City Council approved a $921,884 reduction to the Parks and Public Works budget for 2025, which included a $268,000 reduction in the parks, turf, trees and trails program. This required administration to reduce service levels across several areas, including less frequent mowing.
Mowing
Update – June 9, 2025: Over the weekend, you may have noticed The City has increased mowing in some areas of the city. We have done this in response to community feedback and changing seasonal conditions. While continuing to operate within the Council-approved reduced 2025 budget, we are reallocating existing funds to support additional mowing in priority, high-visibility areas. Overall service levels remain reduced in line with the approved budget, but targeted adjustments are being made to be responsive to community need.
Moving forward, residents can expect the following:
- High-use areas like playgrounds, sports fields, retention ponds and neighbourhood cul-de-sac green spaces will continue to be mowed and maintained regularly.
- Mowing will resume in less-used areas like roadside hills (aka berms) or non-recreational green spaces.
- Trimming will resume around public infrastructure such as fences, benches, and signs.
- Some spaces will continue to process of naturalization - a shift to native grasses and meadow-like conditions that reduce costs and support biodiversity.
Why is The City now adjusting the mowing program?
Council and administration received a high volume of citizen feedback about reduced mowing. Administration is reallocating existing funds from other operational areas where we have seen some early-year savings or lower spending. This allows us to respond to community concerns and adjust mowing in key visible areas, while continuing to operate within the Council-approved reduced budget.
Is The City increasing the Parks and Public Works budget?
No. The City is still operating within the Council-directed 2025 reduced budget. Adjustments are being made by reallocating existing funds and adapting implementation plans.
Where is the reallocated money coming from?
Administration is reallocating existing funds from other operational areas where we have seen some early-year savings or lower spending.
Where will mowing be reinstated?
Crews have already started mowing high-visibility berms and other priority areas. The City and our contractors will be reinstating mowing to 235 acres, and approximately 17 acres will remain un-mowed. These areas have been chosen for the following reasons:
- Extending the boundaries of existing naturalization areas
- Identified as areas difficult to maintain due to slope grade
- Low-visibility areas that border natural areas and are appropriate for reduced mowing and maintenance
Will all mowing return to pre-2025 levels?
No. While adjustments are being made, the overall service levels remain reduced compared to previous years, in alignment with the approved budget.
Where will you be trimming this summer?
We are reinstating trimming maintenance throughout the city. It will take approximately 1 month to reinstate, so residents should expect trimming to return to normal by mid-to-end July.
Is there a mowing schedule?
We don't post exact schedules, as they vary based on weather, staff, and park needs. For specific concerns, use Report a Problem.
Why are these changes happening now?
Like many municipalities, we are responding to significant budget pressures. Service level adjustments are part of a strategic, long-term plan to ensure The City remains financially sustainable while still delivering core services that residents rely on. The goal is to focus resources where they matter most - while exploring more efficient and environmentally responsible ways to care for our public spaces.
Can I mow or trim spaces along my property and/or in my neighbourhood?
For safety and environmental reasons, we ask that residents not mow or trim City-owned parkland or public spaces. These areas are managed according to City maintenance plans, which help ensure consistency, protect habitat areas, and avoid unintended damage to infrastructure, native plants, or seedlings planted to assist in naturalization. In accordance with the Community Standards Bylaw, property owners are required to maintain the boulevard adjacent to their property.
If there's an area you're concerned about, please let us know through Report A Problem and we'll review it as part of our scheduled maintenance or naturalization efforts. Learn more about how you can help here.
There is garbage in un-mowed areas. Will the City clean it?
While some areas will experience less mowing, we're still committed to keeping parks clean. If you see garbage, please report it through Report A Problem, and we'll do our best to address it promptly. We also appreciate residents who help keep our spaces clean - it truly makes a difference!
Where can I find more information?
More details about the 2025 budget and service level adjustments can be found at www.reddeer.ca/budget2025 under Parks and Public Works.
Did you know 53% of Red Deer's 4,586 acres of parkland is natural areas such as wetlands, forest, and native grass areas? The other 47% (approx. 2,140 acres) of Red Deer’s green space are areas like major parks, neighbourhood parks, school playgrounds, sports fields, storm detention ponds, boulevards, roadway medians, berms and cul-de-sac islands.