Over the past year, the Greater Downtown Governance project has brought together downtown stakeholders to explore how initiatives can be better aligned, how roles and responsibilities can be clarified, and how funding can better support Red Deer’s downtown. Through these conversations several common themes emerged about what matters most to people who live, work, and spend time in the downtown.
Six key priority areas emerged to help guide future initiatives and investments in Greater Downtown. These priorities reflect common themes raised by businesses, residents, and community partners about where attention and resources could have the greatest impact.
Destination Development: Supporting events, attractions, public spaces, and beautification that make downtown a vibrant place to visit, gather, and experience.
(Examples: events, placemaking, beautification, decorative lighting, public art)
Neighbourhood Identity: Encouraging collaboration between businesses and partners to build unique districts and strengthen the character of different downtown areas.
(Examples: themed districts, coordinated branding, business clusters)
Investment-Friendly Environment: Supporting policies and initiatives that encourage businesses, entrepreneurs, and developers to invest and grow in the downtown.
(Examples: business support programs, redevelopment incentives, lighting, building improvements)
Community Safety and Wellbeing: Creating a downtown environment that feels safe, welcoming, and supported through coordinated social and community initiatives.
(Examples: clean team programs, safety initiatives, partnerships addressing social challenges, advocacy)
Parking Management: Ensuring parking is accessible, convenient, and managed in a way that supports businesses and visitors.
(Examples: parking strategy improvements, accessibility, advocacy)
Connected and Accessible Downtown: Improving how people move through downtown and making it easier to walk, bike, and access key destinations.
(Examples: streetscape improvements, wayfinding, pedestrian connections)