The stats nerd in me is getting reallly antsy to see the results of Red Deer's municipal census! Could Alberta finally have its 3rd municipality over 100 000?
Also, in response to TriWolf's first comment on this page, yeah... most people have preconceptions about downtowns, and until recently, most downtowns on this continent had really bad raps, with very little residential population. Thankfully that is changing. Even the fact that Red Deer has built these mansion style condos downtown is a good sign... the city is thinking forward and trying to densify. Most cities under 100 000 wouldn't even be talking about something like that, let alone actively working towards it. I think with the improvements done to the core over the last few years, it will start to become a more attractive place for people to want to live. Now that the streets have been improved, the city should focus on enhancing the inner-city parks, and also attracting/hosting festivals in the downtown. Bring people down there, show them that it's safe, beautiful, fun, with amenities all around, and they will come.
And great news about the demolition of that industrial area. Perhaps Red Deer's future equivalent to Calgary's East Village?
