As the new year begins, it's a perfect opportunity to reflect on what we’ve achieved as a community and look ahead to the possibilities of 2025. This year has been one of significant progress and collaboration in Red Deer, and it’s clear we’re on a strong path toward a vibrant future.
Red Deer remains an affordable city to live in, even amidst financial pressures felt across the province. We’ve made great strides in maintaining a balance between affordability and delivering essential services. However, with aging infrastructure, we must prioritize investments to maintain the level of service our residents deserve and expect.
This year, we engaged extensively with community about our budget, ensuring transparency and inclusivity in our fiscal decision-making. But addressing today’s challenges is not enough. We need to adopt a long-term perspective to secure Red Deer’s financial future, ensuring sustainability for generations to come.
2024 has been a year of economic momentum. The start of the expansion project at the Red Deer Regional Hospital stands out as a monumental project that will not only enhance health care but also bring significant job creation during its construction phase. Once complete, the demand for medical and skilled labour will inject new vitality into our community and downtown core. An announcement that is very close to my heart was when we celebrated the long-awaited announcement of a catheterization lab at the Red Deer Hospital—a win that will save lives and improve health outcomes for our residents.
Equally transformative is the new Justice Centre, which is set to boost downtown activity and reinforce Red Deer’s role as a regional hub. Private investments in Capstone have further signalled confidence in Red Deer’s potential, and we’re seeing continuous growth in cultural organizations, faith centres, and other gathering places that make people feel at home here.
Among the highlights of 2024 are the more than 650 community meetings I had the privilege of attending. These gatherings provided invaluable opportunities to listen to residents’ concerns, celebrate their achievements, and discuss shared goals for the future. Each interaction deepened my understanding of the challenges we face as a community while also reinforcing my belief in our collective strength, resilience, and commitment to making Red Deer an even better place to live.
Red Deer hosted several major conventions this year, showcasing our city as a premier destination for large-scale events. These successes underscore the quality of life we offer: a blend of small-town charm with big-city amenities. Our education system, diverse cultural scene, and growing health infrastructure have all contributed to making Red Deer a place where people want to live, work, and raise their families.
Red Deer has also made remarkable progress in becoming a recovery community. This vision is vital, not just for those directly impacted by addiction but for our entire city. By prioritizing recovery, we’re positioning ourselves as a model for other communities, demonstrating how a compassionate and comprehensive approach can create lasting change.
As we move into 2025, the need for affordable and sustainable housing remains pressing. This year, we amended the land use bylaw to expand housing options, aiming to increase availability and address the challenges faced by many in our community. We’re optimistic about upcoming opportunities to further this work and ensure that Red Deer continues to be a welcoming and accessible city for all.
The upcoming 2025 municipal election in Red Deer presents an important opportunity for residents to shape the future of our city. Engaging in this democratic process will allow us to collectively decide on the priorities and leadership that will guide Red Deer through the years ahead.
As we welcome 2025, our priorities are clear: fostering economic growth, enhancing community well-being, and continuing to build a city that offers unparalleled quality of life. With projects like the hospital expansion, Justice Centre, and new housing initiatives, the future of Red Deer is bright.
Let us embrace the coming year with the same spirit of collaboration and resilience that defined 2024. Together, we can make Red Deer not just a city to live in but a city to thrive in.
A very happy new year to all, my dear Red Deerians!
Ken Johnson is the Mayor of Red Deer.
