YEAR OF 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2017 4 Red Deer City Council 4 Corporate Leadership Team 6 Mayor’s Message 7 City Manager’s Message 8 The City of Red Deer By the Numbers 10 Partnering our way to success 12 Election 2017 – Behind the Ballot Box 14 #SeeYourselfHere in Capstone at Riverlands 16 Where the rubber meets the road 17 What time is it Mr. Wolf? 18 Mother Nature huffed and she puffed, but she didn’t blow us away 20 Rediscovering Discovery Canyon 21 Let the good times roll 23 New arena to “Servus” the community 24 A Newcomers Welcome 26 Reaching out to citizens in 2017 28 Sun, snow and selfies – a year in the life of Big Foamy 29 Red Deer Transit rolls out new CNG buses 29 New courthouse for Red Deer CONTENTS 30 Sound the Alarm: Red Deer has two new fire stations 31 Grazing goats in the city 32 Roll (or walk) with it 34 Chief Financial Officer Message 35 Financials

REDDEER.CA 3 CITY COUNCIL CORPORATE LEADERSHIP TEAM

MAYOR COUNCILLOR Tara Veer Vesna Higham

E [email protected] E [email protected] P 403.342.8154 P 403.505.1172 F 403.342.8365 F 403.346.6195

COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR Tanya Handley Dianne Wyntjes

E [email protected] E [email protected] C 403.596.5848 C 403.505.4256 F 403.346.6195 F 403.346.6195

COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR Ken Johnston Buck Buchanan

E [email protected] E [email protected]

C 403.358.8049 P 403.343.6550 CITY MANAGER DIRECTOR OF DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Craig Curtis HUMAN RESOURCES & STRATEGIC PLANNING F 403.346.6195 F 403.346.6195 Kristy Svoboda Julia Harvie-Shemko E [email protected] P 403.342.8156 E [email protected] E [email protected] P 403.342.8148 P 403.342.8147 COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR Michael Dawe Frank Wong

DIRECTOR OF DIRECTOR OF DIRECTOR OF E [email protected] E [email protected] CORPORATE SERVICES DEVELOPMENT SERVICES CORPORATE TRANSFORMATION P 403.357.4631 P 403.347.6514 Paul Goranson Kelly Kloss Lisa Perkins F 403.346.6195 F 403.346.6195 E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] P 403.309.8489 P 403.342.8158 P 403.342.8134

COUNCILLOR Lawrence Lee DIRECTOR OF DIRECTOR OF PLANNING SERVICES COMMUNITY SERVICES E [email protected] Tara Lodewyk Sarah Cockerill C 403.318.8862 F 403.346.6195 E [email protected] E [email protected] P 403.406.8700 P 403.342.8115

4 CITY OF RED DEER ANNUAL REPORT 2017 REDDEER.CA 5 MAYOR CITY MANAGER

TARA VEER CRAIG CURTIS

Society to mark a new era of Truth and Great Chief Park and enhancements I am pleased to present the 2017 Annual each of these capital projects contributes Reconciliation, or taking photos with to the River Bend Golf and Recreation Report. This year’s Annual Report is bitter to the fabric of the overall park system that “big foamy”. There were numerous grand Area, with the downtown Celebration sweet for me after recently announcing our citizens express such pride in when openings, festivals, and commemorations Plaza and Cultural Centre scheduled to my retirement, effective March 3, 2019. they talk about our city. But our parks, which marked a year unlike any other in open in 2018. Progress also continued This year, I find myself reflecting on not trails and amenities are just part of our city. on the Gary W. Harris Games only 2017, but on over a decade what makes Red Deer great. Last Centre/Centre des Jeux du Canada of progress, growth and change for year, we also made enhancements to Over the past year, Red Deerians Gary W. Harris at Red Deer College the community. our city’s downtown, roadways and continued to experience the effects throughout 2017 with construction transportation networks. of the provincial economic recession, expected to conclude in 2018. Two thousand and seventeen was a year although 2017 did see the return of of economic recovery, but it was also a Two thousand and seventeen saw the “cautious optimism” in some sectors of our I would be remiss not to acknowledge year of transformation and preparation. introduction of environmentally friendly local economy, shifting us from a highly all the extraordinary community support We endured a windstorm unlike any our CNG buses in our city and the continued recessed to a recovering local economy. that helped us ensure that the vision for city has ever seen, recognized 150 years of transformation of Capstone at Riverlands Red Deer is a strong example of the fact these projects was able to translate into confederation in Canada and prepared in our downtown. These are just a few that community building is both province One of the strongest catalysts for the reality: from community sponsors like to host the 2019 Canada Winter Games in of the ongoing projects that will transform and country building, and in 2017 we are stabilization and diversification of our local Servus Credit Union, the Setters family February of next year. how people connect with our city in reminded that the inverse is also true as economy was Red Deer’s ability to attract and European Motorworks for the future. we celebrated 150 years of confederation Federal and Provincial infrastructure their generous financial contributions to Community partnerships, construction in Canada, welcomed many newcomers dollars to our community, which provided the many Red Deerians who endured and facility development were the name This Annual Report highlights just and guests into our city, and prepared to much needed economic stimulus in the facility closures and patiently awaited of the game as we put the finishing some of our challenges, successes and welcome 20,000 of our fellow Canadians short term while transforming our local our elevated community sport and touches on a number of facilities that will achievements over the last year. While to the 2019 Canada Winter Games. economy and building community life in cultural standard, the progress of the not only serve as host venues during the this report might be all about what the long term. games, but also ensure a legacy of sport happened in 2017, it also represents the 2017 was a year of transformative past year was only possible because of and culture in our city for years to come. culmination of years of passion, progress community building, and Red Deerians the commitment of the people of our In 2017, we completed construction on and community commitment to making reflected on Canada’s confederation community. numerous public spaces that will not Construction of the new downtown our city extraordinary. with a strong sense of responsibility only serve as venues for the 2019 Canada Red Deer’s community identity is Servus Arena, upgrades to Great Chief and gratitude for all who have built and Winter Games, but will leave a legacy for described in many ways: innovative, Park and enhancements at River Bend Last but not least, it has been my honour continue to influence all that we are and the people of our community and country entrepreneurial and welcoming, and Golf and Recreation Area are just a few of to serve as your City Manager for the last are becoming. People demonstrated for years to come. They are the facilities in 2017 we were often reminded how the projects that wrapped up at the end 11 years, and I look forward to the next 10 our national pride throughout the year, and spaces that will build community life we truly are “all in”. We hope you enjoy of 2017 with grand openings early this months, in which we have the unique whether they were helping us break for our young athletes and artists, families this year’s annual report as an overview year. The City also completed work on the opportunity to showcase our city as the ground on the soon-to-be Canada and citizens alike as Red Deer continues of how far we’ve come in the past year, much-loved Discovery Canyon, reopening thriving, entrepreneurial, innovative and 150 Square / Place Canada 150 in to transform as Alberta’s third largest and with a snapshot of what’s in store for us the area with a record number of people connected community that we are. Red Capstone at Riverlands, bearing witness central city. in 2018. enjoying the park last summer. Deer is your city, and this Annual Report to the protocol agreement between is just a glimpse into the projects and The City and Urban Aboriginal Voices Many of these spaces and facilities are now As always, it is a privilege for Council Let’s be honest, it’s no secret that the progress that took place in 2017. ▪ open and modernized to meet new sport to serve our community, and we Waskasoo Park System is very near and and event standards, including the Servus look forward to engaging with you dear to my heart, and I truly believe that Arena, Discovery Canyon, Setters Place at throughout 2018. ▪

6 CITY OF RED DEER ANNUAL REPORT 2017 REDDEER.CA 7 THE CITY OF RED DEER BY THE NUMBERS

L * % FAL 97 W 123 O 100,418 N .8 S POPULATION L A c *according to Statistics Canada T

2016 Federal Censuss O m THINK LIFE YEARS RED DEER T IS GOOD HAS BEEN IN RED DEER! INCORPORATED AS A CITY 65,000 AGE AIRCRAFT LANDINGS AGE 3 105 ER 8 V 23,266 A 17,000 PASSENGERS DETATCHED HOMES THROUGH AIRPORT

NEIGHBOURHOODS 53

BUS 39 ROUTES 163 PLAYGROUNDS 48.3% 47.7% +10 OUTDOOR FITNESS PARKS FEMALE MALE +2 SKATE BOARD PARKS 1205BUILDING PERMITS WITH A VALUE OF $152,862,725 242 STREET LIGHTS REPAIRED 2 (WAY LESS THAN 2016 THANKS GROWTH IN 10 YEARS 21,750m TO THE TRANSITION TO LED LIGHTS) 20% GARDEN PLOTS OUTDOOR SKATING/ 246km HOCKEY SURFACES 2 OF TRAILS INCLUDING ASPHALT, +3 PONDS 598,000m AGGREGATE AND 72 +1 OVAL MOWED AND TRIMMED TURF GRASS BOARDWALK/CONCRETE

8 CITY OF RED DEER ANNUAL REPORT 2017 REDDEER.CA 9 WHAT’S IN Servus Arena, Setters Place and Motorworks Fields – this past year saw A NAME? the renaming of City facilities and amenities as part of sponsorship.

While the signs outside these amenities changed, the facilities are still owned and operated by The City of Red Deer providing recreational opportunities and access to all citizens.

In April 2017 – The City of Red Deer announced a 15 year sponsorship agreement with Servus Credit Union for the downtown arena (replacement of the former Red Deer Arena). Servus Credit Union, as part of the agreement, will host a free community night on the first Thursday of every month – with free public skating during the winter months.

DEGREE GRANTING December 2017 – JT Setters and Sons STATUS FOR RDC Construction Ltd signed on as the name sponsor for 10 years for the The doors to Red Deer College’s newest RDC, along with the contributions RDC’s new residence. The building, While RDC’s degree granting enhancements within Great Chief Park, facility, the Gary W. Harris Canada of our citizenry, our community is which is an important part of RDC’s status wasn’t announced until including the new pavilion, outdoor Games Centre/Centre des Jeux du unequivocally more than ready to host future vision, is also a key piece of the 2018, much of the work that synthetic turf field and Canada Gary W. Harris, will open this the 2019 Canada Winter Games and 2019 Canada Winter Games, as 3,600 drove this change happened oval, making the entire area August. Not long after, the building welcome 20,000 Canadians to our athletes will be housed in the facility in 2017. Setters Place. will be home to the five competition dynamic city,” said Mayor Tara Veer. over the two-week period. RDC’s leadership combined with sports of squash, short track speed “This agreement reminds us that sport Late 2017 – Alberta European The Canada Winter Games has a advocacy on the part of Red Deer skating, , and building is community building and that Motorworks signed on to be the name projected economic impact that sits at City Council is just one more wheelchair basketball when Red Deer community building is country building, sponsor for seven years for the northeast $132-million with both the Province of example of how community hosts the Canada Winter Games in 2019. and the 2019 Canada Winter Games high school sports fields (2700 Alberta and the federal government also partnerships yield positive change will redefine Red Deer’s identity on a 67 Street). Motorworks Fields will The $88-million dollar new facility, contributing funds towards the Canada and opportunity for Red Deer and national level.” open in 2018. located just off QE2 at Red Deer Winter Games. the entire Central Alberta region. College (RDC), came on the heels of a And while the facility provides state-of- With this announcement, RDC SO WHAT’S IN A NAME? partnership agreement between RDC, the-art teaching and learning spaces Facilities like the Gary W. Harris Canada will continue to build on its The City of Red Deer and the 2019 for RDC’s students, the College is also Games Centre/Centre des Jeux du The name change of these facilities already invaluable position as Canada Winter Games Host Society. building it with the community in Canada Gary W. Harris are not only represents an agreement and an excellent post-secondary mind, offering athletic, recreational and an investment and a legacy for our partnership between The City of Red institution that prepares its In 2014, The City of Red Deer committed community activities for citizens and community, but they represent the Deer and the sponsors. The City receives students for a successful $26-million towards the games, but it visitors alike. It will feature an Olympic- very essence of the collaborative and revenue that is separate from tax future and enhances our had not yet determined where these sized ice surface that can be converted innovative city we call home. collected revenue, while the sponsor community development. This funds would go. With the partnership to a hybrid-sized arena, performance receives enhanced community profile, Now in its final stages, construction of accomplishment benefits all in place, $6.5-million of previously gymnasium, fitness facility, squash when sharing information the new facility is expected to wrap up Central Albertans as it will help unallocated City funding was earmarked courts and an indoor track. about sport, recreational and cultural in summer 2018. retain our local population. specifically for the squash courts and the events that take place at the facility ice arena at the Gary W. Harris Canada “This facility will help shape the future Central Albertans can now “The and their lasting they’ve sponsored. Games Centre in the support of the 2019 of Red Deer College by supporting our choose to complete their legacies continue to be the catalyst Canada Winter Games. An additional students and providing opportunities advanced education in Red Deer Each sponsorship agreement is for the growth of sport and recreation $5-million was also contributed by the for the continued evolution of our and stay in our community long- for a specific amount of time, with across our country,” said Tom Quinn, local host society. programming, which is very important term, building our skilled labour opportunities for the sponsor to renew Canada Games Council Chairman. “The as we transition to become a recognized force, enhancing and diversifying their agreement. Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre/ ▪ “Because of the partnership between university,” said Joel Ward, RDC our regional economy, and Centre des Jeux du Canada Gary W. the 2019 Canada Winter Games Host President & CEO. “The Centre will also increasing our innovation and Harris is yet another example of a Society, The City of Red Deer and create a legacy for our community for collective knowledge. signature legacy facility that will benefit decades to come.” a Host City for years to come. We are In addition to the new Centre, very excited to see the facility once it is 10 CITY OF RED DEER ANNUAL REPORT 2017 construction is rapidly progressing on completed in summer of 2018.” ▪ REDDEER.CA 11 PROTOCOL AGREEMENT SIGNED Red Deerians speak up and show up for This year Red Deer introduced a ON NATIONAL their community in a variety of ways, for Universal Voting Machine, The Express ABORIGINAL DAY a variety of reasons all year long. They Vote, at Red Deer’s Advance Vote. This participate in City surveys, volunteer on machine enabled all voters to use corporate committees, and attend public the same equipment regardless of A new protocol that recognizes the hearings and council meetings, to name a their physical or visual ability. It was unique needs and cultural identity of few. But on October 16 of last year, nearly equipped braille touch pads and audio Indigenous peoples was signed on June 20,000 citizens, once again, showed up headphones for the visually impaired, 21, 2017, when The City of Red Deer and for Red Deer when they exercised their as well as breath control puff the Red Deer Urban Aboriginal Voices right to vote, and cast their ballot for one and sip functions for voters with Society (UAVS) came together mayor, eight city councillors, seven public physical challenges. to lay out an agreement that outlines or five catholic school board trustees. how they govern in a relationship with At the end of the day, regardless of each other. For those of us who work in municipal when, where or how citizens voted, government, elections are our jam. We we ensured each voter-verified ballot The protocol agreement represents believe they are the bread and butter was secure and tabulated, a job we did the shared commitment between the of our democracy, so we get excited not take lightly. Moreover, while the voices of the Aboriginal community, as election night draws near and the machines do a lot of the work for us, as represented by Red Deer UAVS community is buzzing with excitement there are a number of quality controls and The City of Red Deer to interact while they await the final numbers. in place to double and triple check respectfully in addressing issues of However, while citizens head to the the results. common concern. It outlines a process polls, City staff are working behind the that enables relationship building from In 2017, there were 29 candidates for ballot box to ensure an unbiased and traditional Aboriginal perspectives, City Council and two for Mayor, and fair municipal election - no easy feat customs and processes, and provides a when the results came in, two new city with planning and election related work way for Aboriginal and non-aboriginal councillors took their seat at the City happening almost two years before people, organizations and businesses, Council table. the big day. ▪ to work together to build a strong and connected community. Nearly 400 people are hired to work on Election Day, and only 44 of those Ultimately, the agreement outlines four are current City staff. There were five guiding principles of equity, leadership, advance vote days in Red Deer; 11 advance collaborative action, and participation vote days outside of Red Deer; 31 voting and diversity. The guiding principles will THIS YEAR WE HAD stations located throughout the city; and, be considered by UAVS and The City 24 stations in the surrounding rural areas 50 BALLOT TABULATORS & of Red Deer when making decisions, for citizens to cast a ballot for school SIX EXPRESS VOTE developing plans or implementing ELECTION 2017 board trustees. MACHINES actions to ensure the unique needs and traditional teachings of Red Deer Election Day staff answered phones, ran Aboriginal people are honoured. supplies to and from loading docks, acted as voting station supervisors and assisted A pipe ceremony was held in BEHIND THE citizens at voting stations around the city Coronation Park after the protocol – they were the feet on the ground doing was signed. everything possible to ensure Election ▪ Day was a success. The City could not BALLOT BOX do it without the help of the more than 350 citizens who signed on to work the 19,267 OR 28.8% municipal election. ELIGIBLE VOTERS CAST THEIR VOTES However, when it is all said and done, it’s 100,000 PEOPLE, 67,000 OF THOSE ARE the results that count – getting them fast ELIGIBLE TO VOTE IN THE ELECTION. and getting them right is priority number one, and thanks to state-of-the-art vote tabulating technology, we were able to do just that.

IN THE EVENT OF A TIE BELIEVE IT OR NOT, IN THE CASE OF A TIE IN THE RESULTS, THE ELECTION IS DECIDED BY A RANDOM DRAW WITH THE WINNING CANDIDATES NAME PULLED FROM A HAT. SOMETHINGS ARE LESS SCIENTIFIC THAN OTHERS IN THE ELECTION LEGISLATION. 12 CITY OF RED DEER ANNUAL REPORT 2017 REDDEER.CA 13 #SeeYourself Here IN CAPSTONE AT RIVERLANDS

You’ve probably been there, and don’t those words couldn’t be truer. Capstone In 2017, roadway changes and pipes even know it – Capstone at Riverlands will truly be the crowning achievement were the name of the game, ultimately (Capstone) is a hidden gem in our city, to Red Deer’s downtown and the getting Capstone ready for all that’s but not for long. missing link that connects downtown to soon to come. And there are some Waskasoo Park and the rest of our city. big changes in store for 2018. These Formerly known as Riverlands, Capstone changes include, but are not limited is the same great neighbourhood with Capstone is unique with The City of Red to, reconstruction of Capstone’s main a new name to match its ever-changing Deer owning about 25 per cent of the street, Alexander Way, construction style. It has food; it has fitness; it has art, developable land in the neighbourhood. of the Canada 150 Square adjacent culture and heritage. Most importantly, it But why does that matter? It gives us to the riverfront and construction will soon have everything you need to live, the flexibility to seek out unique and of the green spine, a pedestrian work and play, all in one place. And year innovative development that meets the parkway that connects one side of the by year, we keep making it better. needs of the neighbourhood and the neighbourhood to the other. community as a whole, while respecting But don’t take our word for it. This past our commitment to community spaces These things may seem small when we August, more than 500 people helped us and protecting the riverfront. It allows look at the long-term transformation celebrate the new name and the current us to work with the developers to create that is set to take place, but soon and future changes that are in store for a one-of-a-kind community in the heart enough, there will be a mix of Capstone. More than 20 neighbourhood of Red Deer that offers unique housing medium to high density condos and businesses joined us, showing off what and commercial spaces, beautiful townhomes, commercial development, they do best, and connecting with people public spaces, and a walkable, liveable hotels, office space, shopping and from all over the city who came to see community for all. riverfront gathering spaces all just a what Capstone is all about. They talked hop, skip and jump from Red Deer’s about everything from art to health, “We often hear from people historic downtown. fitness, food, coffee and kombucha. that Red Deer is like a city in a park; it is one of If you have not been to Capstone yet – Director Tara Lodewyk, Mayor Tara Veer go! Explore something new in our city. and City Manager Craig Curtis officially the things they love most Explore a place where nature is literally revealed the new name and logo on about our community. The out the doorstep; a place that feels like August 23. The announcement marked redevelopment of Capstone home, even if you are just stopping a major milestone and signals a new era is just one way we are in for a coffee. See yourself here. See for the district. As you can tell, we are working to enhance access yourself in Capstone at Riverlands. ▪ pretty excited. But change can’t happen overnight, and it will take many years to the river and ensure before the entire neighbourhood people fall in love with the For more information visit is redeveloped. new abundant public spaces liveincapstone.ca they will find in Capstone,” But why the new name you ask? said Tara Lodewyk, Director of Planning. We needed a new name that was Watch our video online! as spectacular as the vision for this neighbourhood. Capstone can mean one of two things: the top stone of a structure or wall, or a crowning achievement, and

14 CITY OF RED DEER ANNUAL REPORT 2017 REDDEER.CA 15 IMPROVING ROAD SAFETY ONE PROJECT AT A TIME WHAT TIME IS IT MR.WOLF? SMILE, YOU’RE ON CAMERA!

What time is it? Am I in a school zone or As you can see, we work hard to make a playground zone? Has the sun set yet? our roads safer but in 2016, there were Do you know you’re most likely to get These are just some questions drivers used just over 2,200 collisions on public WHERE THE into a collision on a Friday in December to ask themselves when trying to figure roadways in Red Deer. Of those, two at 5 p.m.? We do! That’s just some of out when to slow down in school and thirds happened at intersections, which the data our traffic engineers collect playground zones. But question no more isn’t really surprising given everything and analyze to help make our city Red Deer – as of last summer, school and that goes on at intersections. And since streets safer. RUBBER MEETS playground zones are easier to remember 2014, we’ve seen an increase in the and safer for everyone. number of collisions at intersections. Unknown to the average citizen, a road safety working group has worked A recent change in the Alberta Traffic One way to improve intersection safety – behind the scenes since 2015 to Safety Act allows municipalities to set and road safety overall – is to slow drivers THE ROAD coordinate and prioritize road safety times for school and playground zones, down. Slowing down gives you more projects across the city. With a focus on so in consultation with the local school time to react if something goes the three Es – engineering, education boards, we made the following changes: wrong, and if you do get in a collision, and enforcement – we’re now seeing your chance of being seriously these projects roll out and make an ▪ Playground Zones are in effect from 8 injured decreases. impact in the community. a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. And to address everyone’s burning WALK THIS WAY ▪ Combination Zones (school + question: yes, intersection speed playground on same site) converted to cameras and other automated traffic Long name, big impact: Rapid Playground Zones. enforcement, like photo radar and red Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) light cameras, generate revenue, but were first introduced in 2016, and now, ▪ School Zones are in effect from 8 a.m. to it is first and foremost about safety. with 24 locations, they’re commonplace 4:30 p.m. on school days; currently there Here’s what happens when you pay a in Red Deer. RRFBs, an alternative to is only one School Zone at 40 Avenue fine: just over 40 per cent goes to the overhead crosswalk signals, are a win- and 39 Street near Eastview Middle province, which includes a 15 per cent win: they improve pedestrian safety School and Maryview School victim surcharge that’s used to assist the and they’re more cost-effective than victims of crime in Alberta. The balance traditional overhead crosswalk signals. And if you forget, there are time tabs on signs at the start of the zone to remind remains with The City and goes directly For Bill Franz, local citizen and President you what time the speed restrictions are toward policing services. ▪ of the Red Deer Association for Bicycle in effect. Commuting, RRFBs make him feel safer as a pedestrian and cyclist. He took to “Not only have we eliminated Facebook to share his experience after confusion about school and trying out the RRFBs for the first time: playground zones, but it is also “Kudos to the The City of Red Deer for safer for pedestrians,” said Wayne investing in nine crosswalk locations Gustafson, Engineering Services Manager. to improve safety for pedestrians and “The new times cover peak cyclists! I had opportunity today to try play hours for schools and out the new RRFB at 40th Avenue and playgrounds, and the times Selkirk Drive. The flashing lights and when students, children and signage are very visible. Normally I try to cross this intersection as quickly as pedestrians are most likely to I can (i.e. riding my bicycle) because walk and cycle on our streets.” crossing four lanes of traffic on foot without a light can be a challenge. I felt For more information visit comfortable and safe walking across this reddeer.ca/go30 intersection now as all vehicles came to a stop and nobody honked their horn for slowing them down. Well done, The City of Red Deer traffic engineers!” said Franz.

Looking ahead, we plan to install 17 more RRFBs in 2018. ▪

16 CITY OF RED DEER ANNUAL REPORT 2017 REDDEER.CA 17 8:00 - 16:30 8:00 - 21:00 SCHOOL DAYS The storm happened late in the day on “Overall, citizens responded June 20, 2017. Winds gusted over 110 quickly and appropriately – km per hour, taking down 38 power seeking shelter and getting poles, nearly four km of power lines, and to safety,” said Karen Mann, approximately 3,100 trees all over the city. Emergency Management Coordinator. WIND GUSTS OVER 110KM PER HOUR But that’s just the numbers. The real “For some that was in a TAKING DOWN 38 POWER POLES, story is in how our city banded together transit bus and for others it NEARLY 4KM OF POWER LINES, AND to not only weather the storm, but to was in a nearby business or APPROXIMATELY 3,100 TREES support each other in unpredictable ways. public facilities. In all cases, Neighbours welcomed those without people opened their doors power into their homes; local businesses pitched in; citizens handed out high fives to support their fellow Red and sandwiches to the hard working Deerians.” linemen and clean-up crews all around Today, our City is back to its normal self. the city. But some of the damage remains as a 72 HOUR EMERGENCY KIT “We truly saw our commuity’s reminder of the windstorm – a reminder SUPPLIES INCLUDE ITEMS LIKE WATER AND FLASHLIGHT spirit come to life. People that things happen fast, a reminder that together we can weather any storm. pitched in. They went above Most importantly it is a reminder to be and beyond to offer help prepared. But how? Well some of it’s to their colleagues, friends on you. Everyone should have a 72 hour and neighbours. But even emergency kit on hand with supplies more, they helped complete such as water and a flashlight. The kit strangers, their fellow Red should contain everything you might need to sustain you, and your family, Deerians, simply because for a 72 hour period. All households they could – and that says a should know the risks and have an lot about the people who live emergency plan as well as a 72 hour here. We are more than a city, emergency kit. we are a community,” BUT WE CAN HELP TOO. said Mayor Tara Veer. One of the successes during the Unfortunately, some places were harder windstorm was the use of a new hit than others. The storm left a path notification tool called Notify Red Deer. mother of destruction in neighbourhoods Sign up today to choose like Riverside Meadows, Timberlands, Notify Red Deer lets you get emergency Grandview, Vanier East and the Village information when and how you want. how you want your alerts – nature Mall, which suffered broken glass in Approximately 3,000 Red Deerians are by text, email or phone. several windows and damage to homes already signed up but the more people and buildings. we can reach, the better. The program Notify Red Deer will send huffed and she puffed, enables us to send messages quickly to you notifications quickly Despite the best efforts of City crews to citizens during an emergency, and in restore power before nightfall, it was not during emergencies and some cases, non-emergency situations.

possible in all areas. Approximately 15 per for other updates you choose

.

phone but she didn’t cent of Red Deer remained in the dark . It’s as easy as visiting our website and to receive.

overnight on June 20, as crews continued signing up to. get an email, text or

to move quickly throughout the city to phone call from us when an emergency, text blow us away get power back on and remove trees and like the windstorm, happens next time. power poles from roadways and parks.

The windstorm wasn’t theemail first time The safety of citizens was our first priority, central Alberta was hard hit by a EMAIL TEXT PHONE Roofs were ripped from buildings, trees were uprooted across the city, and at the peak of the storm, more and while there were two injuries significant weather event, and it won’t than 35 per cent of homes in Red Deer lost power. It was a windstorm unlike any our city has ever seen, reported after the windstorm, we are be the last. But thanks to the many but through it all, our community stood strong and we were blown away by the Red Deer spirit, resiliency thankful there weren’t more. citizens, businesses and hard working and support our exceptional citizens showed to the many hard working City crews and first responders. crews, we will be more prepared, than ever before, the next time Mother Nature throws us a curve-ball. JUNE ▪

For more information visit 20 reddeer.ca/notifyreddeer 18 CITY OF RED DEER ANNUAL REPORT 2017 REDDEER.CA 19 LET THE GOOD REDISCOVERING Discovery TIMES Canyon ROLL

Did you see this photo? You probably exceptional park that is nestled along Summer holidays. A time when in over 6,800 visits from pass holders did. It reached approximately 1.7 the Red Deer River. This summer hot students can hang out with friends, between June 24 and September 4, million people, had 31,187 likes, 17,382 spot was missed by many in 2016, but it play outdoors and enjoy some freedom. 2017. Transit also saw an increase in comments, and was shared 9,000 is open, and better than ever, ready for It is, quite simply, the best time of the ridership of 30 per cent over the same times after it was posted to The City’s Red Deerians, regional residents and year. So what could The City of Red period in the previous year. These results Facebook page in June. It was our visitors to rediscover in 2018. ▪ Deer possibly do to make it better? We indicate we are headed in the right biggest social media reach ever and created the Rip ‘n Rec Summer Pass. direction in steering youth toward sport we are pretty proud of our local gem, and active adventures that they may The Rip ‘n Rec Summer Pass was not have tried without using the Rip n’ “The Rip ‘N Rec Summer Discovery Canyon. This past summer, DID YOU KNOW... Discovery Canyon was highlighted geared for success. At only $50, it Rec Summer Pass. Pass allowed youth offered youth age six to 17 unlimited provincially, with bloggers writing about Discovery Canyon re-opened in unlimited rides around the rides on Red Deer Transit, to anywhere When asked what the best part of the our favorite water feature – and we 2017 after it was closed for the city, anywhere at any time, in the city, and unlimited access to any pass was, one user said it was “Freedom certainly had the crowds to prove it. 2016 season for upgrades, including: which can help kids feel City recreation facility including the from waiting for a parent to get home comfortable, confident and 31,187 LIKES In July 2017, one of our community’s ▪ New tubes arenas and outdoor pool for the entire from work to drive me.” The Rip ‘N 17,382 COMMENTS most beloved spaces, Discovery Canyon, summer. This deal was huge, really Rec pass provided parents with an safe riding the bus.” 9,000 SHARES reopened after closing for the 2016 ▪ New concession area huge, and the community took note. affordable way for teens to travel around REACHED OVER 1.7 MILLION PEOPLE The Rip n’ Rec Summer Pass has season while we made some upgrades. town during the summer. They could New water pumps, new water led the way in meeting The City’s But it was worth the wait, and despite ▪ “The Rip ‘n Rec Summer hop on transit to get to their favourite feature, interpretive pieces to commitment to remove barriers and poor weather conditions, people came Pass exceeded all our places, like the splash park, swimming connect to nature improve access to City facilities to keep out in droves to support the long said Barb McKee, pool or even the mall, giving parents a expectations,” our city’s youth engaged in positive, awaited reopening where we not only break from driving over the summer. ▪ New boardwalk and Recreation Superintendent. “City active and fun ways. This pass is a stellar acknowledged the confederation of accessible paths recreation facilities were example of collaboration between The Canada but also cut a big red ribbon, “We know that introducing RE-OPENED IN 2017 City’s recreation and transit sections. sliced some cake and released busier than ever during the youth to taking public transit ▪ CLOSED FOR THE 2016 SEASON ▪ Expanded beach area FOR UPGRADES 500 ducks down the natural summer, and our pass sales at an early age encourages waterslide feature. ▪ New four-season natural For more information visit doubled from last year.” lifelong ridership,” said George playground Penny, Transit Manager. reddeer.ca/summerpass Discovery Canyon is packed with people Sales of the pass really took off with 917 on a warm day in central Alberta. They ▪ Connections to River children and youth taking part, resulting come to enjoy the water feature, the Bend Trails beach and the natural beauty of an 20 CITY OF RED DEER ANNUAL REPORT 2017 REDDEER.CA 21 NEW ARENA PRESERVING HISTORY – ONE BOARD AT A TIME TO “SERVUS” When decommissioning was underway for the former Red Deer Arena, we made sure to save THE COMMUNITY the iconic pieces of the arena, as well as any materials that could be reused in other civic buildings. Many items were auctioned off to neighbouring communities in the Blades, not scissors, cut the ribbon at “Opening the new Servus Central Alberta area, but we kept the official opening of the Servus Arena Arena marks a day of growth a few things to install in the on January 13 of this year. And while this and community building in new facility. ICONIC ARENA SIGN didn’t happen until 2018, most of the work happened in 2017 after the former Red Deer. This state-of-the- As construction progressed, some Duane Gehring first built the Arena arena was torn down to make way for a art facility commemorates of those pieces were installed sign that hung outside the former new and improved facility. our past while looking to a including the score clock, and the Red Deer Arena. When the arena future where we celebrate red illuminated arena sign, which was decommissioned in 2016, City With the arena being under construction sport and community is now displayed prominently in staff reconnected with Duane to since fall 2016, hockey players, figure the Servus Arena. Perhaps the salvage the sign. Once final designs skaters, players, and community connections differently than most memorable element of the of the new build were complete, group ice users in Red Deer felt the ever before,” said Mayor Tara Veer. former arena, as many hockey Duane helped refurbish the old pinch, but patiently awaited the unveiling parents and hockey fans would And while the community waited with sign and commission it for use in of the new facility, and they were not remember from hours spent in bated breath, so did our top secret the new Servus Arena. It now hangs disappointed when we opened the doors, the stands, is the wood benches. community sponsor, Servus Credit prominently above the staircase ahead of schedule, in January 2018. The wood boards can be found Union, who jumped on board to sign a in the foyer. Located on the wall everywhere you look in the new Highlights of the new digs include room- 15 year commitment to partner with us beside the old sign is a painting arena, not in the form of benches temperature spectator seating for 1,360 as a naming sponsor for the new facility. of the former Red Deer Arena, but instead as drink rails and fans, an indoor walking track, concession The new arena, now officially named, showing the sign lit up where it counter space – they have and direct interior connections to the the Servus Arena, sits in the heart of used to hang. new life. Pidherney Centre next door. downtown Red Deer, serving central Paying homage to the past was a Alberta once again. goal throughout the entire Servus The grand opening event included free Arena construction project. skating, tours, food and entertainment. “We have a strong history in The Red Deer Vipers were the first official Red Deer, and we’re excited team to hit the ice at 8 p.m. on opening to honour that history and day when they played their first game at the Servus Arena. look forward to a strong and healthy future here,” said Garth But for many, the building of a new arena Warner, President and CEO of Servus was bitter-sweet. The original Red Deer Credit Union. Arena was built in 1952 and served as a community hub in Central Alberta for If you haven’t stopped by to check out over 60 years. For structural reasons the the new facility, come and visit us on the building was torn down; however, The City first Thursday of every month from 6:30 did its best to preserve some of the history to 8 p.m., when the entire community by incorporating elements such as the is invited to take part in free skating former stadium benches and the iconic during the winter months. ▪ Arena sign that formerly hung outside the building. EXCITING FUTURE

Art now hangs on the walls of the new The Hlinka Gretzky Memorial Cup HISTORIC WALL arena as an homage to what came before will be hosted at Servus Arena in it, marrying old with new as we prepare August 2018. The Servus Arena City staff searched through 60 years’ to welcome the nation in 2019 when Red will also host men and women’s worth of photos to find those that FREE SKATE Deer hosts the Canada Winter Games as hockey during the 2019 Canada best represent the Red Deer Arena’s FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH well as other events such as the Hlinka Winter Games. 6:30 - 8:00 PM history, and the memories created Gretzky Memorial Cup. in it over the decades. The result is a 56m long by 1.5m high wall that spans the back wall of the arena. 22 CITY OF RED DEER ANNUAL REPORT 2017 REDDEER.CA 23 A NEWCOMERS WELCOME

Interpreters were busy at The City’s first opportunities exist in Red watershed moment for us ever Newcomers Welcome event in May Deer. We’ve heard very in our commitment to a 2017, with approximately 250 guests, positive feedback, and I welcoming and inclusive speaking a multitude of languages, attending the event. believe we successfully met Red Deer.” our objectives to welcome Reducing barriers was a top priority, Red Deer may be predominantly our newest residents English-speaking, but on that evening our so in addition to interpreters, the and provide them with event was sure to honour customs, modern-city-with-the-small town-feel meaningful connections was a virtual United Nations of language offer childminding and respect Green and culture. to The City.” dietary restrictions.

Speaking to a standing-room-only City With the help of our immigrant- A strong contingent of Red Deer’s Council Chambers, a team of interpreters serving agencies Central Alberta Syrian refugee families dropped in and simultaneously, translated into six Refugee Effort (CARE), Catholic Social mingled on the second floor along with languages, the words of the Mayor and Services – Immigration and Settlement other families from Somalia, Ukraine, City Manager’s speeches as well as City Services, and Central Alberta Immigrant Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, and others. staff presentations. What we didn’t Women’s Association (CAIWA), the They asked about the regulations on anticipate was the need for interpretation event was planned around the needs how to start their own businesses, of the more casual conversations of their clients – including information learned how to book a picnic shelter, happening all around the second floor around business startups, 211, reddeer. enjoyed Halal snacks, and took photos ca, parking and bylaws, bus routes, with City Council. is in of City Hall. affordable recreation opportunities Red Deer is rolling in style this spring, thanks to “Our immigrant-serving and policing. “We didn’t always speak agencies were with us every the same language, but we these contemporary containers. Poised to reduce The Newcomers Welcome event was all understood one another,” step of the way for this event, about celebrating diversity and building household waste by nearly half, now there’s one said Mayor Tara Veer. “Our guests so no surprise that they community connections. And it gave sleek solution for all your organics. were able to jump in with newcomers an opportunity to share spoke from the heart about support for this challenge experiences, learn about municipal things that matter to all of government services, and meet City too,” said Julia Harvie-Shemko, us: opportunity, family and Council and staff. C A 2018 Director of Communications & Strategic navigating through public Planning. “Volunteers deployed services. It underscored “It was groundbreaking,” said to help guests understand the notion that our City Manager Craig Curtis. “To have commonalities outweigh one another whether talking that much diversity among the differences among us about transit, starting a our citizens at City Hall at as people in general and as business, or what recreational one time, speaking to them Red Deerians in particular.” in their languages was a ▪

24 CITY OF RED DEER ANNUAL REPORT 2017 REDDEER.CA 25 GETTING YOUR TWO CENTS ON THE BUDGET

Approximately 90 Red Deerians weighed in on The City’s 2018 budget Connecting and having conversations with citizens at an annual budget open house is an important part of what we do. Whether we are in April 2017. City Council and City looking for input on the budget, getting feedback administration were all on hand to on how we can make your neighbourhood better or talk about upcoming projects and reaching out to talk about the environment, what you initiatives with a focus on finding out what citizens wanted to see in 2018. say influences the decisions we make, and we cannot thank Red Deerians enough for participating in the In addition to the open house, many consultation opportunities that took place over The City also popped up in several REACHING the last year. Here is a snapshot of some of the ways locations around the city to consult we connected with Red Deerians in 2017. with residents as well as reaching out through on online survey to get their input. In total, approximately 430 people connected with us in one way OUT TO or another to give us their feedback on the budget and tell us how they LET’S TALK IN THE MALL HOW 13 PEOPLE CAN MAKE wanted to see their property tax A DIFFERENCE dollars invested in 2018. CITIZENS Each year, we pack up 25 City With all that said, we would love to hear departments and community The City’s Environmental Master Plan from more of you. Every year, we look to IN 2017 agencies and we move into the mall (EMP) is getting an update, but we citizens for their input into the budget. in hopes of connecting with and can’t do it without help from citizens, Keep your eyes out for upcoming input hearing from the many mall-goers and thanks to 13 committed Red opportunities in the future. and citizens who are out and about Deerians, we are one step closer to ▪ on a Saturday in our city. deciding what comes next.

Some people happen upon us while In September 2017, 13 people signed others come out with a plan to talk on to be part of a community HOW SATISFIED ARE with City Council or administration engagement group that would RED DEERIANS about very specific topics that interest influence an update to the them – we love hearing from both. Environmental Master Plan, focusing In 2017, 97 per cent of citizens said on the areas identified in the current Red Deer’s quality of life is good or “It’s a unique event that gives us an plan. The group met monthly from very good, with 69 per cent saying opportunity to share information September to April, providing in their quality of life has improved or with citizens, answer their burning depth feedback and input into a stayed the same in the past three questions and get their input on a facilitated process. years, according to the 2017 Citizen number of topics,” said Julia Harvie- Satisfaction Survey. Shemko, Communications & Strategic “Community engagement groups are Planning Director. “Let’s Talk is just one way we can involve citizens, Citizen satisfaction surveys are just about ensuring we are available and specifically when the topic is complex one way we gauge the pulse of the accessible to all residents.” and requires in depth knowledge community. The survey is used to and feedback,” said Jodi Kelloway, set benchmarks for areas including Whether it is Let’s Talk in the Mall Public Participation Specialist for service delivery, communication with or a public open house about any The City of Red Deer. “It’s not the residents, and important issues facing number of city projects, The City right tool for everything we do, but Red Deer citizens. These benchmarks wants people to get involved and take when combined with other public help determine if citizen satisfaction part in shaping the future of our city. participation activities, it can certainly has increased or decreased and if Let’s Talk 2017 featured everything serve as an invaluable mechanism programs/initiatives are effective. from consultation on what rules and for involving citizens and getting bylaws matter most to citizens, to meaningful input.” The City’s citizen satisfaction survey information about community safety is conducted annually by Ipsos. Last and policing as well as The City’s The EMP community engagement year’s survey ran from May 5 to 18 Environmental Master Plan – just a group wrapped up in April 2018 with a randomly selected sample of few hot topics of the day. But if you with broader public and stakeholder 300 Red Deer residents aged 18 years missed out, don’t worry, you haven’t consultation following. The full or older. seen the last of us at Let’s Talk. public participation program will be Come and visit us in 2019 when complete this spring with an updated These are just a few of the many we pop up again. ▪ EMP planned for the fall of 2018. ▪ public participation activities we host throughout any given year. Visit www.reddeer.ca to find out about For more information visit upcoming opportunities. reddeer.ca/letstalk ▪

26 CITY OF RED DEER ANNUAL REPORT 2017 REDDEER.CA 27 NEW COURTHOUSE FOR RED DEER I was born of humble beginnings, once just a large piece of foam, molded and cut into a Canada 150 After over a decade of advocacy efforts, logo in recognition of Canada’s 150th the dreams of a new courthouse for Red anniversary of Confederation. Made Deer will finally be realized. The Alberta out of love for our great country, and RED DEER TRANSIT government estimates $181 million a general love of selfies, I first graced allocated over the next five years to Red Deer on Canada’s official birthday, ROLLS OUT NEW plan and build the new Red Deer Canada Day, down at Bower Ponds. Justice Centre.

Boy, I was not expecting to receive CNG BUSES The current seven-room courthouse as much love as I did that day. Men, was built over 30 years ago and the women, children of all ages (and a few population has more than doubled dogs) visited me by the main stage, and SUN, The wheels on the bus are officially “This is a step in the right since. In 2014, Alberta Justice moved I posed with them for pictures that soon green (though not in colour) after 17 new direction as we plan for older traffic proceedings to a local hotel to compressed natural gas (CNG) transit alleviate congestion at the Red Deer became posted, shared and liked all buses to be pulled out of over the world of social media. Let buses hit the streets of Red Deer last year. Courthouse. A new courthouse is SNOW service and upgraded,” said me tell you, that sure makes a person This was just one of many initiatives The needed to reduce strain on existing feel popular. City undertook in an effort to lessen its George Penny, Transit Manager. “A resources, and to ensure quick and & impact on the environment and reduce phased-in approach enables efficient legal proceedings that result in This was just the first stop on my busy SELFIES safety and security of our citizens. greenhouse gas emissions across the city. us to make this transition social calendar. I made it to almost every to CNG buses over the next big event of the summer, with my big ol’ But the benefits are two-fold, we are “The courthouse is good news for self the centre of many a photo and the A YEAR IN THE LIFE not only minimizing our environmental number of years with plans our community,” said Mayor Tara centre of attention at some celebratory OF BIG FOAMY footprint, but we are saving money while to grow The City’s green Veer. “Community safety is a priority events, like the Westerner Days parade, we do it. When compared to diesel-fueled fleet.” for citizens in Red Deer, and a new the opening of Discovery Canyon, the buses, the new CNG buses use 30 per courthouse helps ensure more opening of Firehall #3, Red Deer Lights cent less fuel per kilometre travelled, with The City used $5 million of its Federal local charges are upheld, which the Night and City Hall park in between. fuel costs that are 40 per cent lower than Gas Tax Fund allocation, as well as $10.1 is an important part of The City’s diesel and that’s not just pocket change. million in provincial GreenTRIP funding enforcement and community Now you can imagine my personal toward this project. The City funded safety efforts.” assistants were busy with me, I even “The City took a significant approximately $600,000 from fuel had a makeover at one point with a nice step forward in reducing its reserves and capital reserves to cover The new Red Deer Justice Centre will increase the number of courtrooms scrub down and a makeup refresher. My carbon footprint with the the remaining costs. entourage made sure I was moved from in Central Alberta from seven to 12, introduction of CNG buses last place to place, with love, and my personal The project came forward as part of with the potential to expand to 16 in assistant made sure I didn’t miss any year,” said Mayor Tara Veer, “These The City’s Environmental Master Plan, the future. This includes an increase of the Red Deer’s biggest events. How buses enable us to continue a document which outlines The City’s to the number of courtrooms serving embarrassing would that be? providing affordable transit commitment to the environment, Provincial and Queen’s Bench courts. within our community while outlining goals and next steps for The building will also include a I am good, but Big Foamy can’t do it the city. The City of Red Deer will be resolution services wing to provide reducing the impact on our alone, and I want to thank all of my updating its Environmental Master dispute resolution, civil and family environment and The City’s family, friends and co-workers who Plan in 2018. ▪ mediation, arbitration and other made this year possible. operational budget.” alternatives to court.

From sun and water, snow and With the introduction of the new buses “The new Red Deer Justice Centre will rain, fireworks and cotton candy – I also came the need for construction of a resolve a long-standing space shortage was there, I was proud and I was new CNG fueling station and upgrades to in the community and ensure vital the perfect backdrop to the many the bus storage facility and maintenance justice services are delivered effectively celebrations that took place this year garage at Civic Yards. These upgrades to residents of Central Alberta,” said in acknowledgement of Canada’s included improvements to gas detection Premier Rachel Notley, March 2017 confederation. monitoring, electrical, heating and air handling systems to ensure the facilities The old RCMP headquarters on 49 I hope you got a chance to meet me, were safe for staff to operate and maintain Street will be the new site for the sorry if I don’t remember you, I met a lot the new buses indoors. courthouse. The space has been kept of great Red Deerians over the year and vacant for over five years in anticipation I hope my legacy lives on, if only in your But we aren’t stopping there. These green of this announcement. Construction is Facebook memories. wheels will keep on turning with Red expected to begin in spring 2018. Deer Transit expanding its CNG fleet by 30 PER CENT LESS FUEL Happy birthday Canada, it was a replacing aging diesel buses with new pleasure to celebrate with you. WHEN COMPARED WITH ▪ CNG buses as they reach the end of DIESEL-FUELED BUSES their lifespan.

28 CITY OF RED DEER ANNUAL REPORT 2017 REDDEER.CA 29 GRAZING GOATS sound the alarm IN THE CITY

RED DEER HAS TWO NEW FIRE STATIONS The Piper Creek Community Gardens is push the goats towards the target weed a former farmstead turned community species, which in the case of the Piper gathering space located on the south Creek site, Canada thistleand toadflax side of town. A number of non-native, are their main dish. invasive weeds have taken root in Not one, but two new fire stations officially and Evergreen as well as future the area and need to be stamped, or “The goats are actually opened their doors in 2017 with more developments in the East Hill area. Fire chewed, out. The City in partnership introduced to a special diet than 1,000 Red Deerians stopping in to Station #3, now located in Lancaster with Rethink Red Deer, the Red Deer check out the new digs at the official near the Collicutt Centre, will serve of select invasive weeds, River Naturalists and several other grand opening in Lancaster last July. southeast Red Deer. The station is also like Canada thistle, to train conservation-minded groups are home to the Red Deer Emergency them to target those species working to reclaim the area back to its The day was marked with an official Services Platoon Chief’s office, where natural state of native aspen parkland. and leave other grasses and procession, ribbon cutting and facility the Platoon Chief manages crews at all The City’s parks section is responsible plants alone.” said Lehman. tours. There was no shortage of kids, five stations, coordinating emergency maybe even some future firefighters in the for the weed control services, including response efforts across the city. To welcome the goats to Red Deer the making, who hopped in and out of the enforcing and complying with the media and public were invited to a big red and white trucks. And the weather But what’s inside the station doors? Provincial Weed Control Act and meet and greet on Friday, July 7, 2017. was fitting for such an occasion with plus Multi-use areas that incorporate training associated pesticide use regulations. 211 is a free, confidential, It was a beautiful sunny day, and the 30 degree temperatures. areas in the stairwell, as well as in the multilingual, 24 hour information The Piper Creek site is very tricky for turnout was spectacular. The shepherd apparatus bay and on the roof. These and referral system for thousands weed control. Being so close to the from BAAH’D Plant Management But it was certainly not all pomp and training areas enable firefighters to of community and social services waterway means pesticide use is not and Reclamation provided a great circumstance. The new stations were a practice high angle rescues, repel drills, available across the province. to be permitted. The creek banks are educational experience with tours of the must-have after Red Deer outgrew its standpipe operations and firefighter 211 benefits the public by making very steep and it is difficult for City staff area, and discussions about targeted former locations and responders were no survival evolutions. longer able to meet mandated standards it simple to navigate the complex to pull the weeds by hand. Because of weed control methods and the positive for response times in future growth “The two stations are nearly maze of health, government and the scope of work and the challenging environmental benefits of appropriate community services information. terrain, parks staff decided to use an grazing practices. For the younger areas. The new locations were selected identical,” said Paul Goranson, innovative solution…goats. children it was an exciting experience, based on projected growth and access Director of Protective Services, Dial 2-1-1 to speak to an petting and feeding the goats when to major roadways, minimizing response “We were able to achieve times. While current demands require an Information & Referral Specialist or “Goats are part of they were not busy doing their job of average of six staff at a time, the station significant cost savings go to www.ab.211.ca to search for an integrated pest eating up the weeds. can accommodate up to 10 staff in by using the same base information on: management strategy that The goats proved to be excellent at their preparation for long-term growth. design, so both stations were The City uses to decide on work. After only 24 hours of dining on ■■ Community Services completed on time and the best way to control Canada thistle and toadflax, the one “The safety of Red Deerians ■■ Financial & social assistance under budget.” ■ weeds.” said Ken Lehman, Ecological acre target area showed great signs of is always a priority and the ■ Housing & utility help ■■ Food assistance & meal Services Operations Coordinator. improvement with very few thistle or The old Station #3 on 32 Street was two new fire stations in our programs “We look for the most toadflax plants visible. This innovative transformed into Red Deer Emergency community help improve ■■ Seniors’ services & home care way of dealing with weeds brought the Services headquarters and houses economical, environmentally emergency response times ■■ Parenting & family programs public and parks section together for an administration and the fire prevention safe, and sustainable ■■ Government program exciting and educational environmental for current residents as well and training branch, as well as the assistance method for weed control in experience. We are excited for the as new developments,” regional 9-1-1 call centre. ■■ Disability support services the area, and the goats fit.” return of the goats next year as it is said City Manager Craig Curtis. ■■ Volunteer organizations expected to take two to three years to With this change, also came closure of ■■ Newcomer services Goats are weed eating machines. They Fire Station #4, which is now located effectively gain control over the target the former fire station located in Deer ■■ Mental health support are mainly browsers and prefer to in Timberlands, will serve the ■■ weed species. Park, which remains empty and is and much more… eat broad leaf and woody plants over ▪ growing communities in Timberlands currently up for sale. ▪ grasses. Herders, and their working dogs, were contracted by The City to

30 CITY OF RED DEER ANNUAL REPORT 2017 REDDEER.CA 31 ROLL Picture it, you’re out enjoying one of the boring and technical, but quality is (OR WALK) many beautiful trails Red Deer has to important because it affects things offer when suddenly the trail ends. You like cost and maintenance, as well as know there are other trails in the area, but experience – ever tried to in-line skate on for some reason the trail you’re on isn’t a gravel path? connected to any of them. Red Deer has WITH IT over 190 km of trails – bet you didn’t know COMFORT that’s equal to 1 km for every 524 Red Quality is how we build it; comfort is Deerians – and most are well connected, the experience you have: it’s about but we know we can do better. That’s Plaza. The project, which includes making moving around the city easy FIND OUT HOW WE’RE PLANNING where Moving Red Deer Forward: Our burying the power lines and and enjoyable. For transit, it means Multimodal Transportation Plan, or MTP enhancing the sidewalk highlights THE FUTURE OF DRIVING, frequent service, short wait times and for short, comes in. the plan in action. WALKING, CYCLING AND comfortable bus shelters. For drivers, it means landscaping, trees and visual TRANSIT IN THE CITY Approved by Council in July, the MTP aims ▪ Safety: A wider sidewalk/path, aesthetics (side note, have you seen the to improve how we move in the city by thanks to the removal of the power landscaping in the new roundabouts?). focussing on four key areas: safety, quality, poles, creates greater separation for And for pedestrians and cyclists, it comfort and connection. With the help pedestrians and cyclists from vehicles. of a new made in Red Deer tool called means wide sidewalks and trails the Multimodal Transportation Index comfortably located away from fast- ▪ Quality: Materials selected (MTI), we’ll use this criteria when making moving traffic. Benches, lighting, public complement other downtown decisions about new transportation art, wayfinding and garbage bins help features, but also allow for ease of use. projects for all modes, including driving, as well. Comfort: Landscaping, street walking, cycling, and transit. So just ▪ CONNECTION furniture, signage and upgraded what does safety, quality, comfort and street lighting improves the connection mean when it comes to As the saying goes, all dressed up and experience for pedestrians and transportation? nowhere to go? We know you have cyclists, but will not impact traffic places to go – work, school, shopping, SAFETY flow for vehicles or transit. recreation – but you need logical This one is pretty self-explanatory: it’s connections to get there and back. ▪ Connection: Connects the downtown all about keeping drivers, cyclists and Connection considers the routes people and City Hall to major Games venues pedestrians safe. Where it gets interesting take in the city – by car, foot, bike and and future destinations. is the different needs of each mode, and transit – and tries to better connect figuring out how they can work together. these routes: for example, by filling in “This is a great example of For example, some areas we focus on gaps in sidewalks and trails, by linking how the MTI helps us plan bus routes to destinations, and by for drivers are intersection design, sight transportation projects,” said measuring traffic volume and trip times lines and wayfinding. Pedestrians and Tara Lodewyk, Director of Planning for better planning. cyclists use the same intersections but Services. “Using the tool makes have different needs, like well-signed PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER sure we’re looking at all of crosswalks. Another area that affects our projects – whether it’s everyone is how best to separate drivers With the plan approved, a road, a sidewalk, trails, from pedestrians and cyclists to keep implementation is moving forward. everyone safe. Residents won’t necessarily see or transit routes – with the a change overnight – a lot of the same focus and applying QUALITY change will be small in nature at first consistent criteria when You probably don’t give much thought – like identifying and filling in gaps in planning.” ▪ to the material used to build roads, sidewalks and trails – but one of the first sidewalks and trails in our city, but we major projects to run through the MTI do. From asphalt to concrete and gravel is the 48 Street upgrades in preparation to shale, different material is used for for the Canada Games Celebration different reasons. It might sound a bit

32 CITY OF RED DEER ANNUAL REPORT 2017 REDDEER.CA 33 REVENUE BY SOURCES This chart illustrates all of The City’s revenue sources, both operating and capital including utilities. NET MUNICIPAL TAXES 33% CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER USER FEES AND SALE OF GOODS AND SERVICES 44%

DEAN KREJCI

The 2017 Capital Budget was heavily Overall, the City is in sound financial weighted towards replacing and shape. Debt is at 53 per cent of the INVESTMENT CONTRIBUTED DEVELOPER OPERATING CAPITAL OTHER LICENSES AND FINES AND FRANCHISE FEES rehabilitating existing infrastructure with provincially prescribed debt limit EARNINGS TANGIBLE AND CUSTOMER GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT REVENUE PERMITS PENALTIES 2% $58.2 M approved for these projects. This maximum and service on debt is at 36 per 1% CAPITAL ASSETS CONTRIBUTIONS TRANSFERS TRANSFERS 2% 1% 2% 2% 2% 4% 7% equated to 55 per cent of the total capital cent of the provincially prescribed debt budget of $105.9 M. servicing maximum. REVENUES 2017 Growth projects made up $36.1 M or Net debt increased $31.9 M as planned 34 per cent of the budget. Community due to financing of capital infrastructure. NET MUNICIPAL TAXES 126,701 amenity projects made up $11.6 M or The City contributes annually to a reserve USER FEES AND SALE OF GOODS AND SERVICES 168,674 11 per cent of the budget. Significant dedicated to funding capital projects. OPERATING GOVERNMENT TRANSFERS 15,110 projects approved were Water Utility The net book value of assets grew by CAPITAL GOVERNMENT TRANSFERS 28,481 Infrastructure $6.7 M, and roads (crown $67 M as The City continues to invest INVESTMENT INCOME 3,177 paving and reconstruction). in infrastructure. Reserves decreased CONTRIBUTED TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS 7,325 by $1.3 M and the reserves to debt ratio LICENSES AND PERMITS 3,249 The largest increases in the 2017 dropped from 91 to 80 per cent. The City FINES AND PENALTIES 5,937 Operating Budget related to prior year continued to adjust budgets in 2017 to FRANCHISE FEES 9,225 budget decisions that impacted current reflect reduced revenue expectations from CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL POSITION OTHER REVENUE 6,211 year operations. This included additional utilities, land sales and facility user fees, DEVELOPER AND CUSTOMER CONTRIBUTIONS 6,995 funds for extending recreation operating due to the economy. TOTAL 381,085 $2,033,211 $1,950,021 $1,970,623 $1,919,323 $1,897,156

agreements, additional policing resources $1,867,724 and the continuation of the capital The City will continue to balance service amenities and growth contribution. to the community with maintaining the $2000 Additional budget provisions were made financial health and sustainability of for the increased number of police the organization. $1500 $385,384 $357,295 officers available, revenue adjustments $359,017 $1000 $327,863 $307,717

in several areas, contractual obligations To view the full 2017 Financial Report visit $302,194 $(29,432) $(51,300) $(83,190) for labour contracts and the provincial www.reddeer.ca/city-government/budget- IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS $500 carbon levy. and-annual-financial-reports/ ▪

$0 Creating a sustainable financial foundation continued to be a priority 2015 2016 2017 for The City in 2017. Significant progress was made in the area of financial leadership with a framework presented FINANCIAL ASSETS and approved by City Council in June LIABILITIES 2017. This approval came on the heels of NET FINANCIAL DEBT a risk management framework that was NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS approved by Audit Committee in March ACCUMULATED SURPLUS and presented to City Council in April.

34 CITY OF RED DEER ANNUAL REPORT 2017 REDDEER.CA 35 EXPENSES BY FUNCTION LONG-TERM DEBT NET RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAX Expenses by segments details the amount $4,500 of expense for functional segments for the $500,000 (AFTER GRANTS) organization for 2017 in the operating budget. 47% 47% 53% INCLUDING $274,564

These segments are summarized from the $400,000 $245,270

$233,877 MUNICIPAL &

financial statements. $149,834 $138,229 $300,000 $136,619 PROVINCIAL $3,000 $137,945

$107,041 REQUISITIONS TRANSPORTATION $84,043 $78,367 $200,000 Source: THE CITY OF 2016 RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY PROTECTIVE SERVICES $100,000 $76,679 TAXES AND UTILITY $1,500 CHARGES SURVEY $0 2015 2016 2017 WATER & WASTEWATER $36,187 TAX-SUPPORTED DEBT UTILITY-SUPPORTED DEBT $ St. John’s Victoria Halifax Medicine Hat Regina Red Deer Winnipeg Calgary Leduc Vancouver Toronto WASTE MANAGEMENT TOTAL DEBT $2,015 $2,195 $2,253 $2,264 $2,589 $2,701 $2,813 $2,828 $2,929 $2,948 $3,060 $3,776 $3,781 $3,875 LEGISLATIVE & ADMINISTRATIVE $14,642 $36,641 PERCENTAGE OF DEBT LIMIT USED COMMUNITY SERVICES $15,376

ELECTRIC LIGHT & POWER SUBDIVISIONS $39,322 $2,277 NON-RESIDENTIAL RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURE $50,896 TAXES PER $1,000 OF ASSESSED VALUE

Source: THE CITY 35.00 OF CALGARY 2016 RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY EXPENSES BY TYPE TAXES AND UTILITY 30.00 CHARGES SURVEY 25.00 CONTRACTED SERVICES $42,380 20.00

MATERIALS & SUPPLIES $49,494 15.00 SALARIES, WAGES & BENEFITS $144,014 10.00

PURCHASE FROM OTHER 5.00 GOVERNMENTS $23,534

GRANTS TO ORGANIZATIONS DEBT SERVICE AND DEBT SERVICE LIMIT $ $14,265 Cochrane Calgary Red Deer Medicine Grande Winnipeg Regina Toronto Halifax 86,320 $86,176

$83,203 $9.75 $15.93 $16.86 Hat Prairie $24.09 $25.93 $26.07 $32.99 $18.16 $18.26

OTHER EXPENSES FINANCIAL CHARGES AMORTIZATION OF TANGIBLE $80,000 $506 $9,508 CAPITAL ASSETS $66,686

$60,000 $31,309 $29,223 $27,536 $40,000

IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS 20,000

$0 2015 2016 2017

DEBT SERVICE DEBT SERVICE LIMIT

36 CITY OF RED DEER ANNUAL REPORT 2017 REDDEER.CA 37 SUMMARY OF ACTUAL DEBT, DEBT LIMIT HOW DOES RED DEER COMPARE (MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT), DEBT LIMIT (Debt per capita 2016) (COUNCIL POLICY), ACTUAL DEBT SERVICE

AMOUNT, AND DEBT SERVICE LIMIT (MGA) $5,000 $4,772

$4,000 $3,580 600,000 $3,000 $2,665 IN DOLLARS $2,442 500,000 $2,191 $2,000 $1,181 400,000 $1,000

300,000

IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS Lethbridge Grande Prairie Red Deer Calgary Edmonton Medicine Hat

200,000

100,00

$ 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017* *PROJECTED DEBT LIMIT (100%) - MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT DEBT LIMIT (75%) - COUNCIL POLICY TOTAL ACTUAL DEBT DEBT SERVICE LIMIT - MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT ACTUAL DEBT SERVICE LONG-TERM DEBT SERVICING LIMIT (MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT), SERVICE LIMIT ON DEBT LIMIT LONG-TERM DEBT LIMIT, TOTAL DEBT

600,000 100,000 90,000 500,000 80,000 70,000 400,000 60,000

300,000 IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS 50,000 IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS 40,000 200,000 30,000 20,000 100,00 10,000 $ 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017* $ 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2016* *PROJECTED *PROJECTED DEBT LIMIT (100%) - MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT DEBT SERVICE LIMIT - MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT DEBT LIMIT (75%) - COUNCIL POLICY ACTUAL DEBT SERVICE TOTAL ACTUAL DEBT

38 CITY OF RED DEER ANNUAL REPORT 2017 REDDDER.CA 39 ANNUAL REPORT

THE CITY OF RED DEER 4914 - 48 AVENUE (BOX 5008) RED DEER, AB, CANADA T4N 3T4

reddeer.ca