Red Deer council sets public hearing for proposed zoning change at possible shelter site

City council passed first reading of two rezoning bylaws for 7740 40 Ave., and a public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 25.

Red Deer city council passed first reading of two rezoning bylaw amendments for the property at 7740 40 Ave. on Feb. 3. The proposed changes would create a new Direct Control zoning district, DC(36), and rezone the site from Heavy Industrial (I2) to DC(36). If the rezoning is ultimately approved through all required readings, the change could allow a shelter use to be considered at the site. Rezoning determines what land uses may be considered for a property and does not approve operational or design details. Key facts: - Council moved the bylaws forward at first reading to begin the statutorily required process under Alberta's Municipal Government Act. - The bylaws under consideration would create DC(36) and rezone 7740 40 Ave. from Heavy Industrial (I2) to DC(36). - A public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 25, where council will receive community input before deciding on second and third readings. - The city emphasized that passing first reading does not approve a shelter to open, building renovations, site design, operations, staffing, programming, or security plans. - The city has expanded communications beyond legislated requirements, including advance notification letters to nearby businesses and posting information publicly. - Community input received so far has been shared with council and will continue to be considered as the process moves forward. Summary: The public hearing on Feb. 25 will give council a formal opportunity to hear from the community and to consider land-use compatibility and planning principles before further readings. Council will weigh feedback when deciding on second and third readings, and only if all three readings are approved would the rezoning take effect.