YEAR OF 2016 ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2016 WWW.REDDEER.CA
4 Red Deer City Council 4 Corporate Leadership Team 6 Mayor’s Message 7 City Manager’s Message 8 Strategic Plan 9 Awards & Accolades 10 The City of Red Deer By the Numbers 12 Red Deer, A Welcoming and Inclusive Community 13 Sharing Our Identity 14 We’re Getting Ready For You 17 Safety Top of Mind 18 Red Deer Sets Food Free 19 Ride the Bus, Read a Book 20 Transit Celebrating Our History, and Planning for the Future 21 The Club Cart is Growing 22 Celebrating Our Achievements in Innovation 23 Live, Work, Play in Downtown Red Deer 24 Red Deer Goes Round 26 Customer Service Enhanced Through Technology 27 Notifications Your Way 28 Public Participation Key to Shaping Our Community 29 Refreshing the Collicutt Water Park 30 Chief Financial Officer Message 31 Financials 3 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2016
YOUR CITY COUNCIL
MAYOR COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR Tara Veer Lynne Mulder Paul Harris
E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] P 403.342.8154 P 403.341.6418 P 403.341.3352 F 403.342.8365 F 403.346.6195 F 403.341.5754
COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR Tanya Handley Dianne Wyntjes Lawrence Lee
E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] C 403.596.5848 C 403.505.4256 C 403.318.8862 F 403.346.6195 F 403.346.6195 F 403.346.6195
COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR Ken Johnston Buck Buchanan Frank Wong
E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] C 403.358.8049 P 403.343.6550 P 403.347.6514 F 403.346.6195 F 403.346.6195 F 403.346.6195
YOUR CORPORATE LEADERSHIP TEAM
CITY MANAGER DIRECTOR OF DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Craig Curtis HUMAN RESOURCES & STRATEGIC PLANNING Kristy Svoboda Julia Harvie-Shemko E [email protected] P 403.342.8156 E [email protected] E [email protected] P 403.356.8906 P 403.342.8320
DIRECTOR OF DIRECTOR OF DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE SERVICES DEVELOPMENT SERVICES CORPORATE TRANSFORMATION Paul Goranson Kelly Kloss Lisa Perkins
E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] P 403.342.8134 P 403.342.8162 P 403.342.8738
DIRECTOR OF DIRECTOR OF PLANNING SERVICES COMMUNITY SERVICES Tara Lodewyk Sarah Cockerill
E [email protected] E [email protected] P 403.406.8708 P 403.342.8323
4 55 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2016
MAYOR’S MESSAGE CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE Tara Veer Craig Curtis
Two thousand and This is a sure sign of progress in our On behalf of The City of Our community is also transforming in sixteen was a defining community, but with a struggling Red Deer, I am pleased to more subtle ways. This year we unveiled year for Red Deer. It was economy, the need to bring stability to present the 2016 Annual our new community narrative, which a year of progress as we our city is increasingly important, and Report, which highlights uncovers Red Deer’s unique identity. worked to fulfill our commitment to City Council continues to advocate to the some of our accomplishments over the The narrative truly tells the story of Red good governance and financial, social, provincial government about our needs last year and provides a snapshot of what Deer – we’re connected, hard working, environmental and cultural sustainability. and issues facing Red Deer. lies ahead for our community. entrepreneurial, and welcoming. And it Our community started ramping up for certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed with Red the 2019 Canada Winter Games with In 2016, our advocacy efforts related While we faced challenges in 2016 with Deer named one of North America’s most capital and infrastructure investment primarily to the need for funding of a new respect to economic conditions, with a breathtaking places, by Expedia, this year. that saw a number of roadway projects courthouse as well as social programming strong strategic vision set by City Council, wrapped up and many recreation and and support services for the vulnerable in we stayed the course and remained Being welcoming is part of our identity, facility enhancements get underway. our community. focused on our priorities and continued to and this spirit is reflected in our deliver programs, services and initiatives commitment to building a welcoming Perhaps one of the most significant In 2016, crime and safety became a high that strengthen our community and and inclusive community, which we’re milestones we saw this year was priority for our citizens. A new courthouse improve quality of life for residents. making significant progress on. As you’ll the historical celebration of the will ensure increasingly timely legal read, The City has been recognized for Like in past years, this year’s report former Red Deer Arena before it was processes and proceedings that result in several initiatives related to diversity and highlights the breadth of projects that decommissioned. This milestone was the safety and security for all people in inclusiveness, both within our organization staff have undertaken that transform our bitter sweet with the 64 year old facility our community. With the ever increasing and in the broader community. community – everything from building holding a great deal of community history population Red Deer’s courthouse serves, two-lane roundabouts to building new Citizen engagement also played a big role for many teams, athletes and citizens who this need is more pronounced than ever recreational facilities. A major highlight in 2016. From the budget bus to the ice hosted countless tournaments, games before. We will continue to advocate in 2016 was the steps we took to ready study, citizens had more opportunities and events at the arena in its day. But emerging provincial infrastructure needs ourselves to host the 2019 Canada Winter than ever to have their say in decisions with this change comes an enhanced for our community. Games. The upgrades to our current being made by Administration and facility with not only more space and facilities such as Great Chief Park and Council. We’re continuing to build our amenities, but one designed to meet As we move into 2017, City Council will the rebuilding of the Red Deer Arena public participation program in 2017, so modernized environmental and sport continue to focus on being a citizen will not only be integral components to there will be many more opportunities standards as well as more focused government that aims to enhance a successful event, but also for citizen’s for residents to participate in the decision efficient operations. your quality of life and to build our recreational use for years to come. making process in the future. community. This annual report will give In addition to the many facility you an opportunity to look back and see Our newest neighbourhood, Riverlands, We hope you enjoy reading this year in enhancements that got underway in how far we’ve come, with an overview into also saw changes in 2016. Administration review, which covers just a fraction of the preparation for the Canada Winter what’s in store in 2017 and 2018. worked hard to revise the Riverlands Area the projects and initiatives happening Games, there was construction in 2016 Redevelopment Plan and the Land Use behind the scenes at The City. As with two firehalls and a number of We are proud to be Red Deerians with you Bylaw to create a new plan that creates a we continue to deal with economic roadway improvements taking place and thank, the citzens of Red Deer for the sustainable, vibrant and authentic mixed volatility, we remain committed to strong across the city. The City also continued to opportunity City Council has to serve you. ▪ use neighbourhood in the downtown leadership, financial sustainability and, make progress on the redevelopment of core. The plan for the area is the first of it’s most importantly, delivering high-quality Riverlands in our downtown. kind for Red Deer, it will incorporate safe services to citizens. ▪ and active public spaces and designs that encourage living, working and playing in Riverlands.
6 7 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2016
STRATEGIC AWARDS & PLAN ACCOLADES
DIALOGUE DIVERSITY AWARD BLUE SKIES AWARD Engaging our community and enhancing Cultural Diversity in Public Sectors Clean Air Technology - Collicutt Centre As you go through this year’s annual our relationships Diversity Magazine (2016) Parkland Airshed Management report, you’ll notice little pops of Zone (2016) information on some of the pages. COMMUNITY AMENITIES The City of Red Deer was pleased to This information is about where the Planning great spaces and places for accept this award based on the The City of Red Deer, in partnership with story fits into Council’s Strategic community living following initiatives: ATCO Gas, installed Combined Heat Plan. In the 2015-2018 Strategic Plan, and Power (CHP) in 2014. Using CHP, Council outlined three themes that FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP ■■ Creating a staff position focused on the Collicutt Centre generates its own guides administration in all the work diversity and inclusion power and heat for a lower cost than if Creating a sustainable financial they do. These themes are: ■■ Establishing the corporate Diversity The City would have to pay for both heat foundation Team to review City policies related to and power from a utility company. ATCO diversity and inclusion estimates that the CHP unit, combined Along with the themes from the current strategic ■■ Creating a mandatory training with its waste-heat recovery technology plan, work continues to be completed on the five program for employees to better will save the facility nearly $35,000 per themes from the previous one. These are: understand diversity in the workplace year in energy costs over the life of the ■■ Launching the Welcoming and project. In 2015 conventional electricity IDENTITY Inclusive Communities (WIC) Network use at this facility was reduced by 1.6 ■■ Housing the Fostering Diverse million kWh (>30%) and GHG emissions Identify and promote our Red Deer Communities Conference that by 760 tonnes, comparable to taking 160 identity brought representatives from The City, cars off the road. ▪ SAFETY community and other municipalities together to hear from leaders in Enable and promote a safer an effort to overcome racism TOP 10 MICRO CITIES community and discrimination Cost Effectiveness & Foreign Direct Investment Strategy MOVEMENT See more on inclusion and diversity in American Cities of the Future Red Deer on page 14. (2015/2016) Design and facilitate integrated ▪ movement Red Deer ranked among the top DESIGN North American micro-cities for cost effectiveness, foreign direct investment Design and plan our community to reflect strategy and entrepreneurialism our character and values according to FDI Intelligence, a division of the Financial Times. ECONOMY
Shift our primary economic development The judging criteria for Cost Effectiveness focus and activity to within Red Deer include average salaries, annual rent for commercial and industrial space, electricity rates, cost to export/import, VISION cost of establishing business and tax Innovative Thinking rates. Judges considered economic development, attraction and retention of Inspired Results foreign investment, and plans, strategies Vibrant Community and policies in the Foreign Direct MISSION Investment category. ▪ The City of Red Deer works together to provide leadership and sustainable municipal services for our community.
8 9 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2016
THE CITY OF RED DEER BY THE NUMBERS
L * % FAL 98 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 42,275 AGE AIRCRAFT LANDINGS AGE 3 103 ER 8 V 22,381 A 16,494 PASSENGERS DETATCHED HOMES THROUGH AIRPORT
NEIGHBOURHOODS 53
BUS 39 ROUTES 162 PLAYGROUNDS 48.3% 47.7% FEMALE MALE 1078BUILDING PERMITS WITH A VALUE OF $247,451,590 1,136 2 STREET LIGHTS REPAIRED GROWTH IN 10 YEARS 21,750m GARDEN PLOTS 20% OUTDOOR SKATING/ 2 151km HOCKEY SURFACES 7,798,289m OF TRAILS 75 MOWED TURF GRASS
10 11 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2016 DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION RED DEER, SUCCESSES IN 2016: ■■ Alberta Global Talent: Certificate of Excellence, April 13, 2016 ■■ Diversity Magazine: Diversity in Public Sectors Award, June 25, 2016 SAFETY ■■ Alberta Venture: Finalist – Alberta’s Best Workplaces for Diversity Competition When we create a more welcoming A WELCOMING ■■ Canadian Race Relations Foundation: Finalist – Award of Excellence in the and inclusive community, all members Government/Public Sector of our community have a greater AND INCLUSIVE sense of safety. COMMUNITY
Red Deer is known for many things, the Red Deer Welcoming and Inclusive “Breaking down stereotypes, exploring such as our beautiful trails, public art Communities (WIC) Network. The gender identity, and welcoming newcomers and elite athletes, just to name a few, WIC Network provides education and were all part of the event,” Sheculski said. and now being a welcoming and awareness of racism and discrimination, “This conference is one example of The City’s inclusive community is making that list. promotes empathy and compassion, commitment to being a more welcoming 2016 RED DEER WIC NETWORK is working to build a safe environment organization. We want to lead by example by Starting from the inside out, The City where people have an equitable starting and facilitating these conversations implemented several initiatives to get voice, and promotes good practices in and creating more awareness and the ball rolling on creating a vibrant, inclusion. understanding in the greater community.” healthy and diverse organization and community. The network is made up of more than But that’s not all. Two thousand and sixteen 45 representatives from community also saw The City continue its work with the Tymmarah Sheculski, Diversity and organizations and businesses as well as aboriginal community and Urban Aboriginal Inclusion Specialist with The City of Red individuals who represent the diversity Voices in actioning the recommendations of Deer, is at the helm of this initiative. in the community. the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, The priorities in her role are to increase which aims to inspire positive change in employee awareness of diversity and “Since the network was created, we communities through Canada. inclusion, assess The City’s policies, have finalized our Terms of Reference procedures and practices related to and completed a needs assessment “This City values its relationships with diversity and inclusion and help in which we identified three priorities, our urban aboriginal community, and Red Deer be a welcoming and including Indigenous people, people called public attention to the need for inclusive community. with complex needs, and the lack an inquiry into Missing and Murdered of capacity to address incidents of Indigenous Women. We remain committed Since taking on this role, Tymmarah has discrimination,” Sheculski said. “The to Reconciliation, and will continue to been working with City employees and WIC Network is in the process of implement recommendations from the TRC SHARING OUR community members to implement addressing these priorities through the in the coming year,” said Mayor Tara Veer. internal and external initiatives to meet development of an action plan being these goals. presented to Council in 2017.” Coming up in 2017, The City will continue to support and participate in the WIC Network, IDENTITY “Internally, we have created training In May 2016, The City hosted the and the Diversity Team will continue to modules that focus on inclusion in Fostering Diverse Communities meet with and train staff. The City will also Since 2013, The City has been OUR STORY…. the workplace, developed a Diversity Conference that welcomed more put Employee Resource Groups in place for collaborating with community partners ■■ Red Deer is a centred city, uniquely connected. Team that works together to create a than 130 people from all over Alberta, staff who below to various diversity groups to uncover Red Deer’s unique identity ■■ Our promise is real balance. We work hard and make more inclusive workplace, and have and even some from Saskatchewan. such as LGBTQ+ and newcomers. There so we can show the world who we are. living easy. An active city rooted in an expansive park, hosted events such as lunch and Conference attendees came together will also be an internal assessment of the Working together we have developed a here you’ll find balance like nowhere else. Step out your learns where we’ve had people from to share best practices in diversity and levels of inclusion through the organization community story that we share through door and onto a nature trail. Step up the ladder and different faiths, cultures and agencies inclusion, highlight their challenges using a tool development by the Alberta The City’s and our partners’ marketing onto your path to prosperity. speak,” said Sheculski. “I’m also here and collaborate on solutions. Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA). materials, social media channels and ■■ Our attitude is all in. We pitch in, we chime in and as a resource to all staff, whether it Throughout the two day conference, Also in 2017, the Diversity Team and the uncoverreddeer.ca. In 2016, we took it we’re all in, especially when it comes to building be to act as a mediator during tough there were breakout sessions, wisdom WIC Network will collaborate to develop an one step further and launched a series our community. We work together to make our conversations about discrimination, or circles, entertainment and several “Everyone’s Welcome” campaign. of videos to help promote who we city better. with supervisors who need guidance on guest speakers. Speakers included are as a community. Local businesses, ■■ Our legacy is our path. Our history is steeped in the policies. My door is always open.” Tanya Kappo who spoke on Idle no “We want to have a respectful, inclusive organizations and individuals are character of inspired leaders who carved paths to the More and Walking With Our Sisters , workplace where people feel comfortable welcome to the materials created to river’s edge — and built bridges over it. We’ve earned Externally, on behalf of The City of Red Ahmed “Knowmadic” Ali, a Somali- bringing their whole selves to work,” said help promote Red Deer. our reputation for entrepreneurialism. Innovation is Deer, Tymmarah led the creation of born Canadian slam poet shared his Sheculski. “Creating this type of work in our DNA. experience as a young newcomer to environment and continuing with the ■■ Our possibility is welcoming. Our inclusive and Canada, and Zarqa Nawaz, creator of community initiatives is a recipe for success in These materials are located at diverse nature attracts those who appreciate a Little Mosque on the Prairie, who spoke making Red Deer a community that embraces uncoverreddeer.ca modern city that still retains its small town charm. 12 13 during an evening session on Islam. everyone, no matter their background.” ▪
ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2016
CANYON SKI RESORT
In preparation for the upcoming Games, Canyon Ski Resort RED DEER PLAYS HOST is also getting a facelift. Alberta’s largest non-mountain ski TO THE MEMORIAL CUP area will see improved terrain, widened runs, enhanced snow In May 2016, hockey teams from across making equipment and building upgrades to meet accessibility Canada came to Red Deer to play in the requirements. It will play a key role in the 2019 Games hosting the Mastercard Memorial Cup, the highest snowboarding and freestyle skiing competitions. Upgrades to the honour for teams in the Canadian resort will put Red Deer on the map for competitions long after Hockey League. the Games wrap up. Work began in fall 2016 and will be complete The 10 day tournament included the for fall 2018. champions of the WHL, OHL, QMJHL and The Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre/Centre des Jeux du Canada Gary W. Harris will be a world-class inclusive facility that the host team, the Red Deer Rebels, with integrates education and learning with sport and training at Red Deer College. This facility will be the proud host venue for five sports From slopes to trails, cross country skiers who frequent River OHL’s London Knights taking the cup. The during the 2019 Canada Winter Games. It will also provide a remarkable legacy, filled with programs and classes for RDC students Bend Golf and Recreation Area will see an improvement in the event was a major success with the help and community access that is inclusive and multi-generational, promoting healthy lifestyle development. rdc.ab.ca/thecentre next year. Starting in 2017, work includes widening 5.5km of of hundreds of volunteers, sponsors and the existing 15 km of trails to accommodate skate skiing and to local businesses and organizations. The City improve snow coverage. River Bend Golf and Recreation trails of Red Deer made a cash contribution of will be used for the biathlon and cross-country ski competitions $200,000 to the host communities, with GARY W. HARRIS CANADA GAMES CENTRE/CENTRE DES JEUX DU CANADA GARY W. HARRIS in 2019. The widened trails will accommodate future multi-use the community reaping the benefits of an for enhanced recreational opportunities for all Red Deerians. estimated $13 million in economic impact Additional enhancements include upgrading the biathlon from the tournament. range and constructing a new stadium area. ▪ MOVING THE OVAL
Another major project that kicked off in 2016 was the enhancements at Great Chief Park, which will WE’RE play host to long-track speed skating during the CWG, and will also be used for activities year round.
Once complete, it will be home to a synthetic GETTING sports field and a 400 meter speed skating oval, a field house/pavilion that will include a concession, public washrooms, change rooms, meeting space, PHOTO CREDIT JEFF STOKOE, timekeeper and a media area. All electrical services RED DEER ADVOCATE READY are being upgraded, the parking area is being RED DEER REBEL GRAYSON reconfigured and a new maintenance building is PAWLENCHUK DIGS THE PUCK OUT OF THE CORNER DURING being built. SEMI-FINAL MASTERCARD MEMORIAL CUP ACTION AGAINST THE ROUYN-NORANDA HUSKIES FRIDAY. FOR YOU “Great Chief Park provides recreation and sport amenities for dozens of different types of user groups in and around Red Deer,” said Cockerill. While Canadian athletes dream “Moving the speed skating oval from the Golden of winning a gold medal in Circle to the park gives us an opportunity to extend 2019, The City is creating gold- the use of the park to be a year round facility.” medal standard facilities to host the Canada Winter Games The enhancements to Great Chief Park are (CWG). With just two years left expected to be completed in the Fall of 2017. The before thousands of athletes, total cost of the project is $12.757 million. coaches, officials and fans roll into town, our community is buzzing with construction to ensure we’re ready for the Games. Once the Games have wrapped up, these facilities will provide lasting recreational opportunities for our citizens for decades to come.
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ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2016 A NEW ERA FOR ARENA-GOERS It was a bitter sweet moment when the Red Deer Arena came down in 2016, but as the new facility is constructed, Red Deerians are increasing excited to see what’s in store for the 1,400 seat arena that will play host to hockey during the 2019 SAFETY Canada Winter Games. TOP OF MIND Over the years, the iconic arena was home for many athletes in our community who grew up watching or playing on the ice at the Red Deer Arena. Unfortunately, it became clear, that the 64 year old facility was beyond the point of repair, and The City was faced with the hard decision to decommission the facility and start new. The good news – we have a unique opportunity
to make some much needed improvements. 5.1 5.1
“The new downtown arena, which will now be known as the SAFETY Servus Arena, will not only offer all the amenities the old facility
Page 18 The Community Safety Strategy along Page 18 did, but will also meet environmental and modernized sport Graphic Elements Elements Graphic with the Social Policy Framework, and standards for a greener and more efficient operation,” said Sara the Annual Policing Plan stem from this Cockerill, Community Services Director. theme and continue to be in effect in
an effort to increase safety and The arena will include room temperature seating, welcoming reduce crime in our community. and gathering spaces, interior connection to the Pidherney Centre, an indoor walking track, larger and modernized change rooms, team warm up areas and team space, to name a few.
But don’t worry; keeping the history alive is certainly part of the Crime, policing and safety continues to be a coordinated effort to create a crimes while property crimes continued plan. We want to honour our roots, and all those skaters, hockey top of mind for Red Deerians according to community that citizens and visitors feel to drive the overall increase in Criminal and ringette players, spectators and citizens who got their start the citizen satisfaction survey conducted safe and secure. Code offenses. The total amount of in the arena, or simply feel that innate sense of connection to in 2016. These concerns are being robberies was comparable from 2015 to this community space. addressed through multiple avenues, The City continues to focus on reducing 2016, however, there was a significant which included City Council approving, in the impact of organized crime through decrease in the final quarter, from Arguably one of the most iconic elements of the former Red principle, the Community Safety Strategy. an intelligence led, coordinated 64 in 2015 to 39 in 2016 – the notable Deer Arena is the neon sign that hung prominently on the The approved strategy, developed by the and multi-jurisdictional approach – decrease at the end of the year outside of the facility. “When the new arena is up and running, Community Safety Ad Hoc Committee, the Regional Priorities Crimes Task is encouraging. the sign will be too – an homage to our past,” said Cockerill. focuses on education, prevention, Force. This task force has exceeded intervention and enforcement. The expectations, successfully targeting “We are going to work together towards Many other items such as fixtures, seating, arena glass and strategy was developed as a planning tool organized crime in our city. the vision of community safety through heating systems are being re-purposed, where possible, in to drive safety work in the community. collaboration, information sharing, other City facilities. “We know that policing and and outcome-focused perspectives.” COMMUNITY AMENITIES “It was developed over two years and enforcement are a crucial component Cockerill said. “It will require a lot of The facilities being upgraded and Construction is already well underway, and the soon to be incorporates community feedback, local of community safety, but we also hard work and commitment by us as constructed are not only for the Games, Servus Arena is taking shape with the arena set to open data and research on effective principles understand that the community needs an organization, as well as individuals, but will also provide Red Deerians for the 2018-19 season. The total cost of the demolition and of practices in community safety and to take ownership of creating a sense neighbourhoods, community groups, recreational opportunities replacement is $21.6 million. crime prevention,” said Sarah Cockerill, of security in where they work, live, and stakeholders at the provincial and for years to come. Director of Community Services “Our learn and play,” Cockerill said. “Our four federal level.” ▪ primary goal with the strategy is to bring areas of focus, education, prevention, individuals, agencies and organizations intervention and enforcement, will together to build on existing community incorporate our citizens into the process. assets while recognizing challenges that We want to ensure our citizens are cannot be resolved on their own.” equipped with the tools necessary to be involved in creating a safer community Over the two years of research, it was with less criminal activity.” found that the conventional ways of Community Safety Strategy To inspire citizen increasing community safety aren’t the According to the 2016 crime stats, the Mission: engagement and coordinated answer moving forward. It will require overall numbers are similar to 2015. There was a slight decrease in persons action to strengthen and sustain community safety in Red Deer through education, prevention, intervention and enforcement.
City of Red Deer Safety Vision: We live, work and play in a safe and secure community and contribute to the actual and 16 perceived safety and security of 17 ourselves and others. ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2016
RED DEER SETS FOOD FREE
The worldwide issue of food waste was brought to a local level when Red Deer hosted a Feed 500 lunch in September MAYOR VEER, GEORGE PENNY, 2016. The City of Red Deer partnered with SCOTT CAMERON Red Deer College (RDC) and the Recycling Children, youth and adult paperback books can be Council of Alberta (RCA) to set food free donated at the Collicutt Centre, Dawe Centre, Rec by serving up a free lunch prepared Centre, Sorenson Station, COSMOS North location entirely from food rescued from local and City Hall. growers, producers and grocery stores.
“More than 800 kilograms of fruit, vegetables, meat and poultry, 250 loaves of bread, 15.6 litres of juices and other items such as spices, oils and condiments were rescued and diverted from the landfill,” said Lauren Maris, Environmental Feeding the 5000 originated in London, England. Program Specialist. “Reducing waste, It was started as a way to shed light on the issue including food waste, is a key component of food waste. The concept is simple – feed 5000 of our Environmental Master Plan, and (or 500 in Red Deer’s case) with food that would Feed 500 was a great way to educate otherwise be thrown away. citizens on how to reduce waste.” RIDE THE BUS, Students from all three levels of RDC’s Cook Apprentice Program showcased their culinary skills by preparing a READ A BOOK meal made from food that would have otherwise been thrown away. The menu Take it. Read it. Share it. Simple, isn’t it? Books on the Bus is funded by Red Deer included borscht, curry chicken and That’s the basis behind the new Books & District Family and Community Support potato hash, bread pudding with plum on the Bus program launched in 2016. Services (FCSS), and with help from our sauce and medley madness smoothie. The project aims at providing partners, including Central Alberta Poverty free books to everyone riding Red Reduction Alliance (CAPRA), Red Deer Throughout the two hour event, Deer Transit. Transit, Red Deer Public Library (RDPL), approximately 1750 portions were served and COSMOS Group of Companies, it has and there was no food leftover. On top Throughout the year, more than 10,000 been a huge success. of the reduced food waste, all food was books were donated through donation served on compostable servingware. bins located around the city and “The start up cost of the program was during a Red Deer Rebels Game on approximately $25,000 including “After the clean up was done, the December 3. advertising on four Red Deer Transit Buses remaining items that would typically all with in-kind support coming from each be thrown in the garbage, 86 per cent “The program was spearheaded to of the partners,” said Souveny. “The cost was composted and five per cent was encourage social engagement and to continue the program is minimal, as recycled,” Maris said. “That meant that only reduce barriers to literacy,” said Dianna it is mostly based on donations received nine per cent of the waste at the end of Souveny, Community Facilitator with through our drop-off centres.” the meal ended up in the landfill.” ▪ Social Planning. “We’ve received so much positive feedback from those The Books on the Bus program will making use of the books and from the continue into 2017. ▪ people wanting to donate.”
18 19 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2016
R.D.T.S. 501/1948 BRILL C36 THE CART CLUB IS GROWING
The much-envied Green Cart club grew waste by 40 per cent, and the Blue this past year, not by households, but Carts are much larger than the by carts. The blue and black carts joined current blue bins, every other week the club as an extension of the cart collection of garbage and recycling pilot program that originally rolled out becomes achievable. in 2015. “The pilot households play a crucial “After rolling out the Green Cart role in helping us to understand what program, we received a lot of positive works with this program,” said Whitesell. response from the 2,000 participating “Throughout the whole pilot program households, so rolling out phase two we have been collecting feedback from TRANSIT of the program was very exciting,” said the households which are helping to lay Janet Whitesell, Waste Management the groundwork for what could be the Superintendent. “The extension to the future of waste collection in Red Deer.” pilot program is part of the long term plan to divert more waste from the Since every other week Blue and Black landfill and to optimize and improve Cart collection began in 2016, pilot the collection system.” households have set out an average of 27 kilograms of garbage per household OUR HISTORY, The new cart system is part of the waste a month. During the same time period, diversion strategy in The City’s Waste non-pilot households set out an AND PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE Management Plan. Approximately average of 44 kilograms per household GEORGE PENNY AT 40 per cent of household waste is a month. This represents a 39 per cent ANNOUNCEMENT compostable, making the new cart reduction in garbage, in line with the Celebrating Red Deer Transit was And this service will continue to evolve, system a perfect opportunity to increase pre-pilot estimate that 40 per cent of a trend in 2016 for milestones and thanks to a funding announcement by diversion from the landfill and produce a household’s waste could be diverted funding. In early June, a celebration the provincial and federal government. valuable compost. Blue and Black through an organics program was held at Sorenson Station Through the Public Transit Infrastructure carts are picked up bi-weekly on an to commemorate 50 years of Fund (PTIF) and the Green Trip alternating schedule, while Green cart Once the two-year pilot program has City-run service. Incentives Program (GreenTrip), Red collection remains weekly. Since the wrapped up, it will be determined if it Deer Transit received $13.17 million to Green Carts can reduce a household was successful and at that time Council Since The City took over public transit make transit more accessible than ever will make a decision as to whether or in 1966, the service has grown from before. not it will go city-wide. ▪ nine buses to a city-wide, seven day a week, reliable, consistent and accessible The funding is being used for local service. The City’s fleet includes 62 low improvements and accessibility floor buses, three community shuttles upgrades at bus stops, replacement CAN BE PUT and 24 Action Buses. of conventional transit buses and WHAT INTO THE CARTS? system wide intelligent transit which GREEN BLUE BLACK “We have a lot of pride in how our will enhance the rider experience. transit service has grown – we know Customers can expect to see changes ■■ Branches, leaves, grass and garden ■■ Newspaper ■■ Styrofoam it’s an essential service for our citizens beginning in late 2017 or early 2018. ▪ CURRENT SORENSON STATION debris ■■ Magazines ■■ Diapers and want to ensure that we continue ■■ Table scraps and plate scrapings ■■ Mixed paper – e.g. office paper, junk ■■ Plastic films ■ ■ to provide the best service possible,” ■ Fruits and vegetables (raw and cooked) mail, envelopes and flyers ■ Aluminum foil ■■ Meat, fish and bones ■■ Telephone books ■■ Gift wrap and ribbons George Penny, Transit Manager ■■ Dairy products ■■ Corrugated cardboard ■■ Laminated paper said. “Our transit service balances ■■ Bread and baked goods ■■ Boxboard – e.g. cereal boxes, shoe ■■ Wax paper environmental, economic and social ■■ Coffee grounds/filters and tea bags boxes and tissue boxes ■■ Small lids aspects, and we consider all these ■■ Pasta, rice, grains and beans ■■ Number 1 to 7 plastic containers ■■ Multi-material packaging (e.g. chip ■ aspects when planning our routes in ■ Eggs and eggshells and lids – e.g. yogurt cups, detergent bags, frozen food trays, deodorant, ■■ Food-soiled paper towels, napkins and containers, food platter trays, and toothpaste and pet food bags) order to continue making it a viable and tissues plant pots. beneficial service.” ■■ Pet waste and kitty litter ■■ Metal cans ■■ Hair, pet fur and feathers ■■ R.D.T.S. 7118 / 1970 Dryer lint GMC “NEW LOOK” ■■ Wooden popsicle sticks, stir sticks and 20 toothpicks 21 ■■ Compostable bags ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2016 DESIGN Red Deer’s newest neighbourhood will incorporate new features we’ve never seen in Red Deer – it’ll be our first mixed-use neighbourhood that will incorporate professional, commercial and residential districts. CELEBRATING OUR LIVE, ACHIEVEMENTS WORK, IN INNOVATION PLAY Innovation is truly in our DNA, according to our citizens and our IN DOWNTOWN staff. We heard it loud and clear in our community story, which was unveiled in 2016 and we, at The City of Red Deer, live it daily. We work to find ways to save time and/or money, and we do it all with RED DEER a continued commitment to deliver the high quality programs and services you expect. Nestled along the Red Deer River, The Riverlands redevelopment project thanks to many contributions made Sometimes it’s a change in how we work, sometimes it is about in the heart of our downtown, has been in the works for many years, but by citizens, property owners and the technology we use, and sometimes it is simply about working there is an exciting new mixed use until now, The City has focused primarily businesses. Over the last number better together and finding ways to combine our efforts for a better neighbourhood taking shape. It is on planning and working with the of years, we’ve worked with our result. Nonetheless, here are just a handful of the innovations we the soon-to-be one of kind riverfront community to set out the vision for community and character to create a implemented in 2016. community, currently known as the area. vision that honours the history of the Riverlands, and 2016 marked a neighbourhood while acknowledging number of notable milestones for this “This project is about building on what we the Greater Downtown Action Plan, REDUCED COST redevelopment project. already have and enhancing connections Culture Vision and Riverlands Urban ■ ■ Implementation of Notify Red Deer to share messages with throughout the neighbourhood – Design Concept, which are all being our citizens the way they want, when they want. When it is all said and done, the connections to the greater downtown, considered as we develop out ■ ■ The online Activity Guide now allows users to search and Riverlands neighbourhood will be existing Waskasoo Park, the trail system the area.” register for programs with the click of a button, with the unlike anything we have in Red Deer and the Red Deer River.” said Cory Edinga, enhanced search function designed internally, saving The City #ALBERTASTRONG right now. With a mix of professional, Riverlands Project Manager Riverlands currently includes the $75,000. When the wildfire devastated the commercial and residential districts, former City public works yards, ■ ■ Implementation of MyRide, a new transit fare system that uses community of Fort McMurray in May 2016, all within approximately 45 hectares, As for the milestones achieved in 2016, Cronquist Business Park, Carnival prepaid, reloadable cards and has reduced fare evasion and The City of Red Deer responded to the crisis the neighbourhood will feature vibrant City Council approved an updated Area Cinemas, the Quarry and the Old boarding time. and also opened its doors to evacuees. A streets, active public spaces and Redevelopment Plan (ARP) and Land Brew Plaza as well as several provincial state of emergency was declared building designs that draw people in to Use Bylaw, two critical pieces that other commercial and INCREASED EFFICIENCIES on May 4, 2016 and from then until the end live, work, visit and play. essentially serve as the blueprints for professional businesses. ■ ■ A shift from annual to permanent dog tags saved of May, 77 City staff were deployed to support future redevelopment. approximately $7,000 the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo And while big changes are on the “While the redevelopment of ■ ■ New LED lights in the Collicutt Centre parking lot is expected with their emergency response, including horizon, Riverlands is already a hidden In addition, The City also initiated the Riverlands may take more years to to reduce utility consumption costs. firefighters, emergency management gem in our city. A number of locally detailed design of Alexander Way and the see the area fully redeveloped, there ■ ■ A focus on self-service online tools for citizens making it specialist, emergency social services, a owned and operated businesses got Riverwalk, and construction is set to get are a number of opportunities just easier for citizens to connect with The City and streamlining critical incident stress management team, their legs in Riverlands, many of them underway in 2017. The Riverwalk will be around the corner - everything from processes, which in some cases, saves staff time. RCMP, water treatment plant operators, still calling it home today. just one of many unique public spaces restaurants, to retail stores, public ■ ■ Working with partner agencies such as the Red Deer Airport, communication specialists, call centre located here, a public space that aims to markets and gathering spaces, to RDC and Tourism Red Deer, to name a few, through the support team, 911 emergency dispatcher, Professionals, gym goers and artists connect people and place. name a few. Over the course of the launch of UncoverRedDeer.ca, an initiative that enables the geographical information system specialist, alike are known to make the occasional next few years, people will start to see sharing of photography, videography and information across and members of Canada Task Force 2 Urban pit stop in the neighbourhood – With these two milestones under our belt, this area change and develop, and we partner organizations. Search & Rescue. appreciating it for how it is today – that land sales are just around the corner with can’t wait to see what’s in store as we easy-to-get-to sweet spot on the edge The City seeking out projects that fit with explore the many opportunities that lie HIGHER QUALITY More than 2000 evacuees from Ft. McMurray of Red Deer’s historic downtown – a the overall vision of the neighbourhood. ahead,” said Edinga. ■ ▪ ■ Work with local agencies and businesses to increase needle also came to Red Deer. The City provided stopover for some and home sweet awareness and community safety. many supports for these evacuees including home for others. “This is the first time we, as a City, has ■ ■ Increased community partnerships with local businesses and free recreation, transit and camping and undertaken an infill of this scale,” said For more information visit nonprofits to support local programs such as Idle Free Schools also helped connect evacuees with available Edinga. “And we know redevelopment reddeer.ca/riverlands with Lafarge, Yellowfish Road with Trout Unlimited and Earth resources. The Red Cross reports that many takes time, but, we will get it right, Day with WEES. of these evacuees have since made Red Deer their home. In addition, many Red Deerians opened their hearts, homes and wallets to evacuees, showing the true meaning behind the sentiment #AlbertaStrong. 22 23 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2016
Anyone using the 67 Street / 30 Avenue or The roundabout at 67 Street and 30 Avenue fully Johnstone Drive / 67 Street intersections would opened in the fall and came in under the estimated have noticed a major change in 2016. It was a shift budget. This budget not only covered the cost of from signalized intersections to roundabouts – a building the roundabout, but also extending 67 modern shift in traffic flow. This shift took months Street and 30 Avenue and all associated utility of planning, construction and public education in infrastructure. Final landscaping will take place order to open up the lanes to motorists. in 2017.
“As Red Deer continues to grow, we need to adjust The 67 Street and Johnstone Drive roundabout our infrastructure to better service traffic volume opened in the fall. Some final work needs to take needs,” Wayne Gustafson, Manager of Engineering place in 2017, including permanent line painting, Services said. “Modern roundabouts improve traffic trails and landscaping. flow, and reduce delays, vehicle noise and fuel emissions because drivers yield rather than stop at a “Both the roundabouts were major projects for red light.” The City as they are located at major intersections, and we thank residents for their patience Along with reducing traffic congestion, roundabouts throughout construction, ” said Gustafson. are proven to be safer for both motorists and “We’re already seeing the positive impact the pedestrians compared to traditional intersections. roundabouts are having on traffic flow and we Serious and fatal collisions are shown to be reduced know the learning from these projects will help us by 80 per cent. With lower traffic speeds and as we continue to plan for infrastructure upgrades shorter crossing distance compared signalized throughout the community.” ▪ intersections, roundabouts are also statistically safer for pedestrians.
Although modern two lane roundabouts were new on community arterials and there was some initial DON’T BE A SQUARE apprehension, the roundabouts are functioning well and have received a lot of positive feedback.
“How to safely navigate a modern roundabout and the difference between them and traffic circles were among the main concerns we heard from citizens during the planning and construction phases,” Gustafson said. “Our communication specialists GO ROUND! developed and implemented a public education campaign that helped ease any apprehensions ForForget more what information you think youon knowthese projects the public had. The successful outcome of this and toIN learn TODAY’S more ROUNDABOUTS: about using the campaign allowed us to focus on the project modern roundabouts,PICK YOUR LANE No check need to change out lanes AND STAY IN IT in the roundabout delivery and engineering side of things while they Yieldroundabout.how on entry to both lanes NO STOPPING Signal the direction focused on the community side.” IN THE you’re going on entry, ROUNDABOUT and signal right to exit RED DEER MOVEMENT FRED DIENO, PARKING COORDINATOR, Our City continues to grow so we are TOYS FOR TICKETS CELEBRATES ACCEPTED MORE THAN 400 NEW TOYS making the necessary enhancements A DECADE OF GIVING IN LIEU OF PAYMENT FOR PARKING TICKETS ON DECEMBER 1 AND 2, 2016. to facilitate this growth. Roundabouts For 10 years, The City’s Toys for Tickets program are known to reduce traffic congestion has helped to ensure no child who celebrates GOES and are safer for both motorists Christmas in Red Deer wakes up on December and pedestrians. 25 without a gift. Since it started, the program has collected more than 5,000 new toys, which people have given in lieu of paying for parking tickets. All toys are given to the Red ROUND Deer Christmas Bureau. 24 25 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2016
email text phone
DIALOGUE We are continually finding new ways to increase the communication between our citizens and the organization. NOTIFICATIONS With MyCity and Notify Red Deer, it is become easier every day with the help YOUR WAY. of new technology.
What’s happening? What should I do? The registration process is easy, and can Another great feature of the system is Where do I go? All questions running be done on any device connected to the when a notification is sent out, it asks through every person’s mind in an Internet. If residents don’t have personal recipients to respond that the message emergency situation. All questions access to the Internet they can go to any was received. If the message is not that can be answered by text, email public computer or go to City Hall to immediately confirmed through the or phone call through The City’s new sign up. preferred contact method, it will cycle CUSTOMER SERVICE notification system. through the other communications The system allows registrants to methods provided. Notify Red Deer was implemented in personalize their account and it can be ENHANCED 2016 and is being used to notify Red adjusted at any time. Multiple locations Notify Red Deer also allows residents Deerians and those who signed up, can be selected to receive notifications to receive a text, not a ticket, when THROUGH TECHNOLOGY about emergency notifications and about, such as home, work or daycare and residential plowing is underway. Those residential plowing. registrants select how they want to be who’ve signed up, receive an alert (text, notified by text, email or phone call. email or phone call), when their Snow Accessing City services is easier than “More than 12,000 people have registered “It’s a way of modernizing the way Zone is scheduled for plowing, with a ever before for residents, business for MyCity – that means that thousands of we communicate with our citizens, “Being able to narrow down the areas reminder to not park on either a Green and property owners thanks to The Red Deerians are paying, scheduling, and ensuring that people are aware of what affected in an emergency is key to or Grey Route. City’s new online system. Launched in monitoring their accounts from anywhere is happening and what to do during ensuring the right people are getting the early 2016, MyCity gives 24 hour a day, in the world, rather than having to come an emergency is a priority for us,” right information in a fast and reliable Notify Red Deer is the fastest way 7 days a week access to City services into City Hall,” said Goranson. “This feature said Julia Harvie-Shemko, Director of way,” said Harvie-Shemko. “If the situation to receive information during an including utilities, business licenses, has not only reduced the amount of staff Communications & Strategic Planning. only affects people within a two block emergency, and the easiest way to find dog licenses and tax information. It also time required for these items, but it also “Notify Red Deer is simple, all residents perimeter, then only those who are in out when plowing is happening in your allows registrants to view permits and reduces inaccuracies when inputting have to do is take a few minutes and that area will be given the necessary Snow Zone. applications and schedule inspections information manually.” ▪ register online, the rest is up to us.” information and instructions on what to through a private account. do if the situation requires it.” MyCity will continue to expand the To register, visit “We are focused on developing services services available, with the spring launch reddeer.ca/notifyreddeer that allow our customers to access of application and payment of electrical, City information with ease,” said gas, plumbing, heating, and service Paul Goranson, Director of Corporate connection permits online – creating Services. “With the advancement in a true one stop shop for City business, technology, it’s important to adjust our allowing you to work with The City on your Notify Red Deer was first put to use during the first Residents who have a landline and would like practices to ensure we are keeping up time, not ours. residential plow in the winter of 2016. Registrants it added to the notification system didn’t have with the times. In allowing citizens to received a notification to move their vehicles when to register. All listed landline numbers were access City information with the click of MyCity is one of several system upgrades the plows were coming to avoid being ticketed. automatically added to the Notify Red Deer system. a button, that is what we’re doing.” from the Enterprise Business Applications Register now to get a text instead of a ticket! (EBA) project. The EBA is a City wide Registering for MyCity is simple - project focused on integrating and residents can go to the MyCity site replacing dated software applications and create a profile. The information where needed. Although much of the inputted is safe and secure and helps work is done in the background, it will The City link you with your information. enhance the ways in which residents can 211 is a free, confidential, multilingual, 24 hour ■■ Community Services Once the form is sent in, an email interact with The City. ▪ information and referral system for thousands of ■■ Financial & social assistance confirmation is sent to your email community and social services available across ■■ Housing & utility help ■ address and your MyCity Account is the province. 211 benefits the public by making ■ Food assistance & meal programs ■■ Seniors’ services & home care ready to be used. City accounts can For more information and to it simple to navigate the complex maze of ■■ Parenting & family programs be added to profiles using account register for MyCity, visit health, government and community ■■ Government program assistance numbers, access codes found at the reddeer.ca/MyCity services information. ■■ Disability support services top of licenses, tax notices, permits, ■■ Volunteer organizations downtown parkade bills or utility bills. Dial 2-1-1 to speak to an Information ■■ Newcomer services & Referral Specialist or go to www.ab.211.ca ■■ Mental health support to search for information on: ■■ and much more… 26 27 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2016
DIALOGUE / FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP We are always looking for citizen feedback REFRESHING THE with the decisions we make that affect our community. Including everyone in the budget process not only is part of our goal COLLICUTT WATER PARK to increase communication, but to also be financial leaders who are planning for the future. The Collicutt Centre water park got a much-needed facelift after more than 15 years of service. In 2016, the popular activity centre closed its doors for 10 weeks for extensive maintenance.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION KEY TO “It was the first time we’ve had to close the facility for such an extended period SHAPING OUR COMMUNITY of time,” said Denis Delemont, Collicutt Centre Supervisor. “We have done regular maintenance over the years, but it was Open houses, surveys and even a bus Financial Officer. “Being able to take the Public participation also took place time to complete the necessary upgrades dedicated to speaking to citizens – all bus to these different locations gave us this year on the future of The City’s ice to ensure the water park remains a clean, ways in which The City works to keep the opportunity to reach Red Deerians facilities. Starting in early 2016, a review COMMUNITY AMENITIES safe and high quality place for people of the lines of communications open with who may not have had the opportunity of indoor and outdoor ice facilities was Along with building new recreational all ages to come and enjoy.” Red Deerians. Obtaining citizen input is to speak to us at our other events.” conducted. Along with research into facilities, we are working to ensure our one of the key components to making provincial and national sport and leisure current ones are well maintained so The closure gave staff the opportunity informed decisions on future services Between the Budget Bus, open house trends, leading practices, a review of everyone can enjoy them for years to conduct a thorough inspection and infrastructure. and budget survey, more than 500 Red current practices, and benchmarking to come. and maintenance on all pool surfaces, Deerians were engaged first hand in the with other municipalities, the public and equipment and technical systems as well “We are working on becoming a citizen budget process. ice user groups were engaged to find out as replace ceiling and wall acoustic tiles, focused government, and what this what their needs are. improve the drainage systems and repaint means is that the decisions we make Another project in 2016 that engaged the water park. are based on what citizens truly need citizens was the Centennial Park We wanted to speak with the people who and want for our community,” said Plaza project. Feedback and input use the facilities, both indoor arenas as Throughout the closure, many of the Mayor Tara Veer. “Our administration is gathered from residents, along well as outdoor rinks. We held meetings scheduled lessons were moved to other always searching for new and innovative with research, consultations and with our formalized user groups, sent out City facilities, including the G.H. Dawe ways to help us hear from residents in a staff recommendations, were used questionnaires to groups that book the Community Centre, Recreation Centre manner that works best for them.” to develop a concept plan for the ice, had an online survey for the public, and Michener Aquatic Centre. Drop in Centennial Plaza Park site. The concept conducted personal interviews during users were also encouraged to visit these One of the major public participation plan will go before Council in 2017. public skating and were out and about sites as well. methods used in 2016 was for budget. at outdoor rinks conducting surveys,” said Along with hosting a budget open Developed in 2001 to celebrate Gagnon. “Throughout this process we “Our staff did an excellent job facilitating house, holding an online and in-person Alberta’s Centennial, the north end of heard from more than 520 citizens.” the schedules with the other facilities, survey and speaking to attendees at the the plaza features an outdoor wading making the impact on our users minimal,” annual Let’s Talk event, The City hosted pool with spray fountains, washroom Thanks to the input received and research said Delemont. “It was definitely evident, a Budget Bus. The bus was essentially facility, trails, irrigated landscape, conducted, The City now has data that however, that water park goers were an open house on wheels. Popping and public art, while the south end will allow the organization to develop ice happy to have the Collicutt water park up at several locations around the city of the plaza includes the Michener facilities that balance long-term resident up and running again after the ten week throughout June, citizens were invited Fountain and the historic arches. Due and visitor interest, enhance quality of life closure.” to come aboard and chat to members to concerns related to the wading pool for citizens and create economic benefit of City Council and administration infrastructure, the north end of the park for Red Deer. The upgrades and maintenance to the about their thoughts on what the 2017 will be redeveloped. Collicutt Centre Water Park was funded budget should look like. The opportunity to give input doesn’t through the Capital Budget and was “Throughout September and October, end with the major projects, public budgeted at $384,000. “The Budget Bus travelled around the an on-site kiosk was open daily for participation will be conducted for ▪ city to several public locations, such as residents to come and leave feedback. projects and programs big and small. ▪ the Farmers Market, Bower Ponds and We also held a family event one evening Olymel to talk to residents as they went as another opportunity to chat about about their day,” said Dean Krejci, Chief the vision for the park,” said Shelley Gagnon, Manager of Recreation, Parks & Culture. 28 29 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2016
REVENUE BY SOURCES This chart illustrates all of The City’s revenue sources, both operating and capital including utilities. USER FEES AND SALE OF GOODS AND SERVICES 40% NET MUNICIPAL TAXES 31%
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S MESSAGE Dean Krejci
From the Strategic Plan The City was successful in applying for 2015 – 2018 the financial grant funding. A $6 million grant was leadership framework was received from the Provincial Government a large focus for financial for the runway extension project at the initiatives. A charter for this project was Red Deer Regional Airport. As well a DEVELOPER OTHER FRANCHISE FINES & LICENSES & CONTRIBUTED INVESTMENT CAPITAL OPERATING created and approved by Council with $0.5 million grant was received from the AND CUSTOMER REVENUE FEES PENALTIES PERMITS TANGIBLE CAPITAL INCOME GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT the framework and implementation plan Federal Government under the Canada CONTIBUTIONS 2% 2% 1% 1% ASSETS 2% TRANSFERS TRANSFERS 1% 2% 12% 5% to be completed in 2017. While the formal 150 program for the rehabilitation of financial framework is not yet created, Discovery Canyon. some financial initiatives that will form REVENUES 2016 part of this future framework did get Overall the City is in sound financial underway this year. The City worked on shape. Debt is at 47% of the provincially NET MUNICIPAL TAXES 124,346 additional benchmarking and financial prescribed debt limit maximum and USER FEES AND SALE OF GOODS AND SERVICES 161,378 indicators, completed several asset service on debt is at 34% of the provincially OPERATING GOVERNMENT TRANSFERS 19,198 management initiatives and continued to prescribed debt servicing maximum. CAPITAL GOVERNMENT TRANSFERS 50,218 complete a fees and charges review. Net debt increased $21.9 M as planned INVESTMENT INCOME 6,981 due to financing of capital infrastructure. CONTRIBUTED TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS 7,330 The Enterprise Business Applications The City contributes annually to a reserve LICENSES AND PERMITS 3,558 project also continued with new software dedicated to funding capital projects. FINES AND PENALTIES 6,148 for permits and licensing going live The net book value of assets grew by FRANCHISE FEES 7,848 during the year. As well under this project $70 M as the City continues to invest in CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL POSITION OTHER REVENUE 8,804 budget software was purchased and infrastructure. Reserves increased by $11.4 DEVELOPER AND CUSTOMER CONTRIBUTIONS 6,442 implementation was started. Future M and the reserves to debt ratio remained TOTAL 402,251 $1,970,623 $1,919,323 $1,897,156 $1,815,014 projects include upgrading the financial relatively constant at 91%. Like many $1,867,724 $1,799,413 system and the implementation of a other organizations, the City is adjusting Human Resources Information System budgets in 2017 to reflect reduced revenue $2000 (HRIS). Implementing these systems expectations from utilities, land sales and is critical for efficient operations and facility user fees, due to the economy. $1500 $359,017
customer service. $357,295 $358,131 $342,530 $1000 $327,863 In the current challenging economic $307,717 $(15,601) $(29,432) $(51,300) A value for money (VFM) audit was climate, The City will continue to IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS $500 completed for the planning and balance service to the community with development process. The review maintaining the financial health and $0 encompassed portions of planning, sustainability of the organization. permits and licenses across the Planning, 2014 2015 2016 Emergency Services, Inspections & To view the full 2016 Financial Report visit Licensing and Engineering departments. www.reddeer.ca/city-government/budget- From this review a value framework was and-annual-financial-reports/ ▪ FINANCIAL ASSETS created to allow for the measurement of LIABILITIES value in future audits. The final report will NET FINANCIAL DEBT be presented to Council in 2017. These NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS reviews are essential to ensure that ACCUMULATED SURPLUS City operations are being run efficiently and effectively. 3030 31 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2016
$4,000
EXPENSES BY FUNCTION LONG-TERM DEBT NET RESIDENTIAL $3,500 Expenses by segments details the amount PROPERTY TAX of expense for functional segments for the $500,000 (AFTER GRANTS) $3,000 organization for 2015 in the operating budget. INCLUDING 44% 47% 47% These segments are not the same structure as $400,000 $245,270 $233,877 MUNICIPAL & $2,500 $220,178
the management structure of the organization. $149,834 $300,000 $138,229 PROVINCIAL $152,744
$107,041 REQUISITIONS TRANSPORTATION $2,000 $84,043
$85,706 $200,000 $67,434 Source: THE CITY OF CALGARY 2015 RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY $1,500 PROTECTIVE SERVICES $100,000 $74,421 TAXES AND UTILITY CHARGES SURVEY $0 $1,000 2014 2015 2016 WATER & WASTEWATER $34,542 TAX-SUPPORTED DEBT $500 UTILITY-SUPPORTED DEBT WASTE MANAGEMENT TOTAL DEBT LEGISLATIVE & ADMINISTRATIVE $14,524 $37,545 PERCENTAGE OF DEBT LIMIT USED $ Medicine Hat Halifax Regina Airdrie Winnipeg Red Deer Edmonton Calgary Lethbridge Vancouver Leduc Toronto COMMUNITY SERVICES $2,177 $2,198 $2,588 $2,720 $2,762 $2,788 $2,806 $2,863 $2,869 $2,965 $3,165 $3,703 $13,572 40.00 ELECTRIC LIGHT & POWER SUBDIVISIONS $35,884 $2,534 NON-RESIDENTIAL RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURE $51,924 TAXES PER $1,000 35.00 OF ASSESSED VALUE
Source: THE CITY 30.00 OF CALGARY 2015 RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAXES AND UTILITY EXPENSES BY TYPE 25.00 CHARGES SURVEY
CONTRACTED SERVICES 20.00 $41,998
15.00 MATERIALS & SUPPLIES $48,784 SALARIES, WAGES & BENEFITS $141,093 10.00
PURCHASE FROM OTHER 5.00 GOVERNMENTS $23,217
GRANTS TO ORGANIZATIONS DEBT SERVICE AND DEBT SERVICE LIMIT $ Airdrie Leduc Calgary Vancouver Red Deer Saskatoon Medicine Edmonton Lethbridge Regina Winnipeg Halifax Victoria $20,970 $86,176 $10.41 $11.41 $14.19 $15.87 $16.30 $16.67 Hat $18.47 $21.73 $25.00 $25.67 $33.61 $36.95 $83,647 $83,203 $17.09
OTHER EXPENSES FINANCIAL CHARGES AMORTIZATION OF TANGIBLE $80,000 $1,515 $9,317 CAPITAL ASSETS $63,758
$60,000 $29,223 $27,536 $25,233 $40,000
IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS 20,000
$0 2014 2015 2016
DEBT SERVICE DEBT SERVICE LIMIT
32 33 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2016
SUMMARY OF ACTUAL DEBT, DEBT LIMIT HOW DOES RED DEER COMPARE (MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT), DEBT LIMIT (Debt per capita 2015) (COUNCIL POLICY), ACTUAL DEBT SERVICE AMOUNT, AND DEBT SERVICE LIMIT (MGA)
600,000 $4500 $4260 500,000 $4000 $3455 $3500 400,000 $3000 $2794 $2320 300,000 $2500 $1950 $2000 IN DOLLARS 200,000
IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS $1500
$1000 $952 100,00 $500
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016* Lethbridge Grande Red Deer Calgary Edmonton Medicine *PROJECTED Prairie Hat DEBT LIMIT (100%) DEBT LIMIT (75%) - (2010-2014, 90%) TOTAL ACTUAL DEBT DEBT SERVICE LIMIT ACTUAL DEBT SERVICE LONG-TERM DEBT SERVICING LIMIT (MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT), LONG-TERM DEBT LIMIT, TOTAL DEBT SERVICE LIMIT ON DEBT LIMIT
600,000 100,000 90,000 500,000 80,000
400,000 70,000 60,000 300,000 50,000 40,000 200,000 IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS 30,000 20,000 100,00 10,000 $0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016* 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016* *PROJECTED *PROJECTED DEBT LIMIT (100%) - MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT DEBT SERVICE LIMIT - MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT DEBT LIMIT (75%) - (2010-2014, 90%) - COUNCIL POLICY ACTUAL DEBT SERVICE TOTAL ACTUAL DEBT
34 THE CITY OF RED DEER 4914 - 48 AVENUE (BOX 5008) RED DEER, AB, CANADA T4N 3T4
reddeer.ca