Red Deer city council approves disestablishment of Downtown Business Improvement Area

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City council had to proceed with the required legislative process of disestablishment following the vote in accordance with the Municipal Government Act and the Business Improvement Area Regulation.

Disestablishment date May 27

Red Deer city council approves disestablishment of Downtown Business Improvement Area

4h ago

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The City set the official disestablishment date for May 27, 2026.

Councillor Bruce Buruma said it’s important for council and the city to remain connected to the downtown.

“The last few weeks I’ve had the opportunity to be downtown and hear some of the issues and concerns,” he said. “I think it’s important not only administration but council have some involvement in that as well because when we take a look at what the next step is for downtown is going to be I think we need to be engaged with that, hear what those priorities and issues are… In talking with businesses, they have lots to say. There’s a lot of talk around hope. They see downtown as an important are but they also highlight some of the concerns.”

Council also unanimously approved the 2026 BIA tax rate bylaw, and as a result, no BIA tax levy will be gathered this year.

The city says, despite that, notices must still be issued to all BIA taxpayers until the disestablishment takes effect. They will still receive a tax notice showing a $0 balance.

“As directed by the taxpayer vote and required under provincial legislation, council has now completed the final bylaw steps to disestablish the Downtown Business Improvement Area,” said Mayor Cindy Jefferies, in a media release. “Our focus remains on following the legislated process, maintaining continuity during the transition, and continuing to work with businesses and the community on the future of downtown governance.”

The City of Red Deer says they will continue essential services, support for downtown public spaces, and support for downtown events during the transition process. They will also continue to provide downtown cleaning and other service support to help keep downtown clean, safe, and welcoming.

Future governance work, the city added, will continue through a committee of council to help guide ongoing discussions about businesses, public spaces, events and long-term revitalization of the downtown area.