Red Deer proposes custom zoning for school development

RED DEER, ALTA.—New custom zoning is being proposed for Red Deer Polytechnic to facilitate the institution’s development and growth in the future.

The zoning, which would create the Post-Secondary Institution (PSI) district, was developed with the school to address future development and uses for the land.

“With their official shift to Red Deer Polytechnic, we are looking to the future to better support the post-secondary institution as they continue to grow and evolve,” said Orlando Toews, senior planner for the city, in a statement. “The proposed district prepares Red Deer Polytechnic for a growing and viable future as a key educational institute within the region.”

Red Deer Polytechnic lands are currently zoned as a public service district, which is common for schools and city recreation facilities, but does not account for other activities on the institution’s main campus such as residences and commercial ventures. The proposed PSI district is intended to provide for Red Deer Polytechnic’s expanding post-secondary educational uses, including applied learning connections to its diverse programs, as well as additional commercial uses to serve and support students and community members.

“We are excited for the potential flexibility that this new zoning district will allow Red Deer Polytechnic to enhance our main campus to best serve our future learners and valued community members, while continuing to respect the needs of our growing city and region,” said Dr. Peter Nunoda, president of Red Deer Polytechnic. “We appreciate the continued collaboration we’ve enjoyed with the City of Red Deer through this process, and we value city council and administration’s support as we embrace our sustainable future as a polytechnic institution.”