The City of Red Deer is making adjustments to its mowing program as part of its ongoing efforts to deliver services flexibly and responsively. Increased mowing in key visible areas will begin immediately, with all adjustments being made within the City’s approved 2025 budget.
“These adjustments demonstrate the shared commitment of both Council and administration to delivering services as effectively as possible within the financial framework we’ve been given,” said City Manager Tara Lodewyk.
To enable these adjustments, The City is reallocating funds from other operational areas where savings or lower-than-expected spending have occurred early in the year. This operational flexibility is allowing for targeted enhancements to the mowing program, with a focus on maintaining high-visibility areas.
"As we implement Council’s budget direction, we recognize the importance of remaining flexible and responsive to operational realities and seasonal conditions,” added Lodewyk. “We are in challenging financial times, and while reduced budgets do result in service level changes, we are continually assessing and adapting how we deliver services to best meet community needs."
These adjustments come within the context of this year’s municipal budget, which included a $921,884 reduction to the Parks and Public Works budget — with $268,000 specifically related to parks, turf, trees and trails. As a result, reduced mowing frequency was anticipated across the community.
Crews began mowing this past weekend, starting with high-visibility berms and other priority locations.
For more information about budget impacts and service level adjustments, visit www.reddeer.ca/budget2025 and look under Parks and Public Works in the drop-down menu.
Mowing Program - FAQ (pdf)