Red Deer Projects over the next 10 years

Expansion of Red Deer College

The first phase of a $110 million Building Communities Through Learning complex, representing the largest expansion of Red Deer College since the College began in 1964, has started construction and is expected to be completed in 2008. It comprises of the Centre for Trades and Technology, the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing, the Centre for Business Enterprise and the Centre for Visual Arts. The second phase will add the Centre for Regional Sport and Fitness and the Centre for Health Education and is expected to be completed by 2010. Future additions could include a new on-campus health clinic and possibly a jointly developed art gallery-museum with the City. Once completed, there will be an increase in student enrolment over the next 5 years from the current 6,500 to 10,000.

12-Storey Office Building Downtown

A $28 million, 12-storey office building called Executive Place is under construction at the corner of Ross St. and 49 Ave. in downtown Red Deer on the site of the former CIBC branch. It may be ready for occupancy by the spring of 2009. The 7,100 sq. ft. main floor will contain office space, the second floor a combination of commercial and office space. Total leaseable space will be about 100,000 sq. ft.

Historic Michener Landmark Restoration

The 93-year-old Michener administration building, located on the east hill of Red Deer and badly burned when struck by lightning in June 2003, will be restored to its historic condition as a result of its purchase by the David Thompson Health Region, a $4.3 million contribution from the province and a $3.6 million fire insurance settlement. The $11.3 million restoration of the four storey building will include a 14,000 square foot addition and verandas that were originally part of the building and will be used for administrative offices for as many as 170 staff. The stately red brick structure was built at the crest of the hill in 1912 overlooking the town of Red Deer in the river valley below. It was used for Alberta's first women's college, then a hospital for World War I soldiers before becoming the cornerstone of the Michener Centre, an institution for the mentally disabled.

East Hill - Timberlands Development Plan

Careful planning should result in balanced growth between residential, commercial and natural areas outlined in the East Hill Area Structure Plan for the east side of Red Deer. A 143-acre town centre commercial area featuring pedestrian-friendly shopping, two high schools, a major recreational centre, residential development and preservation of natural areas are all included in the 20-25 year plan. Most of the area was annexed from the County in 2005. The first phase is the Timberlands development around the intersection of 30 Ave. and 67 St. expected to start construction in 2008.

Future Ring Road Includes New River Bridge

As 20th Avenue develops as part of the East Hill Structure Plan over the next 10 to 20 years, it will eventually become an expressway ring road connecting Highway 2 on the west, Highway 11A in the north (with a new bridge across the river), and McKenzie Road on the south. The $50 million Northlands Drive river bridge and road extension is expected to be built within the next 5 years.

20-Year Plan for Waskasoo Park Renewal