Red Deer County Mayor Jim Wood

By Red Deer County

promoting regional collaboration

OPINION: Red Deer County Mayor defends City’s business policies

Aug 6, 2019 | 2:37 PM

To the residents, business owners and elected officials of the Red Deer region,

I am writing this letter on behalf of Red Deer County Council, in the spirit of co-operation among those of us elected to lead this region into the 2020s. This letter also comes as a response to a recent submission from the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce that indicated the City of Red Deer was a poor supporter of their business community.

I happen to believe that we are all in a better position to move forward when we work together. As the saying goes, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” This is certainly true when it comes to the local economy we rely on for goods, services, and employment.

In my 15 years on Council — the last 9 as Mayor — I have had countless dealings with the City regarding all kinds of matters. Overall, the relationship has been extremely positive. We collaborate with the City on crucial issues such as regional water and sewer services, and partner with them on many shared boards such as the Red Deer Regional Airport, Westerner Park, Family and Community Support Services, Central Alberta Economic Partnership and Access Prosperity. The County and City have also worked in conjunction on funding requests for the Canadian Finals Rodeo and the Canada Winter Games. In addition, we have participated together in regional lobbying in relation to our local College, Hospital and Courthouse.

I would like to point out that the Red Deer City and County Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) has been in effect for 13 years and has provided for a mutually beneficial relationship. As you read this, we are beginning the process for our mandated Intermunicipal Collaborative Framework (ICF), and I anticipate this will be a very smooth process as well.

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Much has been made in the press about City businesses leaving for other jurisdictions such as Gasoline Alley. Red Deer County does not actively ‘poach’ businesses from the City, and we do not see Gasoline Alley or the New Junction 42 Partnership Rest Area as being in direct conflict with Red Deer Economic Development. To put it simply, different businesses have different needs. Some needs can be best managed in a City environment, and some are best met outside an urban setting. Ultimately, business chooses the best location for success. Regardless of the municipality, business growth in central Alberta provides important jobs for the region.

I have read that 90 new businesses opened in Red Deer over the last two years. This statistic points to the overall health and resiliency of our regional economy. As for the downtown area, Red Deer County recognizes that most cities struggle with downtown redevelopment; every modern urban environment goes through transition stages.

In closing, I hope that we all continue to work together to foster a welcoming business environment in the Red Deer region. I know that working together to attract and retain jobs is a far more effective use of our time than creating a divisive and hostile climate among the leaders of our community.

Yours truly,

Jim Wood
Mayor, Red Deer County

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This piece from Red Deer County Mayor Jim Wood is in response to a Red Deer Chamber of Commerce submitted to rdnewsNOW and published on July 23, 2019.

The views expressed in this column do not necessarily represent those of rdnewsNOW or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group. Suggestions and letters to the editor can be sent to news@rdnewsNOW.com