06/17/2026
Highway 2 / QE2 Realignment Through Red Deer
The Province is holding a public information session on the Highway 2 improvements through Red Deer, including the proposed Red Deer River bridge replacement and realignment near Maskepetoon Park and Heritage Ranch.
The open house is:
June 18, 2026
5:00 to 9:00 PM
Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society, Festival Hall
4214 58 Street
Presentations will be given at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, with the same presentation delivered both times. Project team members will also be available to answer questions.
According to the Province, the larger project involves about 11 km of Highway 2 improvements in the Red Deer area. Section C is the part most people will likely be watching closely. It includes widening Highway 2 between 32 Street and 67 Street, replacing the two existing Red Deer River bridges, realigning the highway east of the current bridges, and creating an eight-lane section through the river valley.
The Province says the purpose is to improve safety, sightlines, traffic flow, and long-term capacity on one of Alberta’s busiest highway corridors. The 2025 presentation also identifies some clear downsides, including encroachment into Maskepetoon Park and Heritage Ranch, reduced park size, loss of treed areas, loss of wetlands, and construction disturbance.
My personal opinion is that a compromise should be made here.
I understand Highway 2 is a major provincial corridor, and as Alberta continues to grow, this project is likely going to happen in some form. But pushing forward in a way that takes a valuable part of Red Deer city land should not become a precedent we simply accept without serious discussion.
Maskepetoon Park, Heritage Ranch, the river valley, and the surrounding natural areas matter to Red Deer. If land is going to be lost, residents deserve to understand exactly what alternatives were considered, what mitigation is planned, and whether a better compromise is possible.
Project information:
https://www.alberta.ca/highway-2-improvements-in-the-red-deer-area