Moving forward
As a long-range concept plan, Progress and Potential creates a vision for the preferred future of Red Deer’s city centre. At the same time, it is innovative in recommending an implementation process that includes short-term pilot projects to test elements like new ‘complete street’ configurations, which consider a broad range of street uses in addition to vehicle movement. Using pilot projects, complete street elements such as dedicated bike lanes can be tested in the short term using moveable planters and temporary signage before more significant infrastructure investments are made.
The intent of these elements of the plan is to make immediate but modest investments that maintain the positive momentum until economic recovery supports more significant investments.
Following adoption of the plan, city administration also moved quickly to bring forward ten specific initiatives for inclusion in 2009 City workplans. As a result, the City has initiated detailed area redevelopment plans for the major transformations in Riverlands and Railyards, conduct research on a new Public Market, and do design work on intersection improvements to increase connectivity between downtown and the river.
The Downtown Business Association has been actively involved in the development of the Greater Downtown Action Plan and will continue to contribute ideas and energy towards its implementation. We welcome your comments on the plan and its progress.
