Red Deer city council approves 2027 Capital Budget

After an amendment was made to delay the proposed roundabout at 67th Street and Taylor Drive until 2028, council trimmed some of the costs compared to the proposed 2027 Capital Budget.This removed the $629,000 detailed design request from the 2027 budget.

The change was brought forward by Councillor Dianne Wyntjes as a result of concerns raised by citizens. The project was going to cost $9.2 million.

The 2027 capital budget consists of $1.8 million in design work and study to support growth projects, $6.7 million in infrastructure preservation, and $5.7 million in construction projects supporting growth.

Per the city of Red Deer some of the highlights include:

Some of the key investments approved in the 2027 budget include:

Road maintenance and rehabilitation – $7.19 million: Maintain and repair portions of The City’s 1,248 lane-kilometres of paved roads.

Stormwater infrastructure – $7.47 million: Replace or repair aging drainage pipes, catch basins and stormwater outlets.

Bridge and culvert work – $4.67 million: Replace the aging Gaetz Creek culvert on 55 Street, west of Michener Avenue, and assess the Waskasoo Creek bridge on 55 Street.

Fleet replacement – $16.88 million: Replace approximately 50 vehicles and attachments, including an aerial pumper truck, four ambulances, three Action Buses, two gravel trucks and a street sweeper.

Centennial Plaza Park – $2.57 million: Restore the park, which has been closed since 2016, with accessible public washrooms, improved landscaping and a fenced micro dog park.

City website replacement – $909,500: Replace the aging platform to make City information and services easier to find, improve accessibility and support timely updates during emergencies and service disruptions.

The overall strategy of the city’s Capital Budget is to support the long-term sustainability, reliability, and value of the infrastructure owned by the community. This requires balanced investment in new, renewed, and maintained assets, while considering service needs, risk, affordability, available funding, and the long-term financial capacity.

The capital budget Book was published on September 24 to allow the public to submit questions and feedback. In total, they received 46 written responses from citizens.

In addition, council directed administration to make the Kin Kanyon playground replacement a priority sponsorship opportunity under the city’s sponsorship pilot program. The motion was brought forward by councillor Chad Krahn, who wanted to see the rocket ship-themed play structure return. The playground is scheduled for replacement in 2027.

Furthermore, council directed administration to explore opportunities surrounding expansion and maintenance of skateboard parks as part of the 2028 plan.

Council also received, in principle, the 2028–2037 Fleet Capital Plan totalling $290.27 million and the 2028–2037 Tax-Supported Capital Plan totalling $1.18 billion.

“To replace our existing public infrastructure would cost $13 billion. We therefore have a responsibility to maintain this investment while continuing to plan for growth. This was the focus of the 2027 Capital Budget,” said Tara Lodewyk, City Manager. “Administration will carry out Council’s direction while continuing to look for efficiencies, manage costs carefully and plan for the community’s future needs.”

Next up, council will consider the 2027 Operating Budget in November.

by Ian Gustafson

Red Deer city council approves 2027 Capital Budget

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