Local news delivered daily to your email inbox. Subscribe for FREE to the rdnewsNOW newsletter.

Craig Curtis to retire as Red Deer City Manager

Mar 28, 2018 | 11:35 AM

Red Deer City Manager Craig Curtis has announced his intention to retire.

According to a statement, his contract expires on March 3, 2019.

Curtis’s Red Deer roots go back to 1980 when he worked as a planner with the Red Deer Regional Planning Commission and as the Director of Community Services with The City.

In 1995, Curtis was appointed City Manager of Owen Sound, Ontario, but returned to Red Deer in 2007, becoming City Manager here. Curtis holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Cape Town, as well as a Master of City Planning and Urban Design.

“Over my many years of working in Red Deer I have had the privilege of working with many committed and innovative people,” Curtis says. “Red Deer has had councils and community leaders with vision, commitment and a common goal of building a great community. I have been fortunate to be part of Red Deer’s community building history.”

During his tenure, Curtis has received a number of awards including the Dedicated CAO’s Award from the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, an Alberta Planning Award from the Alberta Association of the Canadian Institute of Planners. He was also named as one of the 50 Most Influential People in Alberta by Alberta Venture Magazine in 2012, and was involved as campaign Co-Chair for United Way in 2016 and 2017.

“Knowing The City of Red Deer is made up of dedicated, skilled and service-oriented people makes the decision to retire easier,” says Curtis. “This team of talented staff serves the public each and every day with integrity and professionalism, and I am confident they will continue working to move our city forward.

Mayor Tara Veer is also expressing her appreciation for Curtis’s respect for the job.

“Craig has exemplified The City of Red Deer’s corporate values of respect, integrity, service and excellence through his service to the organization and our community,” she says. “City council is thankful for the progress he has influenced during his tenure with The City. Manager Curtis has served the organization well and positioned it for a strong future.” 

Over the next several months, city council will go through the process of hiring a new city manager.