We would like to recognize the importance of property owners who are dedicated to keeping our downtown fresh, vibrant and inviting by keeping their little corner of the community clean. The Downtown Red Deer clean team noted that the sidewalks surrounding Jackpot Casino have been kept absolutely free of snow and ice, even in the cold snap of a couple of weeks ago.

Downtown’s brand new AAA building is now ready for tenants. Construction of Executive Place, majestically towering above the City’s Cenotaph and Veterans Plaza Park at 49th Avenue and Ross Street, is now complete.

When Lorna Watkinson-Zimmer decided to open …comforts the sole, just after Easter of 1993, it was just as much necessity as desire. Lorna had been selling her Birkenstock shoes through a home based business, selling to friends and at the Red Deer Market. Soon, Lorna found that she was simply too busy and did not have the space in her home to continue selling, so she decided to leave her teaching position, and open one of Red Deer’s most pleasant shops.

Central Alberta Theatre has announced the name given to its newest performing space in the heart of downtown. City Centre Stage was the winning name from our "Name the Venue" contest explains William Trefry, Executive Director for Central Alberta Theatre.

Red vests and cowboy hats will once again be found throughout the downtown this summer, as The City of Red Deer has renewed its Downtown Ambassador program.  The City will contract four commissionaires to serve as the Ambassadors.  They let people know about locations of interest, give directions, assist at special events, talk about upcoming downtown events and share information about locations of businesses.  The ambassadors will walk through the downtown this year from June 1 to Sept. 30.

The Downtown Business Association has set aside funds for a Façade & Shopfront Improvement Program for storefronts located within the business revitalization zone (BRZ). The program encourages commercial building owners and business operators to invest in façade renovations and storefront upgrades by providing grants to cover a portion of renovation costs.

Under the Downtown Business Association's program, building owners and business operators can apply for half the cost of eligible renovations up to a maximum of $5000 per façade.  Applications must be received and approved before any construction work begins.

Tony Pham, owner of Vietnamese Subs and Rolls, opened the doors of his business in July of 2009 with a simple goal of creating a unique lunch option for downtown workers. It was an interesting choice for Tony, who recognized the calculated risk he was taking by operating an establishment with a somewhat unknown specialty, Vietnamese Subs. The risk has paid off for Tony so far, as he has created a location with a sought after dish, available at only one location in Red Deer - Vietnamese Subs and Rolls.

Monday, January 17 will see a road closure in the downtown.  The City of Red Deer will be closing down 49 Street between 50 Avenue and 49 Avenue.  This is a commuter route, and the city is expecting some major detours through the downtown, so everyone please plan ahead if you need to drive through the downtown on Monday, January 17.

On Monday, Red Deer City Council made the decision to restrict when and where panhandlers can approach people in the downtown. 

Panhandling is now banned between 5 pm and 8 am, and panhandlers can not work in groups anymore.  Panhandlers also can not be intoxicated or under the influence of any illegal substances, and can not panhandle within 10 meters of financial institutions, automated bank tellers, bank drop slots, liquor stores, or public transit.  Obstructing pedestrians and threatening, insulting and harrassing behaviour is also prohibited.

Council discussed banning panhandling altogether, however panhandling is allowed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The Red Deer Downtown Business Association held its Annual Meeting on November 18, 2010. At that meeting, Bryan Balderson, Bill Graham, Brian Olstad and Lorna Watkinson-Zimmer were newly elected as members to serve on the Board of Directors effective January 2011. All will serve a three year term.