Quicker solution on the horizon for Red Deer warming space snafu

The warming space is intended to serve up to 50 additional people overnight.

Around Christmas, however, SMLCS was told they’d have to obtain a development permit, but that couldn’t happen until city council met on Jan. 13.

Jan. 13 rolls around, and it’s not on the agenda, because the city discovered an “administrative oversight,” as reported earlier this week. The oversight being that when the zoning bylaw for Cannery Row was updated in late 2024, for the purpose of expanding Safe Harbour’s shelter, the legal map that goes with it didn’t get the same treatment.

After pressure from SMLCS, the city has come up with an alternate, much swifter solution.

“This issue only came to light now because this is the first development permit application submitted since council adopted the December 2024 amendment. Upon discovering the error, the city immediately began work to correct it,” Dave Girardin, senior manager of growth and development, explains, adding that the standard amendment process takes eight weeks.

“After reviewing all available options, the city determined the correction could proceed as a technical amendment under the Municipal Government Act, which allows council to consider all three readings in a single meeting for clerical or technical corrections. While this approach has not previously been used by the city for a Zoning Bylaw amendment, it is appropriate in this case because the change is limited to correcting a mapping error and does not introduce a new land use.”

The city says this will happen on Jan. 27 when council has their next regular meeting.

But rdnewsNOW asked the city, given their recognition of the urgency, and of their own error, what is preventing city council from convening for an emergency meeting.

“The timeline is limited by the need to give nearby property owners a chance to provide input; notification letters will be delivered early next week, allowing a week for comments before council considers the Zoning Bylaw amendment and development permit,” Girardin continues. “Administration is working to have all reports and conditions ready so council can act as quickly as possible.”

The city says all properties within 100 metres of the site will be notified of this news through a letter explaining the circumstances.

Further, this process negates the requirement for a public hearing, as reported would be necessary earlier this week. That said, people are still welcome to submit feedback, which council will take into consideration.

The city is also preparing to fast-track a building permit and business license by pre-arranging inspections with building and fire safety code officers.

“The City of Red Deer is required to operate within provincial legislation under the Municipal Government Act. Within those limits, administration has worked to reduce timelines as much as legally possible and has dedicated all available resources to advancing this matter,” adds Girardin.

“Given the urgency of the situation, council is considering additional options to address immediate safety concerns, with a focus on ensuring people have access to warmth and shelter during extreme conditions.”

Raye St. Denys, who’s been at the forefront of this issue on behalf of SMLCS says there’s some relief that the city has found a solution, but is adamant that a meeting should be called sooner.

She says starting Monday the 19th, they’ll begin to utilize the site they’re already paying rent for, to conduct extra training with their staff in advance of opening to guests.

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by Josh Hall | @Vancan19

Quicker solution on the horizon for Red Deer warming space snafu

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