The downtown Sorensen transit station and parking garage is about to become home to Red Deer's tenth "ghost".  The ghosts of Red Deer are bronze statues of prominent figures of Red Deer's past.  It has been roughly ten years since the last ghost statue, of Mickey the beaver and Doris Forbes. 

Due to the unwelcoming weather conditions, the Biggest Tree Festival and Parade that was scheduled for Tuesday November 23 has been cancelled. 

The Downtown Business Association (DBA) held its annual meeting Thursday, November 18th on the 11th floor of Executive Place. Those attending heard a report on downtown activities and successes over the past year and plans for the future.

A small reminder that due to the Biggest Christmas Tree Festival and Christmas Parade, there will be some major road closures in the downtown on the afternoon of November 23.

Ross Street will be closed between 47th Avenue and 48th Avenue from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, 48th Avenue will be closed between 49th Street and Ross Street from 6:15 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Ross Street will be closed between 48th Avenue and 49th Avenue from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Spectators are reminded that parking is free downtown after 5 p.m.

We hope to see everyone out tommorow for the Biggest Tree Festival, which will be taking place, weather permitting to - 25 degrees.

Attention all visual artists!  There are a few opportunities available for public displays upcoming in the downtown. 

Cafe Pichlingue and The Velvet Olive, two downtown hot spots, are looking for artists interested hosting exhibitions for 2011. Each space holds approximately 8 - 12 pieces and shows run for a month. If you are interested in having a show talk to Penny Elliot at 403-346 0812.

Also, the Red Deer Arts Council has completed the renovations of their new office, and are looking for artists who may want to display their works for a short period.  If you are interested in having some art displayed in the Arts Council office, call Diana Anderson at 403-348-ARTS (2787).

With the dropping temperatures and falling snow, it is important to recognize the importance of removing the snow and ice from the sidewalks in front of your business.  Walking around the downtown is easier and more enjoyable when all businesses have clean sidewalks.  It is also a requirement through City of Red Deer bylaw.  Everyone should be keeping up on snow and ice removal to keep the downtown easily accessible for pedestrians and to ensure it is kept looking beautiful and safe all winter.

The Red Deer Downtown Business Association will hold its Annual Meeting on November 18th. Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) ratepayers and those interested in the downtown are invited to attend.

The meeting will be held on the 11th floor of Executive Place on November 18th, beginning at 6:30 pm. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to network, learn about the activities of the association and receive an update on downtown initiatives.

The 2010 Red Deer Women of Excellence gala was held on November 8 at the Capri Trade and Convention Centre, and the downtown had a number of recipients, in the categories of Entrepreneurship, Human Services and Community Building.

New Downtown Market Had A Successful Season

November 9, 2010

(Red Deer, Alberta) – The Downtown Market was a pilot project for the Downtown Business Association this summer offering farmers’ market enthusiasts the opportunity to buy local on Wednesdays.

The Downtown Business Association says it started the market because they felt there was demand for local food and a downtown market would encourage people to walk through downtown and would attract new visitors. The market drew a significant number of people downtown to visit, shop and support local businesses.

Everyone wants a safe community and crime prevention is everyone’s business. That’s why the safety of our neighbourhoods and of Red Deerians is a top priority for The City of Red Deer.

The City has contracted perivale + taylor Consulting Inc. to conduct a review of crime prevention strategies and policing services in Red Deer and your opinions and ideas are an important part of this strategy.

We want to hear your ideas on how to make Red Deer a better place to live and how to keep Red Deer a safe community.

Please take this short online survey.