City council receives report on current and future fire mitigation efforts

2026 priority areas

The city explained that fire mitigation efforts were split into priority areas in 2026, including Piper Creek North and the Pines.

The said Piper Creek North extends from 32 Street North to 43 Street and the work included forest clearance to establish a 10-metre buffer along the asphalt pathway. This was completed in February.

Meanwhile, in the Pines, the city previously completed fire mitigation work in 2024 and 2025, including a 10-metre buffer on both sides of the primary trail through the wooded area. A test area was also completed south of 77 Street. The city added this area needed a greater level of fire mitigation due to increase fire activity.

As a result, in 2026, wildfire mitigation in the Pines is following an enhanced program based on the test area in 2025. The enhanced program expands mitigation activities, as a significant increase in funding, combined with heightened community need, has enabled this expanded approach.

Administration wrote that once the Pines project is complete in December 2026, they will evaluate the program.

In December 2025, the city completed fire mitigation in Heritage Ranch to help with structure preservation. There was also work completed that same month north of the Michener Extended Care building as a result of increased wildfire concerns.

Future fire mitigation locations

The City of Red Deer identified a pair of future locations, including Piper Creek South and the Grandview escarpment.

In Piper Creek South, from 32 Street to Barrett Drive, future work will include forest clearance to establish a 10-metre buffer along the asphalt pathway. Target completion is March 2027.

The Grandview Escarpment was identified by the city as a potential wildfire mitigation area for late 2027.

The implementation and scope are currently being assessed, and the approach may be changed to incorporate strategies used in the Pines in 2026.

Increased public communication

This year, Parks and Public Works also worked to expand communication methods with the public and improve understanding of wildfire mitigation activities. They did so through letter mailouts advising residents of potential property encroachment concerns, door hangers explaining planned work, website updates, and signage identifying areas where wildfire mitigation has been completed.

Funding

The city added that funding for the fire mitigation program was previously through capital budgets, generally ranging from $50,000 to $75,000.

However, more recently, funding levels increased and have been provided through Farpital funding, which is capital funding provided for an operational task.

The increased funding the city reports has enabled Parks and Public Works to improve program planning and implementation.

For the 2026 budget year, $600,000 one-time was provided for wildfire mitigation.

However, the enhanced 2026 approach will be evaluated to identify successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

They identified that ongoing funding would support continuous planning and provide greater flexibility in the timing and execution of mitigation activities.

As a result, the 2027 budget has a request for $300,000 in ongoing funding.

by Ian Gustafson

City council receives report on current and future fire mitigation efforts

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