Downtown location off table for permanent shelter; public consultations instead
Red Deer city council has agreed to revisit its permanent shelter plans with a “clean slate”, prioritizing public consultation over the proposed downtown location (4934 54 Avenue).
Decided at a special meeting of council on Monday, administration will now put together a full public engagement strategy to present for council’s consideration by April 15.
“Coming out of those meetings, we know there is support for a shelter in our community, it is needed. We heard we need to keep momentum and close information differentials,” said Interim City Manager Tara Lodewyk. “We also heard that our community wants to help and come together to develop solutions. We are committing to continuing to build on this common ground to engage to rebuild trust and move forward together to find the right solution for a permanent shelter in our community alongside the province.”
Council discussed the “What we Heard” report conducted by third-party engagement specialist Maven where seven meetings were hosted with 28 downtown property owners, businesses, associations, and service providers regarding their thoughts on the permanent shelter process.