Home / Environment / Red Deer Buys Historic Michener Lands for Indigenous Centre
Red Deer Buys Historic Michener Lands for Indigenous Centre
15 Aug
Summary
- City of Red Deer acquired 160 acres of former Michener Centre land.
- The purchase price for the key parcel of land was over $9.16 million.
- An Indigenous cultural centre has been a community goal for over 30 years.
The City of Red Deer has successfully acquired 160 acres of land that once housed the Michener Centre. This significant land purchase, which closed recently, cost the city just over $9.16 million. The property includes substantial natural areas and is envisioned as a future site for an Indigenous cultural centre.
The concept for an Indigenous cultural centre in Red Deer has been a community aspiration for over 30 years. Recent efforts have focused on identifying a suitable location, with the Michener North lands emerging as the preferred choice. This site meets criteria including minimum acreage and proximity to amenities, and holds particular significance.
Discussions are now moving towards developing an area structure plan for the acquired land. Public consultation will be a key part of this process, potentially exploring various uses beyond the proposed cultural centre and pool facility. The city anticipates a plan will be ready for council adoption in early 2028.