This Month with Mayor Ken Johnston: November 2022

1. Are any recent announcements from the provincial government, be it inflation supports for middle to lower-income Alberta families and seniors, or anything in the government’s second quarter update announced Nov. 24, anticipated to bring any specific benefits for municipalities in the coming months as far as you can tell right now? – rdnewsNOW

Any assistance that the Government of Alberta can deliver to the people of Red Deer is a benefit to our residents, and our municipality. We know the economy and inflation are having a real impact on residents, so any and all supports from any level of government are appreciate.

The City has also passed its two year budget, and knowing that times are tough, we do have some supports available as well. Our budgets were created to care for our community, striking a balance between the services you use every day and costs.

We aspire to make Red Deer an even better place to live and to make our city even more attractive for people, businesses and visitors. Just as importantly, we will work to maintain affordability by keeping ongoing City expenses as low as possible.

Here are a few programs I would recommend to residents:

TIP: The Tax Instalment Plan allows residents to divide their annual tax bill into monthly payments. TIP makes budgeting easier and eliminate the risk of a late payment penalty.

Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program: Eligible senior homeowners can voluntarily defer all or part of their residential property taxes. This is through the Provincial Government. The program allows eligible senior homeowners to voluntarily defer all or part of their residential property taxes, including the education tax portion. This is done through a low-interest home equity loan with the Government of Alberta.

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Alta.’s tactic of doling out cash fuels inflation rather than easing it: economists

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2. There’s something to be said about kindness and the power it can have on society. With many observances happening around this time, from Hanukkah to Christmas to Kwanzaa, and people spending more time together, but some living through it all alone, what would your message be as it relates to the way the world is right now, and how kindness could make a difference? – rdnewsNOW

What a fantastic question, and something that I have been paying special attention to as of late. You may have seen on my social media, and The City’s that we have launched a bit of a campaign to bring us back to kindness. What we are witnessing in our front lines is a quicker rise to anger, or frustration than we have seen before. No doubt the pressures of the last few years, and the pressures of today impact that, but I want to make it my mission to remind Red Deer of how amazing we are, how kind we can be, and give a gentle nudge to get back to that.

Kindness can change everything. Kindness has been proven to increase our happiness, reduce stress and improve emotional wellbeing. At the same time, spreading kindness offers us the opportunity to connect with others, building a stronger sense of community and unity with friends, family, neighbours and even strangers. Our communities need more people who want to make it a better place.

There are so many ways to spread kindness every day, and during the holiday season when the feelings of loneliness can be exacerbated. I encourage everyone to check in on your neighbours, to shovel the walk of someone who may not be able to, to drop off essentials to someone you think might be alone, to invite a friend or neighbour over for a coffee and visit that you think might be lonely. It only takes one random act of kindness to change someone’s day or their holiday season.

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Safe Harbour looking to fill 200 Christmas gift bags for shelter users

Red Deerians open up home for Christmas tree display once again

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3. Hello, Mayor Johnston. It’s a pleasure to be part of the larger area around the city of Red Deer. I’m unsure the number of rural or other urban neighbours calling Red Deer a go-to destination for the many services your city offers. What are your top priorities to strengthen what your city offers its residents and visitors? In particular, how do you envision the needs of other central Albertans being met by those priorities? Thanks for speaking to these questions. – Gary Lewis, Eckville

Great question Gary, and I am so glad that you took the time to submit your question and that you enjoy being a part of Central Alberta.

City Council recently adopted our new Strategic Plan where we charted out a course for the next four years. Council’s Strategic Plan is divided into three key focus areas: Thriving City, Community Health & Wellbeing and Connected & Engaged City. These focus areas contain aspirational goals and outcomes to be achieved by 2026.

I think our focus areas aim to make Red Deer the best place it can be, for residents, visitors, businesses and our neighbours in Central Alberta. The Strategic Plan sends a strong message, nation-wide, that Red Deer is growing. We are a place where investment and new business is welcome, and where opportunities abound. We are a community that takes care of everyone, where citizens feel a deep sense of connection with each other. We are a city with a world-class park system, where people can surround themselves in nature. Our downtown thrives, and people find opportunities for art, culture and entertainment. This plan is the result of listening to Red Deerians and hearing their hopes and ideas for the future of their city.

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4. In addition to the multi-week Lights the Night event, are there any events in the city taking place this December or holiday season that you would like to highlight for residents? – rdnewsNOW

You bet – Red Deer Lights the Nights brings four weeks of festive fun to kick-off the holiday season. Red Deer Lights the Nights has grown from a single event to a series of activities over several weeks. Through December 17, fun and festive activities are taking place downtown, Capstone and throughout the city. Options include twinkle tours, art markets, hot chocolate booths, special guests, and more! Activities are free to attend and everyone is welcome to join the fun.

Santa’s Bus Tour also returns to share Christmas joy through the city. On four different December evenings, you can see him cruising through neighbourhoods on a Red Deer Transit Bus.

Our downtown will be filled with the spirit of the holidays now, through the season. Follow The City of Red Deer and Downtown Business Association on social media for updates throughout the season.

MORE

Red Deer Lights the Nights brings four weeks of festive fun

City of Red Deer Facebook page

by Ken Johnston, Mayor of Red Deer

This Month with Mayor Ken Johnston: November 2022

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