(Image Credit: rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Ian Gustafson

Public hearing continues

Red Deerians speak for and against zoning related to Project Nexus

Feb 26, 2026 | 12:16 AM

The Red Deer community made its voice heard on Wednesday.

An over-eight-hour public hearing focused on zoning related to Project Nexus featured a number of speakers.

Council chambers were full of members of the public, as well as the crimson star room, which was also at capacity. The city even opened the lobby of City Hall for people to view the meeting.

A total of approximately 62 speakers spoke both for and against the project before the city wrapped up for the evening at 10:30 p.m.

The remaining speakers are set to resume at 9 a.m. on Thursday in council chambers, followed by deliberations by city council, and ultimately their decision on second and third reading of the proposed zoning bylaw amendments, including creating a new Direct Control zoning district and rezoning the property from heavy industrial to DC.

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Announced in early January, Project Nexus is a facility proposed by the Red Deer Homeless Foundation to provide a one-stop hub for housing, health, recovery, and social supports under one roof.

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.

Among the points raised at the public hearing were concerns with the location, public safety, crime, if the land use was compatible with the facility, and environmental concerns.

Among the long list of people who spoke was former Red Deer mayor Ken Johnston, who said there is no perfect location in the city for a homeless shelter, nor is there one for other communities like Calgary or Edmonton.

Residents of the Pines, those who’ve experiences homelessness and addiction, business owners, organizations, environmental specialists, and those with backgrounds with expertise also offered their thoughts throughout the evening.

“There will be challenges and there will be risks to be mitigated. The concerns of business, residential, neighbours, and park users, need to be fully addressed. I’m confident they can be fully addressed in good faith,” Johnston said.

“What is vital to understand is that the proposed model for this shelter is not what we have today. What we have today is the best efforts of a heroic agency in managing an incredibly complex problem.”

John Young, vice chair of the Red Deer Homeless Foundation, said there are a number of agencies who’ve done great work for the homeless in Red Deer.

However, due to a lack of coordination and other reasons, multiple levels of government and society have let down the vulnerable population.

“If zoning is rejected, the homelessness in Red Deer does not decrease… Shelter demand remains, service demand remains, public safety pressures remain, and business concerns remain,” he said.

Meantime, Abby Lee Vollmin, who shared she’s a drug addict in recovery, said recovery takes a village.

She explained that Project Nexus seems like a breath of fresh air with multiple resources under one roof.

“A genius concept. I believe it’s a much-needed and necessary tool for the city and the city’s most vulnerable people,” she said.

“Without housing and support, I kept falling back into survival mode, where I would be forced to continue the cycle of addiction. I often asked myself, does anyone see me? Does anybody care? Project Nexus offers something different: a career path, coordinated supports, and real hope for people who are ready to fight for their recovery.”

Meantime, Red Deer resident Leslie Moffat said many have voiced their opposition to this site including Pines residents, businesses from Riverside heavy industrial park, River Bend golf course, people who frequently visit Three Mile Bend, among others.

She argued that the heavy industrial zone was a bad location due to the noise levels for people with mental health issues. She quoted a research paper that suggested mental health is affected by excessive noise.

“These people need you to consider the consequences they foresee and seriously address them before making a decision. This vital decision should not be taken lightly because a warehouse has become available at low cost to the city,” Moffat said.

“There needs to be more research and more questions asked. This process, we feel, is being rushed without adequate answers and plans.”

Nicole Yoxall, co-owner at A-1 Willy’s Parts Place, which is located right next to the proposed site. She explained her family has owned the business for over 50 years.

She highlighted that the proposed project would directly and immediately impact their business. Some of these impacts would be increased insurance costs, higher risk of break-ins, property damage, concerns for employee and customer safety, and a decline in property value.

“Relocating the problem doesn’t solve it, it simply moves it,” she said. “We are not asking you to ignore a serious issue, we’re asking you to consider the impact on taxpayers and on family businesses, and the long-term health of this neighbourhood.”