The City of Red Deer has completed the purchase of a significant parcel of land that is being considered for the construction of an Indigenous cultural center. The transaction, which involved the former Michener Centre site, was finalized on Friday with Red Deer paying slightly over $9.16 million for the land.
Russ Watts, the city’s engineering services manager, emphasized the importance of this land within the local community. While the specific use of the land is still under discussion, there have been proposals for developing an Indigenous cultural center and a pool facility. However, upcoming public consultations may introduce alternative ideas for the land’s utilization.
Spanning 160 acres, the purchased site features a mix of natural elements like trees, grass, and wetlands. The area where the former buildings were located has been remediated. The Michener Centre, previously managed by Assisted Living and Social Services – Persons with Developmental Disabilities, housed 16 major structures that have since been demolished.
The decision to acquire the Michener North lands was announced by the city in late 2020. The site holds historical significance for Red Deer, offering park space, natural surroundings, and access to the Waskasoo trail system. The city envisions the area as a space for reflection, wildlife observation, and outdoor activities throughout the year.
In recent developments, the Mâmawatoskêwak Advisory Circle proposed the Michener North lands as an ideal location for an Indigenous cultural center during a city council meeting in late May. The concept of such a center in Red Deer has been in progress for over three decades. The group identified specific criteria for the site, ultimately selecting the Michener lands as the most suitable option.
The forthcoming steps involve issuing a request for proposal to commence the development of an area structure plan for the land. This plan will consider existing proposals for the site, including the Indigenous cultural center and the pool facility. Public engagement and technical assessments will also play a crucial role in determining potential future uses for the land. The city anticipates finalizing the land plan for adoption by the city council in early 2028.