Tara Lodewyk discusses vision as newly appointed City Manager

Holding the title of Interim City Manager since May 2021, Lodewyk says she and her team have tackled a list of issues, in tandem with handling the pandemic, and she is ready to continue working on them.

“We have come through very divisive times and often we think every question needs to have a yes or no answer and we think we have to have all the solutions and that government has all the answers. What we need to do is learn to work with our community, work with other levels of government, work with our citizens to come together to solve these complex issues,” she said.

Regarding the choosing of a site for the permanent shelter, Lodewyk says The City has concluded their community engagement sessions and will be presenting the information to council at their meeting on June 20.

With the Capstone development, the new City Manager says The City has been receiving an abundance of calls from interested parties within and outside the community. While she says global challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine war, inflation, and the pandemic are affecting supply chains and thus construction progress, she also states the project is expecting to bring 5,000 residents to the downtown area once complete.

For the revitalization of the downtown, Lodewyk says The City will be bringing forward its “Downtown Identity Plan” this summer.

Finally, for the proposed high-speed rail line in Alberta, Lodewyk says she has been strongly advocating for a stop to be built in Red Deer by promoting the opportunities the city can bring to companies’ business models.

READ: Second high-speed rail line proposed connecting Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton

Coming by herself to Red Deer 22 years ago to work at the Downtown Business Association, Lodewyk says she has fallen in love with the city and truly cares about its citizens. Focused on vision and the big picture, she describes the city’s future as a destination for tourism as well as a place where people want to live for the quality of life it offers.

“Red Deer will have a thriving downtown with lots of residential, culture, activities and places where we can come together as a community. We will be known as the place to do business and we will continue to be known, first and foremost, for our trails and recreational opportunities,” she said.

Lodewyk mentioned other opportunities in the city including the redevelopment of the Michener lands and the large government infrastructure being built such as the Red Deer Regional Hospital expansion and the justice centre.

She also confirmed round table discussions will be scheduled in the fall with indigenous communities on how to move forward with truth and reconciliation as well as continuing to make Red Deer a warm and welcoming place for newcomers.

Mayor Ken Johnston says he is confident that council chose the right person for the job.

“Tara brings extraordinary humanity to this job and I say that because I have seen the tears, I have seen the exhaustion, I have seen the excitement, I have seen the exhilaration of each week, of each milestone, that she’s achieved. She’s passionate, driven and committed to moving us forward,” he said.

Lodewyk will officially begin her role as City Manager on July 1.

by Alessia Proietti

Tara Lodewyk discusses vision as newly appointed City Manager

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