By Josh Hall

project nexus

Zoning for Red Deer’s proposed ‘Project Nexus’ gets initial approval

Feb 3, 2026 | 2:55 PM

Red Deer city council passed first reading on Tuesday for zoning related to Project Nexus.

Announced in early January, Project Nexus is a facility dreamed up and proposed by the Red Deer Homeless Foundation. It would, in theory, provide a home for housing, health, recovery and social supports under one roof, with the goal of reducing barriers and delivering better outcomes.

It is proposed to be located at 7740 40 Avenue, a 4.89-acre site formerly occupied by Peavey Industries, and across the street from the municipality’s civic yards, in an industrial area on the north end.

For the Feb. 3 special council meeting, the city issued an explainer, which detailed what council was, and perhaps more importantly, was not deciding at this juncture.

What council decided

First step

Red Deer city council approves rezoning for Project Nexus

5h ago

Effective Summer 2026

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9h ago

Thursday and Friday

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10h ago

Per the city: This decision was about land use only. Council considered whether to:

• Create a new Direct Control zoning district (DC(36)), and >> Given first reading
• Rezone the property from Heavy Industrial (I2) to DC(36) >> Given first reading

As the city explains, because first reading was carried, the bylaws will move forward to a public hearing, where community members can provide input before any final decision is made. That will be held at 3 p.m. on Feb. 25.

Additionally, they say, community input was being shared at first reading as the city had proactively expanded its communication efforts beyond the legislated notification requirements under the Municipal Government Act. The city issued advance notification letters to nearby businesses within 100 metres prior to first reading, and shared information through the shelter inbox, email subscription lists, and publicly on the city’s website.

What this decision does not do

• Does not approve a shelter to open
• Does not approve building renovations or site design
• Does not approve shelter operations
• Does not approve staffing, programming, or security plans

According to the city, these matters would be considered later, through separate development permit and operational approval processes, if the rezoning is ultimately approved (carried at third reading).

Dave Girardin, the city’s major projects planner, told council Tuesday that putting a shelter in this type of area is unconventional, but is something many Canadian municipalities have explored; he also noted that large buildings associated with these areas are often seen as suitable for multi-use functionality.

Councillor Kraymer Barnstable asked Girardin why Indigenous consultations were not done prior to this meeting.

Girardin explained that they had tight timelines, adding that was one area where they stuck to legislated requirements, in terms of only going to those within 100 metres of the site. He said council could work with the applicant (the homeless foundation) if it wanted to pursue further talks with Indigenous groups ahead of the public hearing.

Again, the public hearing is starting at 3 p.m. on Feb. 25, not the standard 5 p.m., as it’s anticipated many people will be in attendance.

Those who wish to submit written comments on this public hearing matter may do so by:

• Completing and submitting the Public Hearing Submission Form located on The City’s website at www.reddeer.ca/publichearings

• Emailing your comments to publichearings@reddeer.ca; 

• Dropping off a written copy of your submission at City Hall (4914 48 Avenue) during business hours to the attention of Red Deer City Council c/o Clerk, Legislative Services; or 

• Mailing your submission to Red Deer City Council c/o Clerk, Legislative Services, Box 5008, Red Deer, AB T4N 3T4. 

More information is available in the attached FAQ Rezoning of 7740 40 Avenue (pdf)

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READ MORE

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• Red Deer city council approves development permit for temporary overnight warming space
• Planned Red Deer warming space still can’t proceed due to another zoning issue
• Red Deer Homeless Foundation unveil’s Project Nexus
• Location secured for overnight warming space near downtown Red Deer
• Red Deer expanding warming spaces for people experiencing homelessness
• Hope Mission to take over Red Deer homeless shelter from Safe Harbour
• Two deaths, possibly from cold exposure, raise alarm amid Red Deer shelter situation and plight of homeless community