WHAT ELSE IS POSSIBLE FOR RED DEER IN THE NEXT COUNCIL TERM - 2021-2025 AS YOUR CITY COUNCIL MAKES DECISIONS TO ADVANCE OUR RED DEER COMMUNITY?
If re-elected, here are some additional ideas and priorities, I would bring to the next term of Council as we work together for you, as Red Deer City Council (in no particular order):
1. There must be a continued focus on community safety, including enforcement, prevention, education, intervention, timely response to property crime and provincial advocacy regarding courts and incarceration. I'd like to see another Red Deer Community Safety summit, similar to what occurred in 2019, ongoing Council dialogue and briefings with the RCMP Superintendent, along with engaging with community citizens prior to Council members determining and reviewing the Annual Police Plan. All Alberta municipalities await the Provincial government’s report by PricewaterhouseCoopers considering a potential transition from the Alberta RCMP to a provincial police service. Costs, risks and benefits are all important considerations for Red Deer and all Alberta affected municipalities.
2. Council should review the City’s 2014 Community Safety Strategy. This report came from community safety meetings where Council heard from the citizens directly. The report recognizes that safety is more than just policing and enforcement. It also includes attention to poverty, high-risk youth, child advocacy, domestic violence, early childhood development, addictions and mental health and inclusive communities Progress has been made these past few years, as a growing city, through the City's System Leadership Team which includes representatives from Alberta Health Services, Children's Services, the City of Red Deer, Red Deer Catholic and Public School Districts, Community Corrections, RCMP and Urban Aboriginal Voices Society.
3. Cities have moved onto the provincial and federal agenda with our tax dollar supports returned back to each municipality. Advocacy and discussions with MLA's Lagrange and Stephen and MP's Dreeshen and Calkins is important as all orders of government - municipal, provincial and federal work together. We were clearly reminded of this during the pandemic. The next Council will continue to have important conversations and advocacy with the province about commitments and outcomes for needed Hospital expansion. We have seen provincial supports including construction of the Red Deer Justice Centre, provincial investment for mental health and addictions and the future permanent integrated shelter site in Red Deer with a provincial funding commitment of $7 million. Future conversations, planning and considerations must also include Red Deer in any high-speed rail project, partnership or links.
4. This past Council term, following rider and citizen feedback, transit network were changed and improvements were made that brought new routes and improvements to connections, comfort and safety on Red Deer Transit. Smaller buses have also been serving some neighborhood routes. The City is also exploring and collected feedback for on-demand transit service; that report will come to Council in the next Council term. It's recognized transit riders also experienced reduced or changes levels of service during some months of the pandemic. As the City returns to more ridership, the Transit department continues to want your feedback for continuous improvement. MyBus Red Deer (in the Apple App Store) is a new app available to help residents and visitors utilize the transit system.
5. Action Bus services are also important for citizens - adults and youth - who cannot use regular transit rides because of a physical need or disability. Action Bus service is a shared ride public transportation service and wheelchair lift equipped vehicles are used to provide this service. An application is required to ride the Action Bus. As our City grows and ages and increases, the continued lens to Action Bus services must be recognized in our budget process and decisions.
6. Affordability is important to me to ensure recreation fees are affordable for individuals and families. I'd like to see "special days for kids and/or families/individuals/seniors" that brings a lower fee on selected days at recreation facilities so citizens and families can enjoy the recreation facilities throughout the City.
7. While some progress has been made this past term, it's important to continue to fund and support back lane maintenance, responding to dust roads/alleys and annexed "rurban" rural/urban regular road maintenance in budget decisions.
8. In the summer we think about pot holes, paving and the road/sidewalk construction season. In winter, it's the City Public Works response to the snow and ice needs. During each Council term, there is review of the City's Snow and Ice Program. It's based on what we hear from citizens so your feedback is important to share so that the City can adjust prior to the snow coming and during the winter for our safety and movement. For any snow or ice concerns, please call 403 342 8238; and join Notify Red Deer to be put on the Snow Removal schedule. Or report an issue or concern on-line at the City of Red Deer Report a Problem.
9. Council leadership must have a continued lens for the environment through the City's Environmental Master Plan with the footprints we make and to ensure a resilient and sustainable community. We must be vigilant in the protection of water quality and quantity, air and land use, along with our actions for garbage diversion and waste management to extend the life of the landfill. Responding to expansion needs and requests for community gardens is also important to me.
10. Capital budget investment for electrical infrastructure for prevention and managing power outages is important, as is looking to suitable community green energy initiatives as technologies continue to evolve. Regional collaboration with other municipalities is important, such as looking to potential waste-to-energy services for Red Deer and the central Alberta region..
11. The City of Red Deer has a Water Conservation, Efficiency and Productivity Plan as the City uses and manages water from the Red Deer River. We turn on the taps and value available water. It's a precious resource and one that must be managed well when considering growing water demands across the region and from Alberta communities who rely upon the Red Deer River. Both water quality and quantity are top of mind when we think about our water use, along with conservation and management and efficiency at the City's water and wastewater treatment plans. As a Councillor assigned to the Red Deer River Municipal Users Group (RDRMUG) and elected to the Red Deer River Watershed Alliance (RDRWA), and as we have seen the past year of record heat and drought, occasions of blue-green algae on lakes, and the conversations about the future of Alberta coal mining and affects to water upstream, we all recognize that riparian, wetland and water management is necessary and needed for environmental sustainability, community use and well being such as recreation, and for future generations supply and water use.
12. Continuing to advance the City's Multi-modal Transportation Plan with the lens of safety and efficiency when a citizen chooses to drive, use transit, walk, and/or cycle or wheel as we all move through our City on our roads, sidewalks and trails. Please be safe out there Red Deer and use a bell and watch your speed when on the sidewalks and trails with your bicycle or scooter. The next Council will be reviewing the two year pilot project for the electric scooter program; your feedback is important to hear.
13. I see value in pursuing trail enhancement connection in Red Deer such as the south side of the Red Deer River at the McKenzie trails that connects to Discovery Canyon and Riverbend, along with collaboration with Red Deer County on connections to Gasoline Alley, or south to Penhold and a dedicated trail to the Blind Man bridge. Expansion for the trails is also a draw for Red Deer and regional tourism.
14. As we've learned and lived and adjusted to the carts system for recycling and organics, it's important to connect with the community, working with the overall community - schools, public institutions and the business community as we check on the waste management system and look at ways to expand recycling and organic pickup throughout the City. The industry is always changing with new technologies, so how might Red Deer and the region look to opportunities for business investment in this sector that serves Red Deerians?
15. The next Council will be reviewing the Animal Control bylaw with feedback from pet and non-pet owners.
16. In 2014, citizens participated in the Communities Amenities Survey which continues to be a guide for future City of Red Deer Councillor's attention for capital budget plans that align with community expectations. A future multi-use Aquatics Centre (a location has been determined at the Michener North site), a Performing Arts/Concern Hall, additional sports fields, and future downtown development, including Capstone, were all highlighted. Quality of life is always enhanced when we can gather together, enjoy activities and add to Red Deerian's quality of life. Vision and planning are important.
17. Red Deer was pleased to see the Crimson Villas open their doors this spring on the former Red Deer Nursing home site. This seniors housing facility replaced the aging Piper Creek Lodge and Twilight Cottages. Continued provincial and federal advocacy for affordable and social housing, including responding to senior needs, whether aging in place or required long term care facilities is important for Red Deer seniors and families. Along with Council and administration, it is important that City actions and decisions are age-friendly as Red Deer evolves and emerges as a growing city with aging demographics.
18. We cannot dismiss racism and discrimination that can and does affect individuals and their families in our city. The City of Red Deer, along with all public institutions and workplaces, plays an important role in continued actions and initiatives for a more welcoming and inclusive community. Our city works better when we have communities that ease social barriers that people may face in their lives. Partnerships and reconciliation are key to strengthening relationships with the Red Deer Native Friendship Society, Urban Aboriginal Voices Society, the Metis Nation, Central Alberta Refugee Effort, the Central Alberta Immigrant Women's Association and with all newcomers to Red Deer.
19. Continued conversations and opportunities to connect throughout our community, with support to the Welcoming and Inclusive Community Network and initiatives for Council to support equality, combat racism, and promote respect. Mobilizing Ubuntu is a new organization in Red Deer who bring focus and attention to understand and reduce racism in Red Deer. Ubuntu is a South African/Zulu term that refers to behaving well towards others or acting in ways that benefit the community.
20. Did you know that Alberta history recognizes 25 Residential Schools (the most in Canada)? Through truth and reconciliation and the discovery of the children and graves throughout Canada, it has been a difficult year, especially for the survivors, elders and families. In the spirit of reconciliation and long lasting partnership with the Red Deer Native Friendship Society and the Urban Aboriginal Voices Society, this past year, City Council committed $730,000 to the Red Deer Native Friendship Society. This follows nine years of work since the Clearview Ridge decision and the agreement reached for the Asooahum Crossing. It will provide the Friendship Society to leverage provincial and federal funding for a additional multi-generational housing and a future Indigenous cultural centre open to all Red Deerians at the Asooahum Crossing. The conversations will continue in our community, working towards reconciliation.
21. Council engagement with Red Deer youth on municipal issues is important to me. While some progress was made this past Council term through the City's Red Deer Youth voice to engage with local youth, I would like to see more engagement with Red Deer's youth; either through a youth committee or other initiatives for them to understand and participate in municipal government; Council listening and responding to their ideas and/or concerns; all with the goal of encouraging youth citizen participation. How about a youth "Mayor for the Day" or youth “Councillor for the Day" event?
22. We all have a role to play to care for the environment and to be aware of our actions as we adapt to changing climate. We recognize the heat, drought, extreme storms, wild fires and record temperatures this past year. Municipalities face decisions as we balance the need to prepare and plan for climate impacts, land use planning, ensuring community plans are ready for disaster response, for flooding or extreme heat and fire. Meeting the City of Red Deer’s Environmental Master Plan targets and progress for City and citizen actions and improvements to water, air, ecology, waste, transportation, energy, and our City's built environment is important for me as a City Councillor. We have responsibility to keep Red Deer's trees and urban forest healthy through support for an Urban Forest management plan for regular tree maintenance and replacement.
23. City relationships with Red Deer Polytechnic are important to see what education and programs are provided in post secondary education that attracts and retains adult students in Red Deer.
24. I’d like to see more focus to advance community arts and culture, a Red Deer cultural district - for the benefits of citizens and visitors - which can spur economic development and a creative workforce in Red Deer. There is so much potential to expand cultural creativity and be a focus for a sustainable community. With the loss of the Red Deer College music program in 2018, perhaps there are ways the community can work with Red Deer Polytechnic to return the music and/or other programs to post secondary education, and which can benefit the Red Deer community.
25. I will support the City continuing to work to adapt and modernize municipal government for citizen participation and information sharing, interactions, communications, and operations. If you've not yet signed up for "Notify Red Deer -https://reddeer.ca/notifyreddeer/, you’re encouraged to do. At the same time, it’s important to recognize that Red Deer citizens have preferred preferences in receiving information and doing business, depending on age, comfort and experience with technology and social media. And a reminder one can always call the City at 403 342 8111 for issues or Report a Problem, on-line. https://www.reddeer.ca/online-tools/report-a-problem/
26. Regional relationships are important to me, as they should be for all of Council. I support working together with neighbour municipalities that support inter-municipal collaboration with agreements or opportunities such as shared services, e.g. renewable energy or waste management projects, and economic development through (CAEP) - Central Alberta Economic Partnership. There’s much to look forward to for the central Alberta region as a corridor for investment and opportunities, including transportation and tourism that will diversify the regional economy and tax base; all which can support the Red Deer city and community.
27. Regional collaboration between the City and Red Deer County is important ICF's - intermunicipal collaboration framework agreements were provincially mandated to all Alberta municipalities. The City of Red Deer and Red Deer County have a signed agreement. Relationships, partnerships, collaboration and ongoing conversations and agreements with the ongoing RCC - Regional Collaboration Committee is important work ahead for shared services between the two municipalities.
28. Consideration for City infrastructure, with day to day attention and maintenance to roads, sidewalks, parks and trails, and water, wastewater and electric infrastructure must be a priority; look after what we have. So too is the importance for Council to plan and fund future infrastructure through the City’s 10 year Capital budget plan, as budget decisions are prioritized and advanced. If re-elected, my Council decisions will always be made with respect for our tax payer dollars, including tax payer affordability, economic trends and on ongoing dialogue.
29. As a Councilor, if re-elected, I will continue to listen and respond to citizen issues and ideas to grow and advance our City over the next four years and into Red Deer’s future! I'd like to see sector based round table discussions to bring together citizens together to listen, learn and strategize; similar to what occurred with public crime and community safety meetings and community housing conversations in previous years. I’d also like to see “Community Days” incorporated into City Council governance, where citizens, organizations, and business can meet with Council for listening and dialogue. Such as one day per month for Council to meet for listening and open conversations. No decisions would be made at these meetings as decisions must be made in Council chambers at Council meetings, but the community would know they have a regular space and day available to meet with City Council.
30. Thank you for reading my views and perspectives. Please connect with me if you'd like to have a conversation. I appreciate your support and vote as one of Red Deer’s eight City Councillors.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I'd like to hear from you, so please give me a call - 403-505-4256,
send an email - DWyntjes@shaw.ca or message me on Twitter @DianWyntjes.
