If you’ve been wondering whether Red Deer is actually growing… the short answer is yes… massively.
And unlike the little tree in our video that refused to grow, Red Deer is in a full-blown expansion cycle that is reshaping the future of Central Alberta.
At Walz Real Estate Group, we dig into the research so you don’t have to, and here’s your comprehensive update on why Red Deer is becoming one of Alberta’s strongest places to live, work, invest, and build a business.
1. Red Deer Regional Hospital: The Expansion We’ve Been Waiting For
The largest and most necessary upgrade in decades is officially underway. As lifelong residents, we know how desperately Red Deer needed this.
What the expansion includes:
- 200–300+ new beds
- State-of-the-art surgical suites
- Upgraded critical care & ambulatory spaces
- A brand-new tower
- More healthcare professionals, shorter wait times, and better access to care
No more driving to Calgary or Edmonton for specialized treatment it’s coming right here to Red Deer.
And if you work in healthcare, construction, engineering, or administration, these upgrades mean job growth and long-term stability.
This project alone signals one thing:
Red Deer’s population is rising , fast, and the city is building to support that growth.
2. Capstone: Red Deer’s New Urban Waterfront Community
Capstone is quickly becoming the most exciting residential and commercial development in Central Alberta modern, walkable, and intentionally designed for urban riverfront living.
Why Capstone Matters:
- Brand-new condos (great for first-time buyers AND investors)
- Upcoming rental buildings
- River-view walking paths & cycling routes
- Trendy new businesses: cafes, markets, studios, shops
- Food truck spaces & summer events
- Turnkey lifestyle for newcomers unsure where to live
Developers do not invest in master-planned communities unless the research proves the population is growing. Capstone is your proof.
3. Bower Woods: A New Nature-Focused Residential Community
This long-awaited subdivision is finally happening and Melcor is bringing it to life.
What Bower Woods Offers:
- High, medium & low density housing
- A blend of single-family homes, townhomes & more
- Natural preservation areas
- Direct access to 110 km of Red Deer’s trail system
- Improved roadways to reduce congestion
Whether you’re building your first home or your forever home, we can match you with a builder who fits your lifestyle and budget because not all builders are created equal.
4. Red Deer Regional Airport: International Travel Is Coming
We love travel — so this one excites us personally.
The airport is going through a multi-phase expansion, including:
- Expanded runway for larger aircraft (737s, 800s, international-capable planes)
- A 10,000 sq ft terminal expansion
- Baggage claims, upgraded security, and a future customs facility
- 800,000 sq m of commercial development land unlocked
More flights. More jobs. More business opportunities.
This is transformational for Central Alberta.
5. Agriculture & Industry Growth: Parrish & Heimbecker Facility
Just outside Red Deer, a new $241 million grain-processing facility will:
- Process 750,000 tons of flour per day
- Support 230 million metric tons of locally grown wheat each year
- Provide 200+ temporary jobs and 30+ full-time positions
- Boost property value and stability for communities like Springbrook, Penhold, and Red Deer
This project cements Central Alberta as a powerhouse for agriculture and industrial expansion.
6. QEII Highway Expansion: Preparing for Population Surge
The busiest corridor in Alberta is expanding from:
- 4 lanes → 6 lanes
- In some areas, even 8 lanes
This means:
- Less congestion
- Safer travel
- Better flow between Calgary & Edmonton
- Hundreds of construction jobs
- Infrastructure is ready for the next decade of growth
Red Deer is perfectly positioned between two major cities, and now the highway system is catching up.
What This All Means for You
If you’re considering a move or investment, here’s the bottom line:
✔ Population growth is accelerating
✔ Jobs are increasing across every sector
✔ Housing demand is strengthening
✔ Infrastructure is expanding to support long-term success
✔ Property values are positioned to rise in the coming years
When growth, housing, jobs, and infrastructure move together — communities thrive.
And Red Deer is doing all four.