The 'Tunnel of Terror' in Red Deer's Clearview Ridge neighbourhood, as seen in 2020. (Supplied)

By Sheldon Spackman

Enjoy While You Still Can

Complaint causes uncertainty for ‘Tunnel of Terror’ in Clearview Ridge

Oct 29, 2021 | 2:20 PM

A much-loved and highly regarded Halloween display in Red Deer’s Clearview Ridge neighbourhood might be set up for the last time this year.

The ‘Tunnel of Terror’, as it’s known, sees trick-or-treaters come from all over northeast Red Deer to enjoy its visually impressive displays, and of course, the scares.

However, a recent complaint, has caused uncertainty for the very popular and festive Halloween experience along Connaught Crescent.

William Semchuk and Jaime Anastasi have created the display for several years, including the Tunnel of Terror for the last four. It’s since become a must-see stop for trick-or-treaters.

“I’ve always had this dream to have a huge haunt. If the City would work with us, I’d love to start at one gate in my backyard and be able to go through the entire yard so kids get their candy on the other side,” shares Anastasi. “I’ve always loved Halloween.”

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A night-time view of the ‘Tunnel of Terror’ in 2020. (Supplied)

Earlier this week, a complaint about the temporary structure at the front of their home prompted City officials and the fire marshal to show up.

“Apparently my Facebook post with the rules for the year, someone saw that and got worried about the fire,” she explains. “They thought we were having a wood-burning fire on the driveway, but it’s a propane pit. That’s why the fire marshal came. Then there was a complaint about our graffiti which says ‘Tunnel of Terror, and then one about structural safety.”

The couple notes they even had a professional framer who works with Anastasi help build the tunnel.

“For us, it’s mostly the joy, the smiles the parents have following kids into the tunnel and watching them get scared. It’s meant for the community,” says Semchuk. “We feel we’re getting shut down because one person didn’t have the common sense or respect to ask us questions.”

Nearby neighbour Lindsey Knudson is disappointed to hear of the complaint.

“When we have citizens that want to show holiday spirit, for kids and community members, especially right now during COVID, we should support it and not put obstacles in the way,” she believes.

“I feel like needing a permit for a display that’s up and operating for a few hours on one day is completely overzealous. I’m hoping the City will work with the homeowners to make sure this isn’t an issue next year, because we definitely want to see the Tunnel of Terror return.”

Erin Stuart, Inspections and Licensing manager for the City of Red Deer, confirms they received a complaint about the structure on Oct. 27, and sent inspectors to check for safety concerns.

“We conducted those inspections because of the requirement for certain approvals to be in place for those types of structures,” she explains. “Structures built on a site typically fall within the City’s Land Use Bylaw, and subsequently the Alberta Building Code. In this case, because the structure is larger than 10 square metres, it would typically require a building permit.”

Stuart notes, however, the City is trying to work with the homeowners so the structure doesn’t need to come down prior to Halloween.

“We wanted to ensure it’s safe structurally so that any participants going through aren’t in any danger,” shares Stuart. “A development permit would typically be required if something was up over seven days, so we’re attempting to work with the homeowner to have it come down in a shorter timeframe.”

“The City absolutely supports community initiatives such as these,” adds Stuart. “They’re a great thing to bring the community out, and we’ll work with those homeowners to ensure that in future years, we’re able to find a way for their Halloween project to move forward safely.”

Despite the complaint, Anastasi acknowledges the tremendous community support.

“We’ve done this for the community, but I guess we didn’t know how loved it actually was,” she admits. “The outpouring of support and the phone calls and the emails and the Twitter posts and whatever else they’ve taken to social media, has been astounding. My little cynical jaded heart has a little bit of faith in humanity after all of this.”