(Dreamstime)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Land annexation for northwest Red Deer commercial ‘power centre’ approved by province

Dec 5, 2023 | 1:29 PM

The City of Red Deer has been given the green light from the province that it can move ahead with officially annexing a portion of land, northwest of the current city limits, from Red Deer County.

The area is north of Queen’s Industrial Business Park and west of the QEII Highway.

As rdnewsNOW reported in April of this year, the 215.77 hectare area is intended to become a regional ‘power centre’ that could feature numerous commercial opportunities.

BACKGROUND: City to annex County land to the north for regional ‘power centre’

Red Deer County council consented to the annexation in April after Red Deer city council gave initial endorsement in February. There was then landowner consultation, and finally, notice of intent to annex was given in June which is when it fell into the province’s hands.

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The City notes that following consultation, the proposed annexation area was altered from the notice of intent to include the entirety of one of the landowners’ parcels.

“Our city council is thrilled with the Government of Alberta’s green light on this annexation. This pivotal move sets the stage for Red Deer’s next 30 years, transforming our northwestern gateway,” says Mayor Ken Johnston. “Leveraging the QEII for commercial expansion will redefine Red Deer’s economic landscape. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Red Deer County for their collaboration and to the local landowners for their invaluable contributions to these fruitful discussions.”

The City notes this land will address Red Deer’s “deficiency” in highway fronting commercial land.

Now that the annexation has been successful, the City will develop area structure plans to be adopted into bylaw by city council.

“Securing this annexation approval has been a great success, thanks to all the collaborative partnerships involved,” said David Girardin, Major Projects Planner. “As we move forward, we’re enthusiastic about the potential economic boost this annexation will bring, especially in addressing our shortage of commercial land along the highways.”

The Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) between The City and Red Deer County provides guidance for all annexations.

As is standard, The City will compensate the County for lost tax revenue from the annexation, in alignment with IDP policies:

· 100 per cent of the lost tax revenue in year one after the effective annexation

· 80 per cent in year two

· 60 per cent in year three

· 40 per cent in year four

· 20 per cent in year five as the final payment

In April, the City said that full build-out of the area is still several years away.

To learn more information about this annexation, visit reddeer.ca/annexation.