Red Deer residents are being asked to join the conversation about how Red Deer should welcome more people and homes, while maintaining quality of life in our existing neighbourhoods.
This conversation comes on the heels of The City of Red Deer being awarded $12 million for the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF2) from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). This funding agreement, announced in March 2025, supports a range of housing initiatives aimed at increasing supply and improving affordability. One of the key conditions of this federal funding is that The City must update its Zoning Bylaw to allow up to four housing units on one residential lot.
“City Council has not made a decision. We want to hear from residents about how Red Deer should grow, and whether the conditions tied to the Housing Accelerator Fund are the right fit for our community,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “The next City Council will receive a full summary of community feedback and will decide this zoning change in late 2025 or early 2026. If the policy is not adopted, The City is prepared to return the $12 million in federal funding.”
From now until mid-July, residents can learn more and join the conversation “Growing Red Deer, Together” through online and in-person engagement opportunities.
“This is a big conversation about the kind of community we want to be,” said Kim Fils-Aime, Senior Planner. “We know the need for housing is growing, and we want to hear from residents about how to do this in a way that works for Red Deer.”
The public engagement process invites residents to consider how Red Deer should welcome new homes and residents. while continuing to support safe, livable, and connected neighbourhoods. Feedback gathered during this process will be compiled into a What We Heard report, which will be shared with the community and the next Council to inform decision-making.
To learn more and to participate in the conversation, visit https://engage.reddeer.ca/growing-red-deer-together
**with information provided by The City of Red Deer
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