The proposed 2027 Utilities Budget is now available for public review:
 
2027 Proposed Utilities Budget (pdf)
A revised version was posted September 18, 2026. Changes include:

1. Update to internal page references on utility cover pages (previously referencing was off by one page).
2. Inclusion of Open Capital Commitments section page 53-55. This was initially planned to be included in the Capital Budget book, but for transparency, is now going to be included in both. 

Utilities Budget FAQ (pdf)
 
The Utilities Budget supports essential services that residents and businesses rely on every day, including electricity distribution, water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and waste management services. 
 
The proposed budget outlines investments needed to maintain safe, reliable and sustainable utility services while renewing critical infrastructure and preparing for future community needs. Council will review the proposed budget and consider how to balance affordability, infrastructure investment and long-term sustainability before making final decisions. 
 
The Utilities Budget funds: 

• Electricity distribution 
• Water treatment and distribution 
• Wastewater collection and treatment 
• Waste collection and disposal  

Unlike many municipal services that are funded through property taxes, utility services are primarily funded through user rates and fees paid by customers who use those services.  

Key Priorities in the Proposed Budget 

• The proposed 2027 Utilities Budget includes investments to: 
• Maintain safe and reliable utility services 
• Renew and replace aging infrastructure 
• Advance utility modernization initiatives 
• Support long-term financial and operational sustainability
• Prepare for future regulatory and industry changes 

Major initiatives include: 

• Completion of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) implementation 
• Continued Water Utilities Modernization initiatives 
• Renewal of critical water and wastewater infrastructure 

Planning for waste diversion and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) changes 

Estimated Customer Impacts 

The Utilities Budget establishes the revenue required to operate, maintain and invest in utility services. If Council approves the budget, Administration will update utility rate models and return to Council with recommended utility rates through the Utility Rate Bylaw process later this fall. 
 
Based on the proposed budget and current assumptions, Administration estimates the average residential customer could see impacts across electricity, water, wastewater and waste management services. Actual impacts will vary based on consumption and service usage and remain subject to Council approval.

Key dates 

• September 10: Utilities Budget released to Council and public 
• September 18: Deadline for public to submit comments/questions to Budget@reddeer.ca.
• September 29: Council debate. Watch live at https://www.youtube.com/@TheCityofRedDeer/streams 

Questions and comments received by September 18 will be included in the public Council agenda package for the September 29 budget debate. Personal information will be redacted.

The proposed 2027 Capital Budget is now available for public review.

2027 Proposed Capital Budget (pdf) 

Capital Budget FAQ (pdf)

The proposed 2027 Capital Budget focuses on maintaining, renewing and improving the infrastructure and assets that support services across the community, including roads, parks, facilities, fleet assets, technology and public spaces.

The proposed budget includes approximately $80.2 million in investments across tax-supported infrastructure, fleet assets and land development activities. Council will review the proposed budget and consider how to balance infrastructure needs, affordability and available funding before making final decisions.

Key Priorities in the Proposed Budget

The proposed 2027 Capital Budget focuses on:

• Preserving and renewing existing infrastructure
• Maintaining safe and reliable public assets
• Managing infrastructure risk and lifecycle needs
• Supporting future growth and community needs
• Making strategic investments within available funding

Approximately 76% of proposed capital expenditures are directed toward Infrastructure Preservation projects, reflecting the City's continued focus on maintaining and renewing existing assets before investing in new infrastructure.

Infrastructure Funding and Prioritization

Capital projects are planned years in advance and are informed by asset condition assessments, operational requirements, growth projections, asset management practices and long-term planning studies.

Projects are prioritized based on:

• Asset condition
• Risk and safety considerations
• Service impacts
• Growth requirements
• Legislative requirements
• Available funding

Like municipalities across Canada, Red Deer continues to face increasing pressures from aging infrastructure, rising construction costs and funding sources that have not kept pace with growing infrastructure needs.

Key Dates

• September 24: Capital Budget released to Council and public
• October 2: Deadline for public to submit comments/questions to Budget@reddeer.ca
• October 13: Council debate. Watch live at https://www.youtube.com/@TheCityofRedDeer/streams

Questions and comments received by October 2 will be included in the public Council agenda package for the October 13 budget debate. Personal information will be redacted.

Operating Budget materials will be available November 10.