In addition to live entertainment you may be able to enjoy a cold beer the next time you visit Ross Street Patio. The area was designated as Red Deer’s first Entertainment District today with the passing of an Entertainment District Bylaw by City Council.
New to Alberta, Entertainment Districts are designated public areas where adults may consume alcohol outside of licensed premises while enjoying various types of entertainment. A request to designate the Ross Street Patio as an Entertainment District was initiated by the Downtown Business Association (DBA) this spring, which led to the development of a new bylaw. While the bylaw could be expanded to include other locations in the future, it currently applies only to the Ross Street Patio area.
Located on the north side of Ross (50) Street, between 49 Avenue and 50 (“Little Gaetz”) Avenue, the Ross Street Patio Entertainment District will operate weekly from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Alcoholic beverages must be purchased from vendors within the site and must be consumed within the boundaries of the district. Public intoxication, underage drinking, cigarette smoking or vaping and use of cannabis are not permitted within the district.
The DBA has been designated as the Operator of the district and will be responsible for managing the day-to-day use of the site. Other businesses or individuals interested in hosting events on the Patio will require a Special Event Permit from The City.
“We’re excited to partner with the Downtown Business Association on this innovative project to enhance Ross Street Patio, one of our community’s favourite gathering places,” said Konrad Dunbar, Engineering Manager. “We are confident that this initiative, in combination with other downtown revitalization projects, will noticeably increase the vibrancy and positive use of our downtown core.”
For a schedule of Ross Street Patio events, visit downtownreddeer.com/ross-street-patio.
For more information, contact:
Corporate Communications
The City of Red Deer