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Wastewater program

City council recap – May 26, 2026

May 26, 2026 | 9:18 PM

The following decisions were made at today’s City Council meeting. 

CONSENT: 

Wastewater Overstrength Surcharge Program 

  • City Council accepted a report about The City’s Wastewater Overstrength Surcharge Program, which helps protect the wastewater system and environment by managing higher-strength wastewater from businesses. Administration reviewed whether those extra treatment costs should continue to be paid by the businesses creating them, or shared across all ratepayers. 
  • Administration recommended the current approach remain in place so additional treatment costs are not passed on to residents and other businesses. The report also included planned improvements to communication and transparency around the program.
  • Administration will return to Council with a program update by the end of June 2027.

REPORTS:

Alberta Municipalities Proposed Resolutions 

  • Council has approved three advocacy resolutions for submission to Alberta Municipalities, focused on aligning municipal fiscal years with provincial and federal budget cycles, improving the timing of Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) funding, and addressing regulatory gaps for e-bikes and other small electric mobility devices. 
  • These resolutions reflect Red Deer’s commitment to strengthening intergovernmental coordination, reducing financial pressures on municipalities, and supporting clearer, safer regulations for evolving transportation options.  

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Capstone Area Redevelopment Plan 3574/B-2026 & Zoning Bylaw Amendment 33567/E-2026 

  • Following a public hearing, City Council approved zoning bylaw amendments to rezone lands within Capstone to align with new subdivision boundaries and existing uses, rezone lands within Capstone to align with new subdivision boundaries and existing uses, remove Movement Corridors, remove the Active Commercial Main Floor Overlay, and simplify Edge Zones. 

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 3357/U-2026 – Addition of Professional Office as a use in the I-1 Zone. 

  • Following a public hearing, City Council approved a zoning bylaw amendment to add Professional Office as a use in the I-1 zone.