My Reply to the letter from Shelley

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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