Living in Red Deer County

Red Deer County Profile

With a population of 19,933, Red Deer County covers an area of 4,042 square kilometres (1,575 square miles, 1,007,968 acres/407,925 hectares). Within the north central boundary of Red Deer County is the City of Red Deer with a population of over 100,000 people. The overall population of Red Deer County is greater than 135,000 including the City of Red Deer and the County's towns and villages.

In 2009, 94% of residents in the Red Deer Region reported being pleased with their quality of life, according to national pollster, Ipsos Reid.

For more information please contact the Economic Development Department at 403.350.2155 or sbadry@rdcounty.ca.

A Thriving Economy

Red Deer County is in the heart of Alberta’s thriving Edmonton / Calgary corridor via the QEII Highway. We boast some of the lowest unemployment figures in the nation, as well as some of the highest household incomes in North America. Major employers include the oil and gas sector, agriculture as well as public sector employment.

The region has:

An active labour force over 100,000
A 70.3% labour participation rate
An unemployment rate consistently under 6%
A tax rate in Red Deer County that is one of the most favourable in Canada

Quality Utility Options

Internet & Cellular Options

According to Alberta Finance & Enterprise, Alberta is one of Canada’s most connected provinces with 69% of Alberta households accessing the Internet and 80% of homes and businesses in Alberta wired for electronic communication. There are several different providers of local high speed internet.

Safe, Reliable Water

Red Deer County has a utility management agreement with EPCOR to operate and maintain the water, wastewater and storm systems in several county hamlets. The County prepares billing for multi-lot subdivision sewer and water as well as waste collection. The installation of individual on-site services (wells and septic systems) or any other biological waste treatment disposal system is the landowner’s or developer’s responsibility in accordance with provincial regulations. Learn more about utilities in the County.

Affordable Heating for Homes

The majority of homes in Alberta are heated by burning natural gas. This is done through a free market system with a number of choices including local gas co-ops. Learn more about heating.

Consistent, Efficient Supply of Power

Red Deer County is part of a greater provincial power grid. Electricity in Red Deer County is very reliable, and is also provided through a free market system with numerous suppliers. Learn more about power in the County.

Solid Waste Transfer Facilities

Learn more about garbage and recycling in Red Deer County.

Year-Round Recreation

Red Deer County has amazing natural features, which make it a wonderful place for indoor and outdoor recreation. The County provides grants to our urban partners so that its residents can enjoy use of all facilities in the area. There are also numerous, lakes, rivers, trails, and parks to take advantage of. Learn more about recreation opportunities.

A Leader in Education

Chinook’s Edge School Division (public system): Red Deer County is served by the Chinook’s Edge School Division. The Division prides itself on providing students with the opportunity to obtain the academic, personal, and teamwork skills necessary for lifelong learning.
Red Deer Catholic Regional School Division: Approximately 280 teachers are serving more than 5,000 students in 14 schools throughout the Red Deer area. French Immersion, year round schooling and “virtual” school are just a few of the many choices that the Red Deer Catholic Regional Division offers.
Post Secondary Education at Red Deer College: Red Deer College offers over 80 programs to suit students’ academic and career goals. Whether students are able to take certificate or diploma programs, apprentice in a skilled trade, or earn a university degree. Continuing education, academic upgrading and literacy programs are also available.

Emergency & Protective Services

Fire, Patrol, and Emergency Management Services are offered throughout Red Deer County. Alberta Health Services (AHS) provides ambulance services (emergency medical services (EMS)) in Red Deer County. Learn more about protective services.

Top-Notch Healthcare

Alberta has a publicly administered and funded health-care system that guarantees Albertans receive universal access to medically necessary hospital and health care services. The region provides a wide range of first class health services, including home care, 24-hour emergency care, mental health services, rehabilitation, health promotion, dental and eye care, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services.

The Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre (RDRHC), is a hub for health care in Central Alberta and is the referral centre for the region. It offers a full slate of hospital services.

History

Historically, the County's central location and rich agricultural land contributed to its early growth and development. Almost 120 years ago, the first agricultural settlement grew up in what is now Red Deer County.

In 1882, a number of former freighters, land surveyors and other pioneers took up claims near the ford where the old Calgary-Edmonton Trail crossed the Red Deer River. By the turn of the century, the lure of the fertile soils and the outstanding farming and ranching potential of the district overcame the obstacles to settlement. The farming community remained prosperous in the post-war years.

Starting in the late 1940s, Central Alberta was transformed with the discovery of large oil and gas deposits in the area. New industrial activity followed. The urban communities in the area experienced remarkable growth, which was accompanied by substantial increases in the number of acreages and rural subdivisions. In 1963 the M.D. of Red Deer was amalgamated with the Red Deer School Division #55 to create the County of Red Deer #23. In 1999, the area became known as Red Deer County.

Urban expansion, industrial development, new retail sites and a proliferation of acreages and new rural subdivision continues within Red Deer County. In this new millennium, the region is once again entering a powerful boom with all the benefits of new prosperity and the challenges of managing new growth and change.