Located in Alberta's Heartland, Red Deer's central location, growing economy and competitive advantage are fast making Red Deer 'Opportunity Central'. With it's active citizens, innovative entrepreneurs and large and small businesses Red Deer has the distinction of being the only city on the Canadian prairies with a potential market of over 2 million people within a 160 kilometer radius. The trade area has grown to over 200,000 people. City Council's elimination of Red Deer's business tax adds to the competitive business environment. Red Deer's combined property tax and utility rate consistently ranks among the lowest of the major cities in the province. As well, a growing manufacturing industry, a strong retail and wholesale service industry, agriculture, tourism, oil and petrochemical industries help ensure a diversified economy.
Record breaking industrial and residential land sales, resulting in above average building permit values, attest to a growing economy. Major expansions, new industrial companies, a host of new services and retail businesses signal a bright future for the city of Red Deer and Central Alberta.
The city is named for the Red Deer River which flows through the center of town. Because of the populous elk herds, the Cree Indians called the river "Waskasoo Seepee" or Elk River. The first white men thought the elk were related to the Scottish red deer, and therefore renamed the river.
The town began in 1885 at a shallow ford across the river, three miles upstream from the current downtown. The town became a major stopping point on the trail between Calgary and Edmonton. When the railroad arrived in 1891, the town moved to its current location when Dr. Leonard Gaetz offered half of his homestead to the railroad company. Red Deer grew to be a town in 1901 and became a city in 1913.
During the Second World War, Red Deer became the location of a large military training camp,plus two major air bases to the south at Penhold and Bowden. After the war, the town boomed following the discovery of oil and natural gas fields in the area. In the 1970s, another boom was caused by the construction of world-scale petrochemical plants east of the city at Joffre and at Prentiss.
Today, Red Deer has grown to a population of over 67,000 people and it's land mass covers over 60 square kilometers.
Red Deer Alberta has recreation opportunities that are staggering. Beautiful parks, active lifestyles and sports teams are a source of pride for many Red Deer Alberta citizens.
Red Deer Parks
Red Deer Alberta has beautiful parks and natural green spaces are well-known throughout Alberta and invite quiet retreats and action packed getaways. A water playground, participark, western ranch and wildlife sanctuary are just some of Red Deer park highlights. Biking, paddling, skating, cross-country skiing, athletics, bird watching, picnics and peaceful walks can all be enjoyed in various parks and facilities along streams, creeks and the Red Deer River.
Red Deer Trails
Within the city of Red Deer, Waskasoo Park offers over 80 kilometers of paved and shale trails along the river valley for a wide variety of recreational pursuits such as cycling, hiking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding.
Red Deer and Area Golf Courses
Red Deer Alberta offers many choices for the golf enthusiast. The River Bend Golf Course is a municipal 18-hole championship caliber golf course in Waskasoo Park. An 18-hole private course bordering the Red Deer River along with three other public courses provide a good variety. Courses at nearby Lacombe, Innisfail, Sylvan Lake and Wolf Creek add to the abundance of golfing opportunities.
Red Deer Recreation Programs
The City of Red Deer, sporting groups, and many community associations, offer a host of recreational opportunities for children and adults alike. Opportunities range from recreational classes and programs, family festivals, sports teams and community groups, and drop-in activities. For more information contact the Recreation, Parks and Culture Department.
Red Deer Museums & Interpretive Centres
The Red Deer and District Museum, Kerry Wood Nature Interpretive Centre, and Fort Normandeau bring a historical and educational perspective to Red Deer and the Central Alberta region together with the recently-opened Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.
Red Deer Festivals & Events
Westerner Days, Red Deer International Air Show, First Night Celebration, Winter Fest, Heritage Day, Youth Fest, Canada Day, Agri-trade Show, Mayor's Garden Party, World of Women trade show, and the Silver Buckle Rodeo are just some of Central Alberta's family festivals and events. For information on current events in the Red Deer area, check out the Red Deer & Community Events Calendar.
Arts & Culture Facilities & Organizations
The state of the art Red Deer College Arts Centre, The Westerner and many other venues throughout the city offer a variety of live performances including music, drama and dance.
Red Deer Alberta has an abundant arts and culture organizations provide opportunities throughout the community to get involved in a wide range of drama, musical and other cultural pursuits.
Red Deer Restaurants
Red Deer can accommodate almost everyone's entertainment needs. With more than 160 restaurants to choose from you won't be disappointed with your options - you'll find everything from ethnic cuisine to western fare.
Shopping
With major shopping areas on each end of the city and countless shopping opportunities in-between, Red Deer is Central Alberta's shopping centre. You'll enjoy searching for unique treasures in quaint stores and finding great bargains in some of the wholesale shops. The Red Deer Farmer's Market is also a great destination for shoppers and is open to locals and visitors throughout the spring, summer and fall.
Red Deer Real Estate
This Red Deer Real Estate site presents useful information for real estate homebuyers and sellers as well as links to great Red Deer community information and other Red Deer real estate internet sites.
Please try our online Red Deer Home Search and Evaluation services, and search the online Red Deer real estate listings as our guest. Relocating? We would be happy to send you school and community information in addition to the current Red Deer real estate listings and property values. Just click here to use our handy relocation form!
This resource is updated regularly, and whether you are buying or selling real estate properties, this site presents information that is of interest to future and current Red Deer, Alberta area home owners. Your comments and suggestions are welcome! Please visit often.
Alberta
Located in Alberta's Heartland, Red Deer's central location, growing economy and competitive advantage are fast making Red Deer 'Opportunity Central'. With it's active citizens, innovative entrepreneurs and large and small businesses Red Deer has the distinction of being the only city on the Canadian prairies with a potential market of over 2 million people within a 160 kilometer radius. The trade area has grown to over 200,000 people. City Council's elimination of Red Deer's business tax adds to the competitive business environment. Red Deer's combined property tax and utility rate consistently ranks among the lowest of the major cities in the province. As well, a growing manufacturing industry, a strong retail and wholesale service industry, agriculture, tourism, oil and petrochemical industries help ensure a diversified economy.
