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Mayor Ken Johnston: Summer slips by

Hello Red Deer! It is hard to believe that summer is coming to a close, that school is starting up again, and the weather will slowly start to shift to that crisp fall air. I know I have heard from many in our community that this summer went by in a flash, we all got out and experienced our community again and enjoyed every moment.
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Hello Red Deer! It is hard to believe that summer is coming to a close, that school is starting up again, and the weather will slowly start to shift to that crisp fall air. I know I have heard from many in our community that this summer went by in a flash, we all got out and experienced our community again and enjoyed every moment.

What an amazing few summer months that we have had. I had the pleasure of seeing, meeting, and talking to so many of you out and about this summer at the many community events and gatherings offered to us. Whether it was on Ross Street Patio, at one of our incredible downtown businesses, at the Westerner Days Parade and Exhibition, it was heartening to see so many Red Deerians supporting and engaging in our community again.

At City Hall, we had a productive and busy summer, not only out and about in the community, but we moved a lot of projects along, and made great strides on several key projects. Next month, I hope to be able to update you on the shelter project, as well as Council’s Strategic Plan.

As an organization, I want to take a moment to officially welcome and congratulate Tara Lodewyk as our new City Manager. Officially announced in June, Tara officially took the helm on July 1. Tara was the interim City Manager since the retirement of City Manager, Allan Seabrooke in May of 2021 and City Council and I were incredibly thankful to her for leading our organization through challenging times. We know we chose the right person to lead our organization, as she has done so magnificently through some of the hardest few years our world has seen.

Red Deer’s tradition of strong city leadership will continue with the appointment of Tara, and her appointment followed a nation-wide search for the best of the best. Her dedication to this city and this organization, along with her background in management and planning, are important building blocks for the future of our vibrant city. On behalf of City Council, congratulations Tara on this appointment.

As I mentioned above, September also marks the start of the school year for most students in Red Deer, including at Red Deer Polytechnic. It is looking like, and I sincerely hope it will be, a more back-to-normal year for both teachers, support staff and students. A return to a more normal teaching and learning environment is a great mark of us moving into that post-pandemic world that we have been dreaming of. I wish all the best to the students, teachers, administration, bus drivers, support staff and parents as we start the 2022/23 school year in the coming weeks.

I also had the honor of meeting with the new Red Deer Polytechnic President, Stuart Cullum, and welcoming him to our city. Council and I look forward to working with President Cullum in building a greater Red Deer together.

September also marks national Recovery Month. Something that is of utmost importance and a high priority for the Mayor’s Office is to support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices. Council and I are encouraged by the emergence of a strong recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the province who make recovery in all its forms possible.

In July, the Government of Alberta announced a new program available for Red Deer aimed to provide recovery options to people who need it, when they need it. Called the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program, it is a technology-delivered, same day treatment service.

Red Deer is no stranger to the effects of the global opioid crisis. Providing options for people who are suffering with addiction is key to solving the crisis, and meeting people where they are, with what they need.

The program and the technology are a tangible way to help transition folks who want help onto the recovery path and hopefully onto a better future. We are so pleased that the Government of Alberta extended this innovative and ground-breaking program to Red Deer and the people in our community who will benefit.

So, as we move into September, and celebrate new starts, let’s not forget to celebrate Recovery Month, and celebrate the gains made by those in recovery from all addictions and improving their mental health. We know there is still a long way to go, but your Council and I are dedicated to do what it takes to support our community, other levels of government and our health care community in making the journey.

I truly hope that each and every one of you had a most memorable summer. I hope you have been able to connect with neighbours, friends, and explore the great things Red Deer and area have to offer. I hope you were able to spend time at one of our outdoor amenities – be it the Splash Park, Recreation Centre Outdoor pool, or the famous Discovery Canyon. If not – now is your chance!

Ken Johnston is the mayor of Red Deer.