The area under consideration for a rezoning application. (Image Credit: City of Red Deer/Supplied)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Feb. 3 meeting

Red Deer city council to consider rezoning application at property for future shelter use

Jan 9, 2026 | 2:46 PM

Red Deer city council will consider a rezoning application for the property at 7740 40 Avenue at first reading on Feb. 3 that would enable future shelter use.

The city says the application, which was submitted by the Red Deer Homeless Foundation, proposes an amendment to the land use bylaw to change its designation to a Direct Control District from Industrial.

This means, if approved, it would be allowed to be used as a shelter in the future.

Council will decide whether a shelter could be allowed on this property in the future, not to build a shelter, move an existing shelter, or approve how a shelter should operate.

The city explained that this is an early step that looks only at land use.

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If the city council approves the application, there would still be more reviews, approvals, and opportunities for public input before anything could happen on the site.

“While the city isn’t responsible for operating shelters, we do have a role in land use decisions,” said City Manager Tara Lodewyk. “Our responsibility is to consider the land uses that are proposed for this site based on the new concept in the application, put forward by the Red Deer Homeless Foundation, and decide what’s best for the community as a whole. The process involves gathering information, engaging and being transparent in the decision-making process.”

As it is the first reading, council will only be asked to determine whether to move forward with the rezoning to a public hearing.

The City of Red Deer said if council advances the application beyond first reading, a public hearing would be scheduled for February 25.

Because of the high level of interest in shelter-related matters, the city will extend notification efforts to clarify what is being considered, what is not, and how residents can participate.

Questions related to the rezoning process may be directed to shelter@reddeer.ca.