By rdnewsNOW staff

come out to make an informed vote

Upcoming candidate forums happening in Red Deer ahead of municipal, school board elections

Sep 20, 2025 | 10:00 AM

There are several upcoming opportunities for Red Deerians to hear from candidates in the upcoming Oct. 20 municipal elections.

That includes a two-hour all-candidates forum slated for Oct. 6, at the Memorial Centre (4214 58 Street), jointly hosted by the Red Deer District Chamber, BILD Central Alberta, and Red Deer Construction Association (RDCA).

This one is just for council candidates, not school board.

Organizers say it will give voters a clear view of candidates’ plans on economic development, housing supply, financial stewardship, public safety, and ensuring the city focuses on core municipal services.

“Red Deer’s next council will make decisions that shape jobs, investment, and affordability,” said Amber Mack, chief operating officer of the Red Deer District Chamber.

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“This forum will gives residents and business leaders a chance to look past slogans and hear clear, practical commitments on competitiveness, partnerships, healthy communities, and accountable government.”

Moderated questions will reflect priorities identified by local employers and align with Alberta’s Vote Prosperity pillars:

• Business Competitiveness: permitting timelines, regulatory clarity, and franchise fee predictability.

• Growth & Housing: targeted zoning/approvals reform to enable gentle density; serviced land and infrastructure sequencing.

• Financial Stewardship & Core Services: rebuilding reserves, bending the cost curve, and focusing on the Municipal Government Act core municipal mandate.

• Construction & Local Jobs: fair, transparent procurement; a stable municipal project pipeline; trades and workforce initiatives.

• Public Safety: practical measures that reduce costs and risk for businesses and residents

There will be a moderated Q&A by theme, then a lightning round based on yes/no commitments to various issues, organizers say.

Other dates of forums, per the City of Red Deer (more info by clicking each event’s link):

Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic Mayoral Candidates Forum

For Candidates for the office of: Mayor

Date & Time: October 8, 2025, 4 – 8 p.m.

2025 All Municipal Candidates Election Forum (Mayor and City Council)

For Candidates for the office of: Mayor and City Council

Date & Time: September 30, 2025, 7 – 10 p.m.

Meet & Greet Townhall (Mayor and City Council)

For Candidates for the office of: Mayor and City Council

Date & Time: October 7, 2025 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Meet & Greet Townhall (School Board Candidates)

For Candidates for the office of: School Boards

Date & Time: October 8, 2025 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Social Profit – Municipal Forum

For Candidates for the office of: City Councillor

Date & Time: October 15, 2025 6 – 8 p.m.

All Candidates Forum

For Candidates for the office of: Mayor and City Council

Date & Time: October 6, 2025, 6 – 8 p.m.

Indigenous Voices Forum – Red Deer Election 2025

For Candidates for the office of: Mayor and City Council

Date & Time: October 14, 2025, 7-9 p.m.

Mayoral Forum: The Homelessness Question

For Candidates for the office of: Mayor

Date & Time: October 9, 2025, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

All Candidates Election Forum (Mayor & Councillor)

For Candidates for the office of: Mayor and City Council

Date & Time: October 10, 2025, 7-9 p.m.