MY EMAIL REPLY:

Answering this question requires more in-depth research and access to information that, as a regular citizen, I don’t currently have. However, I can share the following points:

First, I have posted the information you provided on my campaign website, along with Google Street View images of the area in question.

Second, setting aside the human factor, I strongly believe in protecting and preserving our wetlands and greenspaces. Similar to what some larger cities in Ontario have done, I propose forming a Red Deer Conservation Authority, which would bring all relevant groups together under a single committee. This authority would oversee the city’s river lands and wetlands, coordinate preservation efforts, and serve as a formal voice to council in opposition to projects proposed too close to these sensitive areas. Their endorsement would be required for any projects occurring within a designated distance from the river and wetlands.

From what I have observed, our city and province lag behind several others in terms of protecting important ecosystems, and we shouldn’t wait for Alberta to catch up. For example, the ongoing CPR Bridge rehabilitation project is already causing environmental damage in and around the site. In Ontario, projects near rivers are subject to much stricter guidelines, including demonstrating that river lands will not be negatively impacted. I don’t believe a comparable environmental protection framework currently exists here, and I think it’s something our city urgently needs.

While the expansion of the QE-II is primarily a provincial issue, and most public concerns would need to be addressed at that level, I also believe Red Deer should take a more proactive role in protecting and preserving our greenspaces. This is one reason I have advocated for converting some of our green-lawn park areas back to native plants and grasses, which not only reduces maintenance costs but also provides vital food sources for bees, butterflies, and other wildlife.

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I wish to address the issues relating to the proposed fracturing of
Maskepetoon Park.

Environmental:
“How Cities Can Give Nature a Helping Hand”
The Globe & Mail Editorial August 30, 2025

“There are small measures of atonement for the destructive ways
of the past. We have done and continue to do incapable damage
to the planet that sustains us.”

While modern cities like Paris, Seoul and Toronto have cleaned up rivers,
tore down elevated expressways and brought back dried up streams,
Alberta Transportation wishes to exert its power to take 25 percent of
Maskepetoon Park from the residents of the City of Red Deer.

What makes Red Deer unique is its beautiful parks and trail system. I’m
pretty sure this was a deciding factor when my parents decided to move
from Saskatchewan more than 45 years ago.

I was fortunate to bike many kilometres of our trail system but when I made
a visit to Maskepetoon Park back in 2012 all I could say was “Wow!”. This
park made such a lasting impression on me and my husband, we decided
to move from the south of Red Deer to the north.

COVID-19 brought more people to Maskepetoon Park for both physical and
mental health. The walking trails, bridges and boardwalks, not to mention
the gorgeous views of the river valley, was a great way to de-stress during
a very difficult time.

It is not unusual to see a cow moose and calf sunning themselves near the
wetlands, “busy” beavers doing what beavers do and the resident bald
eagles soaring above the treeline looking for their next meal. These
incredible animals are just a snippet of what lives in and around

Maskepetoon Park. When the bulldozers demolish their habitat I have to
ask what plans are in place to ensure their safety and well-being?
Noise and Air Pollution:

Alberta Transportation proposes to move the QE II closer to existing
residential. Even though I reside a far distance from the highway, I have
measured noise levels that exceed 63 decibels. Studies have shown that
constant noise has significant negative impacts on both mental and
physical health including hypertension, cardiovascular and metabolic
diseases.

In an email reply from Alberta Transportation, I was told: “where
you live this will not affect you”. I beg to differ. Not only will it affect me but
it will affect every residence that lives along the highway that stretches from
32 Street to 67 Street. Excessive speeds and air braking systems are
enough to drive a person mad, especially during the evening hours.

In the early morning the smell coming from the highway from gas and
diesel is very apparent. Destroying the trees that both buffer noise and
reduce carbon will only aggravate an already unhealthy situation. What will
be done to mitigate the sound and air quality issues that are already
beyond what should be tolerated? Has an air quality and noise assessment
been done?

Alberta Transportation has indicated that it will be up to the City of Red
Deer to construct a noise barrier. A huge undertaking considering the
existing berm does little to reduce the noise. The City of Red Deer will be
paying a very high price for decades to come and I do not just mean
financially.

Safety:

Alberta Transportation has touted safety as one of the biggest reasons to
substantiate realigning the highway north of the Red Deer River crossing.
My question is that if the existing curve was of such a great concern, why
was something not done long ago? Straightening the curve will only
increase speeds. Research has shown that on a straighter stretch of road
drivers tend to become over confident thus increasing their speeds. A
driver’s speed increases the likelihood of a catastrophic outcome resulting
from a crash.

A Better Solution:

Why not construct a brand new three lane bridge adjacent to the existing
Southbound bridge? Demolish the Northbound bridge and build the new
Northbound bridge in the same location. The railway tracks can be moved
to the West. It can be done! Budget constraints should not be the only
factor taken into consideration when there are so many negative outcomes.

​The Government of Alberta and the Municipality of Red Deer owe it to both
present and future constituents to start a meaningful dialogue with
Canadian Pacific Railway to move the existing tracks.

On a personal level, I wonder how this will affect the property values in
Oriole Park West? I was not aware of any future plans to remove a quarter
of Maskepetoon Park when I purchased my home. What kind of monetary
compensation will be allotted to all residents residing along the highway
from 32 Street to 67 Street when they cannot sell their homes or when they
develop health issues as a result of the increased noise and worsened air
quality from a highway that is constructed through their backyards.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing your position regarding
this matter.

Shelley Simmonds
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