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THE MONEY PIT BLUEPRINT - PROPOSAL 1

The proposed $50+ million pedestrian bridge connecting Capstone to Bower Ponds should be advanced as Red Deer’s newest architectural landmark.

Despite the existing CPR Bridge and Taylor Drive pedestrian walkways located only a few hundred meters away, this new structure will provide a vital third overlapping option to cross the exact same stretch of the Red Deer River.

Key features of the project will include heated eco-asphalt to combat winter conditions and an integrated mid-river viewing platform designed exclusively to monitor local goose populations.

The construction schedule will span a minimum of eight fiscal years to properly accommodate mandatory seasonal mud-snail environmental assessments 

my comment: If it's artwork or construction projects the public has the right to know where our taxpayer money is going from day one. We should know what the art looks like and the public should choose which one they like. They don't have to identify the artist but quite frankly if an artist can't take a shot to their ego by their work not being chosen by the General Public then they are in the wrong occupation.

A committee should not be choosing what should be appearing on permanent display in our community in our taxpayer funded Park, taxpayer funded project, and $170,000 taxpayer funded public art installation. Honestly though in the end, it's not really going to matter, because the taggers and other nefarious individuals are going to end up defacing or destroying the artwork within the first week anyway.

I did see they finally cleaned off whatever that picture is supposed to be below the Taylor Drive Bridge. It only took them over 8 months to clean that up, and that is supposed to be coated with anti graffiti sealant no less. Any public art in this park should have been privately commissioned and paid for. We provided the space for it we shouldn't have to pay for the art as well. 

my comment: The rules are clear. The business asked for an exception. The public opposed it. Democracy was served. We don't need anymore cannabis or liquor stores in Red Deer. 

my comments: It is impossible to confidently claim there are no remediation risks when the tanks are still in the ground. You simply cannot test the soil directly beneath them. The only way to know for sure is to remove the tanks completely and conduct a brand-new environmental assessment.

Because of this uncertainty, the developer must bear 100% of the liability. The taxpayer cannot be left on the hook for future environmental cleanups, contaminants migrating into residential spaces, or health crises caused by cut corners and incomplete testing.

While I completely oppose this project, at this time, which clearly prioritizes the developer's desires over public safety, the developer must own the consequences. If they want the rewards, they must take full, permanent ownership of any and all problems that arise now or in the future 

my comment: "Write it off and be done with it, and if there's anything left put it into the new governance committee." — at The City of Red Deer. 

my comment: "A good idea provided that the area has a roof over it so that things don't sit there and rot in the rain and snow. I suspect that picture would probably be more of an artist rendition then the actual setup. I think it's a good idea to give some things a second life, and not be asked to pay an unreasonable amount for used items like one organization does." 

(copy of my reply)

You make some excellent points. I just wish that our mayor did not express her personal opinion as the collective voice of the residents of Red Deer. Provincial and federal politics have no place in municipal politics, and municipal politics has no place in provincial and federal politics. 

August 3, 2026 12:00am

DOWNTOWN DISCUSSION: Collecting Thoughts

After working on the Downtown Discussion posts, I asked AI if there was anything else it could add to the discussion of promoting our Downtown. It does not know about the Downtown I was writing about, so some ideas it came up with are already in practice in Red Deer.

This is what it came up with:

"Additional ideas that weren't in your notes:

Some other ideas that could realistically strengthen downtown include:

​

- Create a year-round public market or market hall similar to those found in larger cities.

- Encourage patio dining by simplifying permits and offering seasonal incentives.

- Add decorative lighting to create a more inviting atmosphere in the evening.

- Develop a downtown public square that can host concerts, markets, and winter activities.

- Introduce more pocket parks and green spaces on vacant lots until they are redeveloped.

- Install interactive public art and photo landmarks to encourage social media sharing.

- Create a downtown loyalty program where purchases at local businesses earn rewards.

- Improve cycling infrastructure and provide secure bike parking.

- Offer grants for upper-floor residential conversions above commercial buildings.

- Attract educational institutions, satellite campuses, or innovation hubs to increase daytime activity.

- Expand evening programming so downtown remains active after the workday ends.

- Improve public washrooms and seating to make the area more comfortable for visitors.

- Develop a cohesive visual identity with banners, landscaping, street furniture, and lighting so the entire downtown feels like a unified district rather than separate blocks.

​

A final suggestion that often has a large impact is to think about downtown in terms of "reasons to visit" rather than "places to shop." The most successful downtowns give people multiple reasons to come—food, entertainment, culture, recreation, shopping, festivals, history, and community events—all within a walkable area. If downtown becomes a place where people want to spend time, the retail and business activity often follows."

- ChatGPT

Feel free to discuss any of the points above that we do not currently do, or areas where we could do more. The goal is to explore opportunities to expand, improve, and build upon what we already have, rather than simply critique existing efforts.

Please keep comments polite, respectful, and constructive so they can remain visible and help contribute to a productive discussion. Thank you.

The City of Red Deer will be holding another public? meeting soon to discuss ideas and priorities for the Downtown Governance Committee. These posts have all been created with the intention of encouraging proactive discussion, sharing ideas, and supporting the continued development and promotion of Greater Downtown ahead of those meetings. 

MY REPLY: August 4, 2026 11:10pm

First, if you were honestly curious, all you had to do was ask. It has never been a secret despite the recent attempts by a troll to claim otherwise. I've been very open about who I am and that I run this page - even the Mayor and members of Council know my identity.

My name used to be on the page, but I removed it after receiving threats last week. Before that, it was right there for everyone to see. Even now, my photo is one of the most recent posts on this page, which just goes to show you don't actually read the content. You seem to have a bone to pick instead.

I've never intentionally hidden who I am (exception being right now only from the description). In fact, I've mentioned my name and background several times since starting this page after the election. It really began gaining momentum in March.

My name is Kevin M. Klerks. I ran for Red Deer City Council last October, finishing 21st with 1,699 votes. I attended and spoke at most of the candidate forums, where downtown revitalization was one of many issues I raised. Earlier this year I also participated in the Mayor and Candidates Roundtable, attended last month's downtown discussion at the Museum, and was at the public meeting on the QE2 expansion at Memorial Hall. I'll also be attending next Tuesday's downtown meeting at the Snell Auditorium. Were you at any of those?

Beyond being a Red Deer resident since 2022, my background has been on my website for over a year. I've served on a Downtown Business Association in a community where the downtown was actually successful, chaired an Accessibility Advisory Committee in a municipality that valued accessibility, served on several other committees, and currently sit on the Board of the Nature Store at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre. I've also worked in the retail sector for 35 years, which is longer than the 20 years you've spend in food service. Does that make me more qualified than you? I don't think so.

​I typically use AI to create the graphics for these discussions and to polish the grammar and wording of my writing. I even made a post explaining why I chose to use it. The discussion topics themselves came from the downtown meeting and from concerns I've heard over the past year. AI doesn't create my opinions or ideas. Suggesting that all I do is rely on AI is both inaccurate and insulting.

This specific post is very clear that I asked AI, separate from ideas and discussions I already had with human beings. And if you've really been "following along with downtown discussions" you would have seen that this post is one of about 12 or so I made over nearly 2 weeks. Not very observant if you are basing your opinion on this one post (even though you have commented, and I recognized that you have) on other posts I made.

"I don’t think we’re going to change downtown just by making Facebook posts or recycling ideas from other cities. The real value comes from people who are actually involved sharing what’s working, what isn’t, and building on the momentum that’s already there."

I don't expect my individual discussions and interest to "change downtown just by making Facebook posts" but you know what, a lot more people are talking about downtown because of them - including you. But otherwise, I have to ask, if you are so bothered by these discussions then why are you here?

If you don't like how I've chosen to run these discussions, nobody is forcing you to follow this page or participate. You're welcome to create your own page if you think you can do it better. I even provided a simple graphic on how to do it (just for people like you).

Downtown revitalization and nature conservancy are two subjects I'm passionate about. I've also owned a small business in another community with a struggling downtown, so I've seen firsthand what helps downtowns thrive and what contributes to their decline.

Most of the ideas discussed here actually come from the people commenting on these posts. So, are you telling them you think it's futile for them to discuss it as well? Who put you in charge of this city? I must have missed your name on the ballot last fall.

Now that this discussion series is wrapping up, my plan is to compile the feedback and pass it along to members involved with the upcoming Governance Committee. I was also contacted today by someone working with the City who has been following these discussions with interest.

Ironically, the only person here who hasn't identified themselves is you. Don't worry, I'm an internet researcher so I looked you up. It's "Executive" by the way not "Exeuitve" or "Execuitive", maybe you should be using AI more? I don't typically ask my followers who they are because it isn't necessary. People either like the content and my opinions, contribute or take something away from them, or they don't. They're free to participate, free to scroll past, or free to leave. Nobody is required to be here.

As for moderation, I generally only remove personal attacks, obvious trolling, and, on certain topics, repeated inflammatory language that adds nothing to the discussion. That's one of the benefits of creating and managing your own Facebook page. You decide what kind of community you want to build and what content belongs there.

​And, if "experience and involvement" were really all that mattered, then we wouldn't have a failing downtown and still be having these discussions year after year - now would we?

So, is there anything else you'd like to assume instead of simply asking?

​

Sincerely,

Kevin M. Klerks

Former Candidate City of Red Deer Municipal Election 2025

https://www.kevinmklerks.ca/kevinmklerks-about-bio.html 

I think you will find that many of the stores that left downtown Red Deer are either businesses that no longer exist or have been significantly reduced by 2026. Their departure was not simply because of downtown conditions; it was also the result of broader changes in the Canadian economy, shifts in consumer demand, and advances in technology.

As consumers, we changed our own shopping habits. We moved away from individual storefronts and toward malls and larger shopping centres. We chose lower-cost mass merchandise retailers over many independent family-owned businesses. As the city expanded outward, we increasingly chose services and shopping options closer to our homes rather than travelling to the centre of the city.

A successful downtown needs more than just traditional retailers. It needs more reasons for people to visit and spend time there. Residents living in the newer subdivisions on the edges of the city often have little reason to travel downtown beyond nostalgia or special events.

A revitalized downtown needs to serve a broad range of people: tourists visiting the city, residents who live and shop downtown, and people from across the community who are looking for a unique experience they cannot find elsewhere. A thriving downtown must offer something that brings people in, not simply rely on the way things used to be.

-K 

I wouldn't exactly call it a major change. Lime Tech bought neuron. So they're taking away the orange neuron scooters and replacing them with lime green ones. If that's what counts for a major change in Red Deer it's no wonder people are moving to Calgary.

Now, it does require some housekeeping regarding bylaws. But the interesting thing is if Lime Tech and Red Deer can't reach an agreement then Red Deer is going to have to rewrite bylaws to regulate the use of privately owned escooters and ebikes on publicly owned access. They've managed to avoid having to do that because they had the option to say only the rental devices were allowed. I'm kind of hoping they can't reach an agreement with Lime, and this forces the City to finally take action regarding escooters and ebikes.

​

Or could we see the return of one of the other e-rental companies? 

From Facebook, July 7, 2026

​If people didn't have things to complain about I swear their heads would explode.

Take the damn money, or don't. But stop complaining that the Alberta government should be paying you oil and gas royalties, then turn right around and complain when they actually offer you money. Now it's a problem because you have to spend 15 minutes applying, or because the amount isn't enough.

And then there's the outrage over having to verify your identity, so they know they're sending the money to the right person. Apparently they should just pull everything from the CRA instead... even though some of the very same people have spent months complaining about privacy and government access to personal information.

Seriously, make up your minds already. If you want the money, apply for it and be glad you're getting something. If you don't want it, then don't apply. It's really not that complicated.

Good God. Shut up and either take the money or don't already! 

From Facebook - June 21, 2026

My mission, with this page, as one of my skill sets, is literally to comb the internet looking for data. That's what I do as an internet researcher in my personal time. 

Every time I get involved in a discussion online, I dig into the topic before giving my response (90% of the time). 

There are a few times that I base my response on memory, or personal experience, but I'm not just shooting from the hip here. I basically farm data off the internet and present it to readers. It's up to you to decide what to do with that data. 

I hope it leads to a productive discussion but quite often it doesn't when trolls are involved. Other times I have some really interesting discussions on here. 

I just wish Facebook's tech was a little more conversation friendly versus trying to invoke conflict. 

Between the claim of relevant comments versus all comments, making posts and comments appear and then disappear, and then reappear, does not contribute positively to constructive debates.

-K 

We need one shelter to house the people who are actually "on the street," (and yes, there's more than 250 but that's the second point) and then we need the rest of the funding that would go into a second shelter to instead go toward services that reduce the need for a second shelter.

You don't solve the issue of drug abuse by handing out free drugs (or free needles and pipes), and you don't solve the issue of homelessness by simply providing shelters everywhere. All this does is band-aid the problem and prevent the underlying issues from being addressed. Then we face it all over again when people start talking about building a third shelter or a fourth.

​

We have systemic homelessness issues in our city that won't be resolved by simply building more shelters. Go after the root causes: a lack of rent control, a lack of affordable housing, the availability of drugs and drug paraphernalia to the public, a lack of affordable rehabilitation facilities, and a lack of effective bylaw enforcement, which only perpetuates the cycle of drug abuse and bad behaviour.

As for the rest, yes, they need a clear and committed plan outlining who will be housed in that facility before any additional money, permits, or time are committed to it by taxpayers.

​

According to the City of Red Deer website pdfs

2024 PIT sheltered 463 unsheltered 284 = total 747

2025 PIT sheltered 278 unsheltered 367 = total 645 

Marie Sherry <first message on Facebook omitted due to content>

Marie Sherry - we need more subsidized housing for all- there are transitional shelters which I called about so I’m not on the street and can get actual help- not a run around- and we have nothing in RD like that. Some are 6 months- and pet friendly which is needed. Animal shelters are full- and many are emotional support. They have wrap around services and supports so you can get back to work and finding permanent housing.

Our got website lists all shelters and lists what services they offer. I’ve called and either their community based only I was told- or told the services they list - they do not offer.  Within weeks- it has been stated on social media- that there has been cuts. I was asked last year to a dinner by a neighbour and this was discussed. People don’t realize things like these cannot just be thrown together. Why I did not move forward with advocating. I spoke to a city councillor at an open coffee meet and although I was addressing to seniors housing this shelter was brought up. I was excited at first thinking this was great but listened to council and I can see the concerns. Personally- it would not help me move forward for many reasons. I love daily wondering if I have a safe place to live. I have visited program after program and too many phone calls and documentation but no results- conflicting information- and worn down. I hope our services improve. Not just for myself but for others- sometimes it takes just one incident that can cause a domino effect. For now- greatful- but every day- worried.

--------------

MY REPLY (posted on my page): 

Marie Sherry - I'll answer your latest comment here, since this is my thread. maybe you can just cut and paste it over to here. I'd rather have this discussion on my page.

Instead of affordable housing (subsidized), we need housing we can afford. I don't want the generations after me to live in state-owned chicken coops. We need to reset things, but not in the way the Government is leaning us toward.

It took a decade to get Capstone to the level it is today, which is still several years to go and that is not affordable housing or housing you can afford by any means. They bait people with the promise of $900 a month apartments but the fact is most of the apartments are $1575. That is simply not affordable. People do not have $3,500 just laying around. Imagine, if we had taken a different route. Capstone as 7,900 tiny homes, priced to own with priority given to low income, disabled and seniors in our city first. We wouldn't need any shelters. But, of course, instead we're building 162 unit buildings with $1500+/mo rents (subsidized or not, depending on who you believe). We are going the wrong way in this city. Soon we will make the same mistakes all of the other growing cities have done. Stack 'em and pack 'em.

I'm certain Facebook will screw up the order of this conversation either way. As it always does.

I proposed they turn the old LTC facility site into a tiny home community for seniors. A lot of people supported the idea, but as many ideas in our City it won't be taken seriously and it won't go anywhere. 

​So let me get this straight. We paid an artist to do this mural. We protected it with anti graffiti coating. Then either the city or someone else painted over the mural. And now there's graffiti, over the paint, over the mural. And how much did this failed project cost taxpayers?

Now we're going to spend $170,000 for public art installations on either side of the CPR Bridge. How long do you think those are going to last?

​I have no problem with the city providing a venue for art. I would support funding a public art gallery construction, but I won't support paying to have artists in that gallery. The same holds true for public spaces. I have no problem with the city providing public space designated for art, but we should never pay for art. All art should be privately funded. Now one might argue that the artist deserves to be paid for their work. I argue that if your work appears in a public venue you're getting free advertising that promotes you as an artist.

​-K 

Source: Calvin Goulet-Jones, Community Voice, Red Deer

​The Red Deer Policing Committee meets Thursday, June 11 at 5:00 PM, and there are a few interesting items on the agenda.

🚔 RCMP Q4 Report (January–March 2026)

Some highlights from the quarterly report:

• Red Deer RCMP investigated 665 crimes against persons during the quarter.

• Property crime continues to trend downward compared to previous years, including significant reductions in break and enters and vehicle thefts.

• The Downtown Patrol Unit responded to 344 files, made 121 arrests, executed 144 warrants, and laid 223 charges.

• The Virtual Opioid Dependency Program attended 68 calls for service and worked with 114 clients.

• The RCMP's Drone First Responder program is expected to launch in mid-June.

• As of March 31, the detachment had 178 established officer positions, with 140 officers actively working, 32 on temporary leave, and 6 vacant positions.

📢 Policing Communications and Public Information

An amendment added to the agenda outlines a proposed shift in how policing information is communicated to the public.

Rather than creating new RCMP social media channels, Administration is proposing greater use of existing City and RCMP platforms to share information about:

• Crime prevention initiatives

• Community safety education

• Youth engagement activities

• Community partnerships

• Downtown safety initiatives

• Public awareness campaigns

The report notes that while enforcement-related news releases remain important, an over-reliance on incident-based communications can sometimes contribute to heightened perceptions of crime and reduced feelings of safety. The proposed approach would place more emphasis on education, prevention, and community awareness while continuing to share information on significant incidents, public safety concerns, and investigations where appropriate.

🏫 School Safety

Committee members will also receive updates regarding recent school safety discussions following the high-profile assault near local schools and the Collicutt Centre. City staff, RCMP, and school division representatives met on June 5 to discuss concerns and potential strategies moving forward.

🏛️ Other Items

• Presentation from ALERT (Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams)

• Follow-up discussion regarding identification documents and prisoner property procedures

• Discussion about potential promotional materials and public engagement tools for the Policing Committee

• Updates from the RCMP, Municipal Policing Services, and Safe & Healthy Communities

As always, agenda packages are publicly available and I share them so residents can stay informed about what is happening in our city.

Sources:

Policing Committee Agenda Package, June 11, 2026

Policing Communications and Public Information Report

Maybe it's time to pass bylaws regarding... 

Do they all have to ride on the sidewalk? Should bicycles and e-bikes be back on the street where they belong.

Is there ever going to be a definition of what is allowed where and how fast they can go? When is the bylaw going to catch up with reality?

Neurons are not the only scooters and ebikes in our city.

Show of hands, how many pedestrians have collided with or almost been run over by a scooter on the sidewalk?

Downtown I had a guy on a scooter collide with me and he fell. Not much he could do about it since he was going over 20 km an hour on the sidewalk.

Because the city refuses to refresh the yellow lines on our trail system too often cyclists don't respect that there are two different directions on the trail.

Too many times when you're walking you come face to face with a bike flying at you over 40 km an hour. We need more signage, more markings on the road, and clear bylaws defining the use of personal Mobility devices in our community. I'm not saying prohibit them, I'm saying better define where they should be going and how fast they should be moving.

-K

​PS Hey Facebook, last time I checked "copy entire post" means copying the text I add to the Share as well as the original post. Another Facebook Fail. 

For those who claim I'm full of S, THIS is the City of Red Deer bylaw on e-scooters and e-bikes.

"Can I use my own e-scooter in Red Deer?

E-scooters are not allowed on roadways or sidewalks without a provincial exemption.

E-scooters on roadways and sidewalks are regulated under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act. Currently, shared e-scooters are granted a provincial exemption as the speeds and locations of operation are regulated, and each e-scooter operator company is required to have insurance to hold a permit and other requirements. At this time, provincial exemptions are not granted to individual users."

The core issue is that the City of Red Deer must comply with the Alberta Traffic Safety Act. Because a municipality cannot enact bylaws that contradict or supersede provincial legislation, local governance remains restricted. Unfortunately, provincial highway traffic laws are grossly outdated, and even when updates are passed, significant bureaucratic delays occur before the city can formally adopt those changes. Ultimately, this lag highlights a fundamental flaw in our current government legislative structure, where rigid hierarchies prevent timely local regulation.

This page also tells you how to report Neuron scooters which have been left on private property or in need of repair. My advice, if its on your private property just take it out to the sidewalk. Contacting Neuron gets a response but, as I found out last year, you can report witnessing a scooter being stolen to them and they do nothing about it. And the RCMP won't do anything about it unless Neuron reports it stolen.

https://www.reddeer.ca/about-red-deer/getting-around-red-deer/shared-electric-scooter-e-scooter-program/ 

I already do every day, but thanks. I'd be surprised if anyone earning a decent wage took the time to participate, and I don't mean the type of people who always participate in these kinds of programs. Maybe then you'd see fewer trolls on Facebook mocking low-income people, seniors, and disabled individuals who struggle every day just to survive in Alberta. 

RETRACTION - 'YOU ARE NEVER WRONG??'

I rarely issue retractions because data is, by its very nature, constantly changing and being updated. However, if I'm proven wrong in a debate, I'll usually delete my comments and let the remaining discussion stand. There is little point in posting a retraction on social media, especially Facebook, because the algorithm handles posts and comments so poorly that the people who need to see it often won't, while those who do see it may react without knowing the full story.

Often though I drop a debate because the information available is insufficient to prove my argument, even though the majority of the data I held, to formulate my opinion, already did so. It's not because I believe I was wrong, it's simply because I rarely expend the energy or time to debate a topic longer than 48 hours. There is far too many things going on in the world for me to sit here and satisfy your need to feel relevant today.

Every now and then, though, I will admit when I was mistaken on a particular issue, especially when what I said was technically true but failed to capture the bigger picture.

A recent example was my statement that Meta was one of the largest users of data centers on the planet. In reality, they are one of the smaller major consumers. Once all currently planned data centers are active, Meta will have about 158 facilities, while Amazon will have roughly 900.

It is still hypocrisy to complain about AI and data centers while using Meta's AI and data centers.

-K 

You know who is afraid of this bill?

First, people who hide behind fake identities, and fake accounts, with the intent of trolling people on the internet.

Second, are those who want children exposed to the depravity that is spewed by the left. The only way they are able to reach the masses is through social media. If you cut children out of the equation the left has a harder time going through their parents in order to manipulate their undeveloped minds.

It's not digital ID.

Third, but separate, if you post things and you are afraid of your employer finding out then the problem is not using your real name- it is the association of your opinions with your employer.

In that situation, instead of hiding, we should be demanding the clear separation of ones' right to their personal opinion from the overreach of their employers.

Now, of course, if you're stupid enough to make the connection between you and your employer, like filming a Tittok at work, then you should accept the consequences.

If you post something on the Internet anonymously, the government and the authorities can find out who you are without them ever seeing your identification card.

Digital ID How naive are these people?

Now, there are other bills which are being included with this one that should be scrutinized more. But the blind labeling of saying it's digital ID, solely with the intent of just scaring people into agreeing with you, is not what an educated civilization does.

-K 

What has been the greatest concern about doing a sponsorship program that other cities have been doing successfully, maybe not in Alberta, for 50 to 60 years now? Like I said there are a lot of good ideas that we should be taking from other provinces like Ontario, while leaving the bad ideas behind, and catching our city up to the rest of the country. I can't believe we haven't been doing this in Red Deer. I never even thought to ask about it because I just figured we were like everyone else. 

I think it's ironic, or perhaps hypocritical, that people use one of the largest AI Data Center subscribers, to condemn and oppose AI data centers. I guess it's kind of like driving a gas-powered combustion engine automobile to a climate change protest. You realize that Facebook heavily uses AI which means you are heavily using AI. Something to think about.

​

And yes I turned off comments on this post because there's already a thread running discussing AI data centers 

I love it when people think I'm joking that I'll call the police. If I've been told to call the police when you trespass on the property, I'm going to call the police when you trespass on the property (especially when I see you poaching power).

And regardless of my opinion that we should have local Red Deer police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Alberta Red Deer - come/follow-up when you call them. I called the non-emergency number, like I'm supposed to, and they took the report. About 35 minutes later they drove past the building and I talked to them on the street.

Thank you.

Usually that's all it takes to get the problem to go away, even if only temporarily.

So for all the people who are bad-mouthing the police, sorry but I just don't feel that way. In 4 years, way back towards 2022 I might have had a couple of times where they didn't do anything including even coming out.

But now, in the past 2 years they are a lot more responsive. And I'm not asking for a lot, just drive through the neighborhood that's it (unless of course there's a real issue but that's different). In the case of just suspicious/known offenders (drug dealers/addicts/thieves) in the area just drive through, and that usually is all you need. It sends a message.

The message it should send you (the reader) is we don't have to put up with this crap in our community.

If the police don't have the resources to respond, then we need other resources to respond. It's time to put an end to Red Deer's unfair reputation. The only way to do that is to speak up and take action using the resources at our disposal.

-K

Reader Comment: "They have to many unmarked for there presence to be seen and concentrated towards traffic. I remember when only detectives had unmarked. Now they see the benefits to traffic control and revenue produced by not being seen in unmarked cruisers. It’s not right!"

​My response: I don't support the use of unmarked vehicles for traffic stops. I think only marked vehicles should be allowed to make routine traffic stops. This is founded in the knowledge that there have been too many fake cops out there who have caused various problems over the years. A driver should at least have a minimum level of confidence that the vehicle pulling them over is in fact a legitimate law enforcement vehicle. The only way to increase that confidence is a well marked patrol vehicle. Unmarked law enforcement vehicles should be used for surveillance or only in cases of the takedown of suspect vehicles during an active crime such as drugs, weapons or another serious offense.