Red Deer District Chamber, BILD Central Alberta, and the Red Deer Construction Association invite voters to hear candidates’ plans for jobs, housing, and fiscal stewardship

Red Deer District Chamber, BILD Central Alberta, and Red Deer Construction Association (RDCA) will host a non-partisan municipal all candidate forum on Monday, October 6, 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Memorial Centre, located at 4214 58 Street in Red Deer.
 
The forum will give voters a clear, side-by-side view of candidates’ plans on economic development, housing supply, financial stewardship, public safety, and ensuring the City focuses on core municipal services.
 
“Red Deer’s next Council will make decisions that shape jobs, investment, and affordability,” said Amber Mack, Chief Operating Officer of the Red Deer District Chamber. “This forum will gives residents and business leaders a chance to look past slogans and hear clear, practical commitments on competitiveness, partnerships, healthy communities, and accountable government.”
 
“Our industry is looking for leadership that embraces transparency, promotes growth, streamlines permitting, and invests in housing solutions," said Chris Windrim, Executive Director of BILD Central Alberta. "We are ready to work with the next Council to move our community forward".
 
"The construction industry ranks amongst the top 3 sectors in this City.”  added Gary Gies, Executive Director of the Red Deer Construction Association. “With drastic cuts to capital budgeting over the past number of years, success will hinge on collaboration, disciplined procurement and a mindset of purpose-driven development."
 
Forum themes
Moderated questions will reflect priorities identified by local employers and align with Alberta’s Vote Prosperity pillars:

• Business Competitiveness: permitting timelines, regulatory clarity, and franchise fee predictability.
• Growth & Housing: targeted zoning/approvals reform to enable gentle density; serviced land and infrastructure sequencing.
• Financial Stewardship & Core Services: rebuilding reserves, bending the cost curve, and focusing on the Municipal Government Act core municipal  mandate.
• Construction & Local Jobs: fair, transparent procurement; a stable municipal project pipeline; trades and workforce initiatives.
• Public Safety: practical measures that reduce costs and risk for businesses and residents.

• Date & time: Monday, October 6, 2025, doors open at 5:45pm
• Location: Memorial Centre, 4214 58 Street, Red Deer.
• Format: Moderated Q&A by theme, plus a lightning-round of yes/no commitments
• Registration not required.