LOCAL NEWS THAT MATTERS, SENT TO YOU DIRECTLY. SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE!
(Image Credit: rdnewsNOW file photo)
Submit comments by Sept. 18

Red Deer 2027 utilities budget now available for public review

Sep 11, 2026 | 2:38 PM

The City of Red Deer announced that the 2027 utilities budget is now available for the public to view, and they encourage residents to read it over and submit questions before city council deliberates on Sept. 29.

According to the city, it outlines plans to continue to provide essential utility services and invest in infrastructure needed to support Red Deer.

Residents can submit comments and questions on the budget to budget@reddeer.ca by Sept. 18.

“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, in a media release. “This proposed budget focuses on maintaining reliable service while planning responsibly for the infrastructure required to support our growing community.”

The proposed budget includes investments to renew and replace, modernize, and improve operations across utility systems.

As per the City of Red Deer the key initiatives within the proposed 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 budget before making any final decisions.

If approved, the budget will establish the revenue to operate utility services. From there, administration will 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.