To assist property owners throughout Red Deer with costs related to demolishing structures that are no longer occupied or viable for future investment or use, a partial rebate for demolition costs is available. 

Funding

• Property owners (commercial and multi-family) can apply for a rebate for 50 per cent of the demolition costs up to $25,000.
• This program is intended to support property owners by providing a rebate for 50% of the costs to demolish vacant and/or derelict buildings up to a maximum of $25,000 per project.
• A single address may apply for multiple incentives.

Eligibility Criteria

• Only commercial or multi-family structures are eligible.
• To maximize the impact of available funds, extra consideration will be given to properties that are beside other properties undergoing improvements.
• Applicant must not be in arrears in municipal taxes or utilities, or any other municipal charges.
• Applicants will be required to enter into an agreement with The City of Red Deer.

Eligible Expenses

• Demolition related costs, with three professional quotes supplied to The City.

The Demolition Permit fee will be waived for successful applicants.

To promote the development of newly constructed multifamily residential and/or mixed-use (commercial and residential in same building) projects in our Greater Downtown Area (pdf), The City of Red Deer is offering a lump sum grant for new construction projects.

The program will make it easy for residents to choose to live in our city’s core, along with increasing activity and growth opportunities for our city’s businesses in the greater downtown.

Funding

This program may provide funding in the following amounts:

Eligibility criteria

• Only mixed use or multi-family zoned properties within the Greater Downtown Area (pdf) are eligible for this program
• Eligible projects shall consist of the construction of new self-contained medium-to-high density residential and mixed-use dwelling units
• Renovations to dwelling units that were in existence prior to adoption of this program are ineligible due to the program targeting new development or redevelopment within the downtown
• Projects, where rent or sale value is subsidized by any government entity, a non-profit organization or a cooperative, or where tax relief is provided, are ineligible for this program
• Projects must be a minimum of two storeys in height
• Units must be at least 600 square feet
• Projects must incorporate a variety of unit sizes
• Overall, units must average 800 square feet
• Construction must meet all applicable building safety codes, development requirements and comply with Land Use Bylaw requirements upon completion

Eligible expenses

• Architect fees
• Engineering fees
• Construction or building expenses
• Utility infrastructure upgrades
• Project permit fees (development permit, building permit and/or other permit fees required for the installation of related building services)

To promote the development of quality housing options in our downtown, The City of Red Deer is offering a per-unit grant for developers who wish to upgrade existing structures to create new, quality residential units within existing buildings.

The program will support property owners in developing new residential units in existing spaces where a new build is not feasible or necessary, with the goal of increasing our city’s housing stock and promoting positive activity in the greater downtown that will foster growth opportunities for downtown businesses.

Funding

This program may provide funding in the following amounts:

• $10,000 per-unit lump sum grant for each project, up to a maximum of $50,000 per project

Eligibility criteria

• Projects shall consist of new, self-contained market residential dwelling units in existing buildings only
• Units must have a minimum area of 600 ft² (55.7m²) and an average area of 800 ft² (74.3m²) within the project
• Renovations of existing dwelling units (in existence prior to intake start) are not eligible for funding
• The registered owner(s) of the property, at the time of project approval, is/are eligible for funding
• Only mixed use or multi-family zoned properties within the Greater Downtown Area (pdf) are eligible for this program
• Projects where rent or sale value is subsidized by any government entity, a not-for-profit organization or a cooperative, are not eligible for this program
• Construction must meet all applicable building safety codes, developmental requirements and comply with Land Use Bylaw requirements upon completion

Eligible expenses

• Architect fees
• Engineering fees
• Construction or building expenses
• Utility infrastructure upgrades
• Project permit fees (development permit, building permit and/or other permit fees required for the installation of related building services)

To increase a sense of downtown pride through an investment in beautification and timely restoration of property, The City of Red Deer is offering a matching rebate for façade, signage or security-related improvements.

This category supports the addition of inviting and engaging storefronts that are aesthetically pleasing and maximize the appeal of our downtown.

Funding

• This program is intended to provide a matching (50 percent of total costs) rebate to businesses in the Greater Downtown Area up to:
• a maximum of $20,000 for upgrades to single façades;
• a maximum of $30,000 for properties with 2 street facing facades;
• a maximum of $2,500 for perpendicular signage improvements; and
• maximum of $10,000 for CPTED improvements.
• A single address may apply for multiple incentives.

Eligibility Criteria

• Only commercial and retail properties within the Greater Downtown Area (pdf) are eligible for this program.
• Applicant or property owner must not be in arrears in municipal taxes or utilities, or any other municipal charge.
• Property must meet all applicable building safety codes, development requirements and must comply with zoning requirements upon completion.
• Work that is underway at the time of application, or that had occurred prior to application, is not considered eligible. Where partial work has occurred prior to application, only work occurring after application approval to this program will be considered.

Eligible Expenses

• CPTED improvements must be derived from recommendations coming from certified CPTED practitioner (The Central Albert Crime Prevention Centre offers free CPTED assessments). Shutters, bars, or other forms of “defensive architecture” will not be funded.
• Project permit fees.

To support property owners who are required to replace or upgrade water, wastewater or electrical utility connections as part of developing or redeveloping on their property, a partial rebate for utility upgrade is being offered.

Funding

• This program is intended to support property owners by providing a rebate for 50 per cent of the total costs to replace or upgrade water, wastewater, or electrical utility connections, up to a maximum of $20,000.00.
• If the applicant is/will be receiving a subsidy under the Utility Bylaw, program funds may be applied to 50 per cent of the remaining portion of non-subsidized costs.
• A single address may apply for multiple incentives.

Eligibility Criteria

• Only commercial or multi-family structures are eligible within the Greater Downtown Area (pdf)are eligible for this program.
• Single family or duplex properties are not eligible.
• Applicant or property owner must not be in arrears in municipal taxes or utilities, or any other municipal charge.
• Property must meet all applicable building safety codes, development requirements and must comply with zoning requirements upon completion.

Eligible Expenses

• Engineering fees
• Construction or building expenses
• Utility infrastructure upgrades