(Supplied)

By Ian Gustafson

Over 121,000

Red Deer County council votes down airport funding increase

Apr 17, 2025 | 2:19 PM

Despite a push from Mayor Jim Wood for council to approve it, the Red Deer Regional Airport’s request for an additional $121,500 was turned away this week.

Council defeated the motion 6-1 on Tuesday, with only Mayor Wood voting in favour.

The increase was among a list of amendments made in the 2025 spring budget that was approved late last year.

The increase would have changed the county’s contribution from $1.62 million to $1.74 million, a 7.5 per cent increase to support the expansion. The increase to the 2025 spring budget included $423,000 in capital funding.

However, multiple councillors explained frustrations with the lack of discussion with the Airport themselves as to why an increase is needed.

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Ultimately, this led to councillor Philip Massier suggesting they handle the airport amendment separately from the spring budget. This was agreed upon.

Councillor Dana Depalme said communication with the airport needed to be better.

“The biggest thing with me is there was no discussion,” she said, adding she supported removing it from the budget until more discussion can take place.

Councillor’s Lonny Kennett didn’t support the increase but expressed he was torn on the decision. In addition, Councillor Christine Moore also didn’t support the increase, saying the City of Red Deer has contributed less than the county.

Mayor Wood called the airport a major economic driver and that it could be the next step to see the region go to the next level.

“I think the key thing is sometimes you can tighten your belt and sometimes you can’t… I believe this is an investment into Red Deer County. We’ve shown a serious investment into the airport for years with the intention of getting them successful so we don’t have to continue to do so. I think we’re on the verge of that,” he said.

“To cut their legs off today I think is going the wrong direction.”

Council also approved the 2025 spring budget amendment in a vote of 4-3. Council Moore, Kennett, and Depalme were opposed.