Red Deer City Council advanced several zoning changes during their April 28, 2026 meeting, marking another step in the city’s ongoing efforts to accommodate rapid growth and expand housing options.
Council gave first reading to rezone lands in the Capstone area to align with current subdivision boundaries and existing uses. Members also heard proposals concerning the I-I light industrial zone.
A public hearing is upcoming regarding proposed changes that would allow house suites to be built in duplexes. Councillor Chad Krahn, who introduced the initiative, noted that the change is intended to increase housing flexibility without altering overall density caps. The proposal specifically aims to expand the variety of housing types where these suites are permitted.
The Red Deer City Council also discussed development plans. They considered proposals for a new commercial area at 2820 40 Avenue in Bower Woods, which is slated to support a community designed to eventually house 1,800 residents. Additionally, council reviewed rezoning in the Evergreen neighbourhood to make way for new residential and public space projects. These changes follow updates to the local development plan that are expected to bring nearly 200 additional homes to the area.
These planning decisions arrive as the city faces a significant rise in local construction. Red Deer recorded 162 housing starts in the first quarter of 2026, a 252% increase compared to the same period in 2025. With projections indicating the city will need more than 6,000 new homes by 2031, council continues to evaluate land use policies to meet future housing demands.
