Let’s Talk About Housing – And What Comes Next
June 10, 2025
Across Red Deer, we’re starting an important conversation: How should our city grow?
Through the federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF 2), Red Deer has been awarded $12 million to help increase housing supply and affordability. As part of this funding, the City is exploring a zoning policy called four-units as-of-right, which would allow up to four housing units on most residential lots, subject to safety codes, lot sizes, and development permit requirements.
We know people have questions. That’s not just expected—it’s welcome. This is a complex topic that affects how our neighbourhoods feel, who they serve, and how we make space for future generations.
So let’s clarify a few key facts:
What You Should Know
- No decision has been made about adopting four-units as-of-right.
- The next City Council will make that decision in late 2025 or early 2026.
- The public engagement process is just beginning and will continue through 2025.
- If the policy is not adopted, Red Deer will return the full $12 million grant.
What We’re Hearing—and Clarifying
As engagement gets underway, some early comments have surfaced around the scope and structure of the process. It’s worth clearing up a few points:
“Has there been enough engagement?” We’re at the start of a broad, multi-phase process. This includes in-person conversations, digital tools, a city-wide survey, specific audience sessions, validating what we hear, and a “What We Heard” report to come this fall.
“Is four-units-as-of-right already a done deal?” No. This engagement is about informing future decisions. Council will not make a final decision until after a full review of community feedback and following the 2025 municipal election.
“Will four units be allowed everywhere, without oversight?” No. Development would still need to follow all relevant safety, parking, and permitting rules. This change would enable the option, not guarantee development on every lot. In fact, projections show about 15 new units per year would be created through this policy.
“Where is the $12 million going?” If adopted, funding will support initiatives like secondary suite grants, planning process updates, and efforts to improve housing affordability and choice across the city. Specific allocations will be shared publicly as part of the process.
Why This Matters
Red Deer’s population is growing and our housing supply hasn’t kept pace. Our vacancy rate sits at 1.5%, and many residents are finding it increasingly difficult to find homes they can afford.
We also know that many of our established neighbourhoods are seeing population decline. Introducing more housing options—thoughtfully and gradually—can help revitalize these areas and support the local businesses, schools, and services that make communities thrive.
That’s what this engagement is about: exploring options that help Red Deer grow gently and sustainably, while keeping our neighbourhoods safe, livable, and welcoming.
How to Get Involved
June 11 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Festival Hall
- Neighbourhood conversation for Parkvale, Woodlea, and Waskasoo residents
- This conversation is also about Backyard Suites.
- Plan to attend for the entire duration
June 17 & 19 | 5 – 7 p.m. | Westerner Park, Heartland Room
- Citywide Community Conversations – all are welcome
- Plan to attend for the entire duration
Survey open at engage.reddeer.ca until July 18.
Following these opportunities, we will validate what we heard in September 2025. A "What We Heard" report to be shared in Fall 2025. City Council will consider first reading of any Zoning change in late 2025 / early 2026.
We know this conversation matters. That’s why we’re committed to doing it right—openly, respectfully, and together. If you have feedback, questions, or ideas, we want to hear from you.
This is your city. Let’s plan its future—together.