Red Deer city council gives initial approval to 2027 utility debenture borrowing bylaws

Oct 13, 2026 | 1:53 PM

Red Deer city council passed first reading of four borrowing bylaws, which authorize up to $25.3 million in utility debenture borrowing for water and wastewater capital projects in the 2027 capital budget.

They unanimously passed the proposed motion during Tuesday’s regular council meeting.

The four projects, according to administration, have a combined budget of $37.9 million, funded by $12.6 million from reserves and up to $25.3 million from debenture borrowing.

The four projects include four borrowing bylaws: the 2027 Water Infrastructure Annual Program, the 2027 Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation and replacement, the 2027 Wastewater Infrastructure Annual Program, and the 2027 Wastewater Treatment Plant rehabilitation and replacement.

“The recommendation applies disciplined long-term financing to approved capital priorities, maintains core water and wastewater infrastructure, and follows a transparent statutory bylaw and advertising process,” City administration explained.

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Red Deer city council gives initial approval to 2027 utility debenture borrowing bylaws

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Administration added that the bylaws authorize borrowing but do not require the city to borrow the full approved amounts. Borrowing will occur only as required to fund actual project expenditures and may occur over multiple years.

First reading was required so the bylaws could be advertised in accordance with the Municipal Government Act, the statutory petition period could be completed, and the bylaws could return to council for second and third readings before debt-funded project work proceeds. There will be no public hearing.

Administration will now proceed with advertising for Oct. 17 and 24, and the petition period, after which the bylaws return to council for second and third readings. The city stated that second and third readings cannot be passed until advertising requirements are met.

Once passed, the bylaws will authorize borrowing as required for eligible project expenditures.

(Image Credit: City of Red Deer)

by rdnewsNOW staff

Red Deer city council gives initial approval to 2027 utility debenture borrowing bylaws

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