Red Deer’s unique identity is beginning to be officially defined.
But residents have only one week left to provide input to the City of Red Deer on just what is really special about this community of almost 98,000 souls.
Residents can provide their input to questions at www.reddeer.ca/identity or www.UncoverRedDeer.com until July 31, as part of the project that aims to uncover Red Deer’s authentic identity and build a community story.
“Some common themes are definitely starting to emerge as to what makes Red Deer tick,” said Julia Harvie-Shemko, director of Communications and Strategic Planning. “The questions have made Red Deerians stop and think about what they truly like about where they live, and what makes us unique. Residents and non-residents alike have had great things to say about the city.”
The full online survey has garnered nearly 400 responses, while an additional 900 responses have been collected by the Identity team, who have used iPads to ask quick questions at several events since consultation began in early April.
After July 31, the responses will be compiled and analyzed for common threads about Red Deer’s character, and a narrative — or community story — will be written.
A second, “validating” phase will see the identity team revisit the public to confirm the accuracy of what was heard. The final, “revealing” phase will publicly share Red Deer’s authentic community story.
“It’s important we hear from as many people as possible,” said Harvie-Shemko. “Our city has a diverse population, and as we connect with more members of the community, we get a better sense of Red Deer’s personality and a clearer picture of what we all value.”
For more information on the Identity project or to fill out the survey, visit www.reddeer.ca/identity or www.UncoverRedDeer.com.