Red Deer's downtown could get a $10 million boost $5 at a time if local residents stepped up in a big way, said Mayor Ken Johnston.
The mayor made his comments shortly before council received the final report of the Greater Downtown Governance Committee and its plans for a new initiative to revitalize the downtown by creating a neighbourhood identity, attracting investment, promoting activities, beautification and improving community safety and parking.
Red Deer has 40,000 households and if their residents spent $5 downtown a week that would provide a $10 million annual financial boost.
Johnston said instead of heading to Costco for blueberry muffins, residents should consider supporting local businesses.
"It's time to start thinking about changing your radar to think about who is my neighbour downtown," he said.
The mayor said Red Deer is not alone in looking for ways to revitalize its downtown. Lethbridgre, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie and other communities are facing similar challenges.
"We all want a vibrant downtown. Somehow, we think we've got this big problem because it's Red Deer. It's not.
"The identities of downtown, the functions of downtown have radically change.
"The facts are technology and COVID and shopping practices, all of those things have found their way into downtowns. That's why it's critical … that a neighbourhood identity be put out in front, forward and paraded as to why you should come downtown, why you should spend two hours on a Saturday.
"That really is so critical that we define our downtown as a place to come."
Johnston also suggested fears of crime have been exaggerated.
"I've been here since '96. No one to my knowledge has been assaulted, or God forbid worse, just because they took a shopping trip on a Saturday afternoon."
Johnston called on council and the city to focus on the six principles laid out by a committee set up late last fall to look at how best to revitalize downtown.
The committee identified six priorities, including establishing a neighbourhood identity and possibly clustering businesses around a themed district.
To encourage downtown investment, it was recommended reducing red tape, clarifying regulations and exploring incentives, such as tax breaks. The committee also heard that beautification efforts should continue and downtown community events and activities promoted and that work continue to address public safety and homelessness.
Improving parking, by optimizing the use of surface lots as one example, should be a priority, along with creating a pedestrian-friendly, walkable downtown with clear signage to point visitors in the right directions.
An implementation strategy with specific recommendations and funding requests will come back to council in March 2026 to be included in that year's budget.
The Greater Downtown Governance Committee is a joint initiative led by The City of Red Deer and the Downtown Business Association to transform how the broader downtown area is managed and evolved. It recognizes that Red Deer’s downtown now comprises multiple neighbourhoods, including historic downtown, Capstone, Railyards, Parkvale, and north and south downtown.
Michael:
A new organization is being proposed to revtialize Red Deer's downtown.
"The model we're proposing is a non-profit organization formed through a public-private partnership
Bobbi-Jo:
said the current Business Improvement Area
Next teps:
Administration to submit a plan for 2026 budget to support recommendations. The plan is to come back to council in July 2026 with implmentation plan.
?s:
Wyntjes:
feedbacl to expanding BIA?
Michael said looking at how to finance not expand
Bobbi-Jo
