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By Alessia Proietti

C4 to C5 district

Rezoning approved for Red Deer’s Quality Inn hotel to convert rooms into residential units

May 25, 2022 | 12:14 PM

The Quality Inn & Conference Centre has been granted a rezoning that would allow the converting of hotel rooms into multi-family dwelling units.

After a public hearing on Tuesday, Red Deer city council gave second and third reading to a Land Use bylaw amendment, rezoning the area from a C4 district, for primarily commercial use, to a C5 district allowing for various housing types.

READ: Red Deer’s Quality Inn hotel considering converting rooms into residential units

The owners of the 114-room hotel on 7150 50 Ave. in the Normandeau area, expressed their plan to convert some or all of their hotel rooms into multi-family, apartment-style, dwelling units.

On April 25, first reading was given to the bylaw amendment.

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At the public hearing, John Mar spoke on behalf of the hotel, explaining the reason for the request was to respond to the economic crisis caused by the pandemic. He says switching to dwellings would be a pivot strategy in case COVID cases rise again in 2023, further dampening the hotel industry.

Megan Barrett, a resident within 100 metres of the hotel, had previously voiced against the rezoning in a letter to council. At the public hearing, she reiterated her concerns of the development becoming low income/ subsidized housing, worried that certain tenants may make the area unsafe for children.

Councillor Cindy Jefferies, among others, while acknowledging the resident’s concerns, differentiated between low-income and affordable housing. She listed various situations in which someone may be in need of affordable housing like students, young adults beginning their careers, newcomers to the city, young families saving to purchase a home, seniors, and more.

City Manager Tara Lodewyk also stated locals will have future opportunities for comment and involvement in the development, as rezoning is the first of multiple steps in the process.

The surrounding area of the hotel is currently a mix of low density residential and commercial uses such as dental offices, restaurants, and a public utility natural area.

The City confirmed that the rezoning does not allow for a shelter.

READ: Public Hearing for Quality Inn rezoning on Tuesday