The City of Red Deer’s footprint has officially expanded.
The city’s request to annex 533 acres (216 hectares) from Red Deer County land for commercial uses was approved by the provincial cabinet. This week, the high-visibility land just west off of Highway 2 and north of the Queen’s Industrial Business Park, formally became part of the city.
“Our City Council is thrilled with the Government of Alberta’s green light on this annexation,” said Red Deer Mayor Ken Johnston. He considers it a “pivotal move” that sets the stage for 30 years of industrial growth and will transform “our northwestern gateway.”
“Leveraging Highway QEII for commercial expansion will redefine Red Deer’s economic landscape,” Johnston added, extending appreciation to Red Deer County and to the local landowners for “fruitful” discussions.
In 2021, city council gave direction to administration to prepare a Notice of Intent to absorb this area, east of the Linn Valley rural subdivision, within the city’s borders. This was to address the City’s deficiency in highway fronting commercial land.
In February 2022, Red Deer City Council supported the proposed annexation application.
In April, the process moved to the next step, when both Red Deer City Council and Red Deer County Council endorsed the application that went to the Land and Property Rights Tribunal. After a June 20 hearing where all affected parties were allowed to make submissions, the Tribunal made a positive recommendation to the Minister of Municipal Affairs.
Now that the annexation has provincial approval, area structure plans will be prepared and adopted by Red Deer City Council. These lands will become a regional commercial complex along Hwy 2.
“As we move forward, we’re enthusiastic about the potential economic boost this annexation will bring,” said David Girardin, major projects planner for the city.
Annexations realign jurisdictional boundaries between municipalities to ensure a sufficient land supply for long-term development. The Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) between The City and Red Deer County provides guidance.
For more information, please visit www.reddeer.ca/annexation.