Red Deer Proposes Social Services Campus at Former Peavey Site

The former head office of Peavey Industries in Red Deer is being considered for a new social services campus that aims to provide a range of support services, including housing, health, and mental health resources. The Red Deer Homeless Foundation is spearheading this initiative, known as Project Nexus, which envisions a coordinated approach to address homelessness and associated challenges in the community.

City council is set to discuss the first reading of a rezoning bylaw for the property located at 7740 40th Ave. in Riverside Industrial Park. This site, which was closed in early 2025 along with all Peavey Mart stores, could be transformed into a permanent shelter and services hub. The proposed rezoning from Industrial to Direct Control is essential for the project’s advancement.

For several years, local authorities have advocated for a permanent emergency shelter complemented by comprehensive support services. In 2019, the provincial government allocated $7 million towards establishing an emergency shelter; however, efforts to find a permanent location have faced challenges. Should the council proceed with the application, a public hearing is anticipated on February 25, 2025, to gauge community opinion.

Darcy Mykytyshyn, CEO of the Red Deer Homeless Foundation, expressed optimism about the project. He stated, “We are inviting agencies that serve Red Deer’s homeless to consider bringing their services together at one location to make it effective for the people experiencing homelessness to get the support that they need.” Mykytyshyn emphasized that an integrated approach would enhance service delivery and provide a more effective response to homelessness.

The foundation has already begun discussions with local service providers and aims to engage the community over the next seven weeks to gather input on the project. Mykytyshyn noted that recent feedback has been positive, highlighting the significant need for services in the area. Current estimates suggest that approximately 750 individuals are homeless in Red Deer, with many more at risk of homelessness.

Mykytyshyn stated, “There are so many people impacted by this issue. Our feeling is we need to have a more comprehensive strategy in Red Deer to provide support. We need to have a place that people can go to access the services they need.” The foundation believes that a single-site model would streamline access to essential services and reduce barriers for those in need.

The former Peavey site encompasses around 202,000 square feet, including 25,000 square feet of finished office space, situated on a 12-acre property. Funding from foundation donors has enabled the purchase of this site, and discussions with the province are ongoing to determine if the previously allocated funds can be utilized for this initiative.

Despite potential criticisms regarding the industrial location, the foundation maintains that consolidating services will create a more effective system. Research indicates that communities often struggle when services are dispersed across multiple sites. “If you put all of the services in one place with no corridors, the challenges start to go away,” Mykytyshyn explained.

The one-stop service model has demonstrated success in other cities, such as Edmonton, San Antonio, Houston, and Atlanta, where visible homelessness has decreased by 60 to 80 percent. These cities have not only seen improvements in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness but have also benefited economically from reduced social issues.

As Red Deer moves forward with this ambitious project, the focus remains on fostering collaboration among service providers and ensuring the community’s needs are met. The foundation’s commitment to creating a unified approach highlights the importance of addressing homelessness through integrated support systems.