are similar to the original environmentally significant areas map drawn in 1990 but a number of sites have been modified, added or eliminated from the original map.
Homelessness Projects Funding Determined
Red Deer city council has determined which projects will share in the more than $1 million grant from the Federal Homelessness Partnership Strategy program. The Red Deer Housing Team operated by the Central Alberta Women's Outreach Society will receive $500,000. The Red Deer Youth and Volunteer Centre will receive $110,000. The Red Deer and District Community Foundation will receive just over $190,000. The Red Deer Native Friendship Society will receive just over $281,000. Much of the funding will go toward staffing for various programs to reduce the number of homeless in the region.
Lacombe Council Passes Budget; Taxes Up 3%
The City of Lacombe council has adopted a $25.5 million operating budget and a $25.9 million capital budget that will boost property taxes by an average of 3%. Part of the tax increase will go toward a 2.5% wage increase for the city's 95 full-time employees. Utility rates have been increased by about 4.5%. Capital projects include $12.8 million in Highway 2A improvements, a $2.5 million upgrade of the storm sewer system, $1.1 million in vehicle and equipment replacement and various road and recreational projects. About $18.5 million of the capital budget is funded through provincial grants.
Shoppers Drug Mart to Open 3rd City Store
Red Deer city council has approved a development permit for an 18,500 sq. ft. Shoppers Drug Mart in Clearview Market Square at the southeast corner of 30 Avenue and 67 Street on the east side of the city. The pharmacy and general merchandise store is expected to open in the summer of 2012. It is the third outlet in the city for the junior anchor. Once built out, Clearview Market Square covers about 22 acres and will have about 263,000 sq. ft. of leasable space. Four banks are already under construction.  Canadian Brew House and three commercial retail buildings are also expected to be completed by summer. Loblaws has indicated that it will build a large grocery store.
City Apartment Vacancy Rate Drops Sharply
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) reports that the apartment vacancy rate in Red Deer has dropped to 3.2% in October from 7.5% a year earlier and that it could result in higher rents. The vacancy rate for two-bedroom units dropped to 3.9% from 9% in October 2010 and bachelor suites dropped to 0.4% from 9.4%. One-bedroom apartments slipped to 2.5% from 5.1% and units with three or more bedrooms slipped to 3.6% from 5.9%. The majority of the city's 4,500 rental apartments are one or two bedroom. In migration and increased employment are considered factors in the change. Rents so far have remained similar to last year at an average of around $765.

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2011
 
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