Timber Ridge approved for RDPS middle school

May 14, 2024 | 1:54 PM

City council unanimously passed a proposal from Red Deer Public Schools (RDPS) on May 13, requesting approval of a site in Timber Ridge as the home for its next middle school.

The request differs from the typical order these decisions take, as the site still needs roads and stormwater services developed, as well as offsite levies to be paid before RDPS can take ownership of the land.

“These things don’t always happen in the sequence or at the time that we may choose,” said Councillor Cindy Jefferies, expressing gratitude to administration and RDPS for “thinking outside the box.”

There are existing school site options that already have this development done, however they are on the eastern side of the city, and RDPS projects higher future student enrollment numbers from the north.

“This type of development is a good one, because you look at location and it’s a location that we don’t have to give a lot of input into because the school board did that work. They know their students, which is their market; they know the areas of growth and the opportunities that fit best into their operational realm,” said Councillor Lawrence Lee, a Past Board Chair for Red Deer Public Schools.

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Administration debated the risks and benefits of the approval internally before turning to council for their recommendation.

The agreement between the City and the school board on how to approach these projects was implemented in 2003. General Manager of Community Services Sarah Tittemore acknowledged the agreement is outdated and said they are in the process of updating it to reflect changing needs.

Now that the site has been approved, a budget amendment to address funding for the project will be raised at a future city council meeting.

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Timber Ridge approved for RDPS middle school

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