I have lived in Red Deer for 45 years and loved every year. So happy to be here.Having said that, I see things, patterns over time, that worry me. When I worry I dig deeper - I just need to understand.Budget 2025: Wow - a massive document. I can only imagine what it cost to build this document. Even more concerning - t...

CANADA'S DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM IS FAILING US Alberta is the best province in a nation in trouble. We see this in our current prime minister. Trudeau is reviled in Alberta and becoming more disliked by the rest of the country, finally waking up and becoming aware of the destruction he has inflicted upon all of us, which wil...

'Cuando la gente se muere (ay Dios mio)...' Translated to 'When people die (Oh my God),' the lyrics from Celia Cruz's 'La Negra Tiene Tumbao' have rung symphonically for the mother of a young Red Deerian killed in spring 2024. It's a song which René-Osmani Diakité had a special love for. Diakité, a...

"As we move into the vibrant month of October, it's the perfect time to pause and reflect on the incredible contributions of our educators. This month, as we celebrate World Teachers' Day on Oct. 5, we are reminded of the countless ways in which our teachers and support staff shape the future, nurturing, inspiring...

The following is a Letter to the Editor, submitted by Athana Mentzelopoulos, President and CEO of Alberta Health Services."It is important for me to provide clarity on the surgical program in Rocky Mountain House, and correct comments made about the program's future. Let me be very clear - there are absolutely no ...

Letter to the Editor, in response to: Welcoming Week events start in Red Deer as Premier Smith says no to more asylum seekers --The world is facing unprecedented flows of asylum seekers, and Canada is not immune to these trends. While we reimposed a partial visa on Mexico and are bringing forward integrity measures to ...

At Wolf Creek Public Schools we are excited to embark on this new school year. Whether you are returning or joining our schools for the first time, I want to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome on behalf of the Board of Trustees. The start of a school year is always a time for new possibilities, the promise of achievem...

"Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" means "The world is one family." Imagine a place where the rich tapestry of Hindu culture converges, where ancient traditions are celebrated, and artistic expressions flourish. A space that ignites curiosity, fosters understanding, and weaves together the vibrant threads of o...

I am Perry Goddard, and I am deeply honored to step into the position as the new Executive Director at Safe Harbour. Two weeks in, and I'm still learning the ropes-but I don't expect the learning to stop anytime soon. I am fully aware of the responsibility before me in carrying Kath's (Hoffman) incredible legacy forwar...

Thousands of people are hoping to hit the open road this summer and head to Drumheller to see the dinosaurs or to the Western Development Museum to learn about the olden days. There's just one problem: sky high taxes on gasoline and diesel. Before we blame Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his carbon tax that costs us ...

We are delighted to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the City of Red Deer and its wonderful residents for their unwavering support of the Central Alberta Chamber Orchestra. Your enthusiastic backing has been instrumental in making our recent season an extraordinary success, and we are excited about the future as we co...

Do you want to support charitable causes in our community? Do you want to pay less tax to government? If so, your Community Foundation of Central Alberta ("Foundation") can help! The name of our Foundation used to be the 'Red Deer & District Community Foundation', but at this week's annual general meeting...

Allow me to preface what follows by saying that I certainly mean not to paint any particular demographic or group with one brush. I'm also only 35, so if this comes off as 'old man yells at cloud' or a 'get off my lawn' moment, I've got bigger problems. It was June 5 when I was driving through downtown Red Deer, past t...

Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) President Tyler Gandam presented the association's perspective on the provincial government's controversial Bill 20 at a virtual news conference on Monday. The following statement closely resembles President Gandam's initial remarks at the event.. "Bill 20 is an attempt by the prov...

If you are following Red Deer's land use bylaw review, you know changes are being proposed for residential, industrial, and commercial land uses. Red Deerians have been told that the rest of the land use zones will be reviewed in the next year or two. However, the new Bylaws propose serious and consequential changes to...

This submission is in response to Op-ed: Danielle Smith's Recovery Model is failing Albertans by the thousands--All of North America is in the midst of an addiction crisis that is tearing families and communities apart - and Alberta is no different. Addiction is a progressive disease that may lead to death if left untr...

The following is a Letter to the Editor submitted by Minister of Justice, Mickey Amery. "Alberta's government is investing $3 million in Budget 2024 to help people in Red Deer resolve family law issues. "At some point in their lives, many Albertans will need help from the legal system to deal with a family la...

Just months ago, residents of Red Deer were invited to weigh in at a public council meeting regarding the city's Overdose Prevention Site (OPS). OPS and Supervised Consumption Sites are frequently used examples of harm reduction, an approach to keep people who use drugs connected to health care and social services, and...

"Alberta's agriculture industry puts food on tables, creates jobs and contributes to our province's economy, growth and prosperity."As we prepare for what may be another dry growing season, our government is taking steps to support producers by ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to succeed.&...

Communities are better with grandma and grandpa in them. That is why Alberta's government wants to ensure that senior's lodges are vibrant community spaces that meet the needs of seniors across the province - from our smallest communities to our biggest cities.In my mandate letter from Premier Smith, I have been tasked...

The following official statement is issued on behalf of the Alberta Municipalities Board of Directors:"Albertans have heard rumblings for the last six months that the provincial government is considering introducing political parties to local municipal government and school board elections through changes to the L...

Wolf Creek Public Schools has begun its annual shift towards the task of budget preparations for the 2024/2025 academic year. This process is not just about crunching numbers; it's about strategically investing in our future - our students.Our budget is primarily supported by funding from the Government of Alberta, thr...

Friday, February 2 is World Wetlands Day. While many of these beautiful places are frozen over this time of year, this occasion gives us a chance to reflect on their importance and the never-ending services they offer to set our own communities up for a hopeful future. Canada is home to one quarter of the world's wetla...

The below letter is submitted in response to the article entitled 'Property owners in downtown Red Deer threaten to withhold property taxes until plan for shelter is revealed and OPS removed', published Jan. 26, 2024 on rdnewsNOW.com--Dear Editor,I write to address the concerns raised by nearly 40 property owners in do...

Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson issued the following statement on Dec. 29, 2023, recognizing the importance of Alberta agriculture during the holidays: "No farms, no food. It's that simple. "The holiday season is full of festivities, from Christmas carolling and lighting the Menorah to sle...

Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Matt Jones issued the following statement recapping highlights from Alberta's economy in 2023:"Alberta showed tremendous economic strength in 2023. We continue to lead the nation in growth while creating jobs and welcoming billions of dollars in investment to our province. Alber...

"The holiday season is upon us and it's a time for reflection and to take stock of how far we have come. In Wolf Creek Public Schools, we've made significant strides in enhancing educational opportunities for our students. "Our implementation of a common report card across grades K-9 is a testament to our com...

The Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, the Honourable Rebecca Schulz has written an opinion editorial on the current drought situation in the province. In a released statement, Press Secretary for the Minister Ryan Fournier says the op-ed highlights what actions the government will be taking in the coming yea...