Membership at a Glance
Every business in the Downtown Business Improvement Area is part of something bigger— and is automatically a member of the Downtown Business Association. Since 1983, when local businesses came together to petition City Council for a stronger collective voice, the DBA has been dedicated to shaping a vibrant and thriving downtown. Today, your levy investment—paired with grants and contracts—funds programs, events, and advocacy that directly support our business community. And because our Board of Directors is made up of downtown business owners just like you, every decision is guided by peers who understand the challenges, opportunities, and vision for the place we all call the heart of the city.
Our Mission
The Red Deer Downtown Business Association (DBA) represents nearly 400 businesses and property owners within the Business Improvement Area. Together, we work to ensure downtown remains vibrant by:
1) Showcasing a rewarding downtown experience.
2) Creating and supporting an inviting environment for thriving commerce.
3) Acting as a champion and advocate for the downtown business community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the levy, and why do I have to pay it?
The levy is a collective contribution made by every business within the Business Improvement Area (BIA). It ensures that the downtown core is consistently supported through advocacy, safety initiatives, beautification, marketing, and events. About 65% of the DBA’s budget comes from the levy, with the remaining 35% raised through grants and contracts. Importantly, the levy is governed by your peers—the DBA Board of Directors is made up of downtown business owners who approve the budget before it goes to City Council. The levy is collected by the City of Red Deer based on your property’s annual assessment. If you have questions about how your levy is calculated, please contact the City of Red Deer’s Taxation & Assessment Department.
Q: What does my levy pay for, and what’s the value to my business?
Your levy goes directly into programs and services that support downtown businesses every day. By engaging in just one or two of our initiatives each year, most members see a return greater than their levy contribution. For example, subsidies for storefront improvements, safety upgrades, and marketing programs like the Downtown Gift Card or Kiosk Advertising save members thousands annually. Behind the scenes, the Clean Team proactively removes litter, graffiti, and needle debris to keep storefronts welcoming. Whether you’re actively applying for programs or benefiting from a safer, more inviting downtown, your levy dollars are always at work creating value for your business and the wider community. To learn more about programs and opportunities tailored to your business, we encourage you to reach out directly.
Q: Why do so many events take place on Ross Street?
Many of our larger events and activities are hosted on the Ross Street Patio and the former Buffalo Hotel site because these locations are central, visible, and equipped with the infrastructure needed—like power, staging space, and amenities—to safely support big gatherings with high impact. That said, supporting the whole downtown is important to us. Beyond Ross Street, we regularly run shopping challenges, scavenger hunts, murals, parklets, and planter initiatives across the district to drive foot traffic and involvement for businesses throughout the BIA. And of course, our programs, subsidies, and marketing campaigns are designed to benefit all members, no matter where your business is located.
We’re always open to new ideas on how to activate your street—so if you’ve got a suggestion, let’s talk!
Q: What’s up with the parking system downtown?
We know the current parking system is a major concern for many businesses. The new system, which relies on a mobile app and pay stations, can feel like a barrier to bringing people downtown.
It’s important to note that while parking is managed by the City of Red Deer, we take your concerns seriously and advocate directly with the City for better, more accessible solutions. In recent years we’ve secured free parking promotions during key events and continue to push for options that make visiting downtown easier, such as more pay stations, improved signage, and more accessible options.
Your feedback helps us amplify the business community’s voice. If you’re experiencing challenges with parking, please share them with us—we use this input to strengthen our advocacy and ensure downtown remains welcoming and accessible to all.
Q: What is the DBA doing about social challenges like homelessness, addiction, and safety?
We know these issues are top of mind for our members. While no city can fully eliminate challenges like homelessness or addiction, we are committed to making downtown as safe and welcoming as possible. This is one of our highest priorities.
The DBA works closely with the City of Red Deer, RCMP, and local social agencies to advocate for the right level of services and resources downtown. We regularly share your concerns with decision-makers and push hard for visible RCMP presence, particularly through the dedicated downtown unit. The officer in charge of that unit also holds open office hours at the DBA so businesses can discuss concerns and solutions directly.
At the same time, we deliver programs that help address the immediate impacts on businesses—such as graffiti removal, the Clean Team, and CPTED safety subsidies. These efforts provide practical, on-the-ground support while we continue advocating for stronger long-term strategies.
Your feedback fuels our advocacy. By voicing your experiences, you help us tailor our programs and sharpen our asks so downtown businesses are always represented at the table.