Proactively Managed Infrastructure in 2023
Red Deer Prioritizes Proactive Infrastructure Management in 2023
The City of Red Deer demonstrated a strong commitment to proactively managing its infrastructure in 2023, ensuring that the community's essential services, from the pipes in the ground, to the pavement we drive on, and the facilities residents enjoy.
"Proactive infrastructure management is crucial to the long-term sustainability of our city. We are focused on investment in the most critical areas on our systems to ensure the reliability of water, sewer and electricity, that contribute to Red Deer’s high quality of life,” said Jim Jorgensen, Utilities Manager, City of Red Deer.
Key Metrics from 2023
- Age of Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Infrastructure
In 2023, 9.77% of our water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure was more than 60 years old. Depending on material type, this type of infrastructure lifespan is generally based on an 80 year lifespan. Anything older than 60 years is approaching its last 25% lifespan where we can expect an increased likelihood of failures. - Age of Electric Infrastructure
In 2023, 33.8% of our electric utility infrastructure was more than 40 years old. The 40 year average life expectancy of equipment and material is based on a combination of factors, including the electrical loading and stresses of equipment, ambient temperature and recommendations of various manufacturers and industry practice, as well as historical information about The City’s infrastructure. - Pavement Quality Index
The pavement quality index measures the condition of our roads, with 0 being poor and 100 being excellent. Our score of 61 reflects our ongoing efforts to maintain road quality. This metric is based on field-collected data, updated on a three-year cycle and projected annually. Our continuous monitoring allows us to address issues promptly and plan for future improvements.
Fun Fact: In 2023, we filled 5,216 potholes. In any given year, we can have between 4,000 and 12,000 potholes.
- Annual Facility Condition Index
The Facility Condition Index (FCI) is an aggregate measure comparing estimated repair and upgrade costs to the replacement value of our facilities. In 2023, our FCI across all recreation facilities was 6.2%, which indicates that our facilities are in good to fair condition, adequate for use with ongoing maintenance. This proactive approach ensures that our facilities remain functional and safe for public use.
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- FCI less than 11% = good/fair (adequate for use with ongoing maintenance)
- FCI greater than 11% = poor (aging near lifespan, needs refurbishing)
- FCI greater than 30% = critical (upgrades needed to meet code)
Based on current funding, we anticipate reaching an FCI of 11% or greater in 2028.
- Fleet Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance accounted for 33% of our fleet work orders, while 67% were critical breakdown repairs. This balance highlights the importance of regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns and ensure the reliability of our fleet. We aim to increase the proportion of preventative maintenance work orders in the coming years.
- Electric Utility Review
Our electric utility review was 60% complete by the end of 2023. This comprehensive review is crucial for identifying areas of improvement, ensuring safety, and planning for future upgrades. The review's progress reflects our dedication to maintaining a reliable and efficient electric utility infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
The City of Red Deer remains committed to its proactive approach to infrastructure management. By prioritizing strategic investments and focusing on long-term sustainability, the city aims to create a resilient infrastructure network that meets the evolving needs of its residents. These efforts not only enhance the quality of life for current residents but also lay the foundation for a thriving, sustainable community for future generations.
For more detailed information on The City's infrastructure projects and their impact, visit The City of Red Deer Performance Dashboard.