ABOUT THE RED DEER DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Our Mission: The Red Deer Downtown Business Association:
- Showcases a rewarding downtown experience.
- Creates and supports an inviting environment for thriving commerce.
- Acts as a champion and advocate for the downtown business community
Our Vision for Downtown: Downtown Red Deer is a vibrant, thriving, unique local experience for commerce and community.
Curious to learn more about our strategic plan and how we’re working towards this vision?
Click the link below to dive into the full plan and join us in shaping the future of downtown Red Deer.
HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER
Any business located within the Business Revitalization Zone is already a member.
In response to a petition by Downtown businesses, in late 1983, Red Deer City Council passed a bylaw establishing the Red Deer Downtown Business Association (DBA) as a Business Revitalization Zone under the Municipal Government Act.
Your annual levy is calculated by The City of Red Deer on an annual basis based on the space occupied by the business and collectively, this amount makes up approximately 65% of the DBA annual budget. The budget is approved first by the DBA Board of Directors and then through Council. The remaining 35% of the budget is raised through contracts and grant funding to allow the DBA to deliver on the expectations of our businesses.
See the map below for the boundaries.
MEMBER BENEFITS
Programs
The DBA has developed several programs to assist in reaching our goal of creating a vibrant and prosperous Downtown that is the place to live, work, play and do business. Our current offerings include:
- Kiosk Advertising Program
- CPTED Subsidized Crime Prevention Program
- Host-It! Event Promotion Program
- Façade and Shop Front Improvement Program
- Adopt-a-Planter Program
- Graffiti Removal Program
As well as subsidizing the many initiatives laid out in the Programs section that were created specifically to improve and increase your ability to do business, the DBA also runs specific marketing campaigns throughout the year to attract visitors to the core such as Dine Downtown and the North Pole Stroll.
Advertising
Events
Ongoing public events help drive positive awareness and activity into our Downtown. Bringing people from the region into Downton on a regular basis helps make residents and visitors aware of the unique offerings and amenities in the heart of our community.
The Red Deer Downtown Business Association supports many events throughout the year that bring thousands of people Downtown. Examples include the Downtown Market and the Ross Street Patio programming (live entertainment throughout the summer months), Downtown Cruise Night, and First Fridays held monthly at Downtown galleries.
We also provide support for third-party events and festivals through our Host-It! Program. Organizations can apply for financial and in-kind support for an event located in the Downtown. 2023 Recipients include Centrefest and the Afro-Caribbean Festival.
The DBA’s Clean Team works hard to ensure Downtown is a clean and safe place to visit and do business. They start in the early morning hours and much of their work is complete before the business day begins.
The Clean Team
Are You a New Business?
Let’s get in touch!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The DBA succeeds due to the involvement and direction we receive through the volunteer Board of Directors. The DBA Board of Directors operates under a governance model by ensuring the organization supports its objectives and fulfils its fiduciary (legal) obligations.
Each of the Directors works/owns/operates a business within the BRZ and collectively, are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the association which is achieved through the leadership of the Executive Director and her team.
Brandon Bouchard, 2022-2024
53 on Ross
4930B Ross St. T4N 1X7
Cell: 403.599.4335
drummerbrandon@gmail.com
Katrina Sharpe, 2023-2025
Cinch Communications
5212 48 St., Unit D-105 T4N7C3
T: 403 967 1600
Cell: 403.318.3674
katrina@cinchcommunications.com
Vicki Finlay, 2022-2024
Junktiques – Home Decor
5101 50 Ave. T4N 4B1
T: 403.314.0271
vmfinlay@telus.net
Gary Oosterhoff, 2022-20241
Century Centre
4807 50 Ave. T4N 4A5
T: 403.396.4077
g.oosterhoff@shaw.ca
Todd Lawrence 2023-2025
Taco Loft
4924B 50 St. T4N 1X7
T: 403.396.7437
reddeertaco@gmail.com
Victor Doerksen, 2023
The City of Red Deer
Box 5008, T4N 3T4
T: 403.342.8111
victor.doerksen@reddeer.ca
Pete Swales, 2024-2026
Massage Above All
4709 50 Ave. T4N 1A2
T: 403.896.1161
my_amazing_life@msn.com
Matt Buck, 2024-2026
Occam’s Razor
4916 50 St. T4N 1X7
T: 403.597.2825
mbuck091687@gmail.com
Kyle Veno, 2024-2026
Stream Space
5017 50 St. T4N 4B2
T: 403.598.0884
venokyle@gmail.com
Bobby-Jo Stannard
Greater Downtown Coordinator
The City of Red Deer
Box 5008, T4N 3T4
T: 403.341.3320
bobbyjo.stannard@reddeer.ca
Each fall, the DBA asks members of BRZ to nominate themselves if they are interested in serving on the board. If you are interested in becoming involved in the Downtown community please email
Amanda.gould@downtownreddeer.com