The proposed 2027 Utilities Budget is now available for public review. Residents are encouraged to review the budget and submit questions before Council deliberations on September 29.
The proposed budget outlines plans to continue delivering safe, reliable and essential utility services while investing in the infrastructure needed to support Red Deer today and into the future.
"We rely on utility services every day, from safe drinking water and wastewater treatment to electricity distribution and waste management," said Sarah Tittemore, GM of Operations. "This proposed budget focuses on maintaining reliable service while planning responsibly for the infrastructure required to support our growing community."
The Utilities Budget supports four core service areas:
- Electricity distribution
- Water treatment and distribution
- Wastewater collection and treatment
- Waste management services
The proposed budget includes investments to support infrastructure renewal and replacement, modernization initiatives and continued operational improvements across utility systems.
Key initiatives within the proposed 2027 Utilities Budget include:
- Completion of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) implementation and smart grid investments
- Continued implementation of Water Utilities Modernization initiatives
- Renewal of critical water and wastewater treatment and distribution infrastructure
- Continued planning for waste diversion initiatives and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) changes
"The proposed Utilities Budget is designed to balance affordability considerations with the investments needed to maintain and renew essential utility infrastructure over the long term," said Sam Mugford, CFO. "As utility systems age and costs continue to rise, ongoing investment is necessary to ensure services remain reliable, safe and sustainable for residents and businesses. Council now has the opportunity to review the proposal and consider how best to balance affordability, service delivery and long-term infrastructure needs."
Council will review the proposed Utilities Budget and consider how to balance affordability, infrastructure investment and long-term sustainability before making final decisions. If approved, the budget will establish the revenue required to operate, maintain and invest in utility services. Administration will then update utility rate models and return to Council with recommended utility rates through the Utility Rate Bylaw process later this fall.
The full Utilities Budget is available at reddeer.ca/budget. Residents are invited to review the document and submit questions or comments to budget@reddeer.ca by September 18. Questions and comments received by the deadline will be included in the September 29 Council budget debate agenda package. Council will debate the Utilities Budget on September 29.