The Red Deer Public Market will move from the parking lot at the Servus Arena and Pidherney Centre with City Council deciding not to lease these public lands during their regular meeting today.
This decision means Red Deer Public Market is required to relocate for the 2023 market season. City Council also directed administration to continue working with the business owners of the Red Deer Public Market to identify a new location for this market season, with the preference to remain in the downtown.
City Council’s decision came on the heels of much debate with the primary challenge being the inability for The City of Red Deer and Red Deer Curling Club to fully capitalize on revenue generating opportunities through event hosting and facility rentals without access to parking areas on Saturdays during market hours. City staff have worked extensively to support collaborative use of the site, but the organizations have not reached a mutual agreement to share the site.
The Red Deer Public Market has operated from May to October for more than 50 years and is a beloved amenity in our community. The market is a for-profit business that is considered an asset to downtown, but its impact on adjacent purpose-built facilities and uses continue to cause challenges at the site.