By Lisa Parent

Remote-controlled mower introduced to Medicine Hat to tackle berms

Jul 26, 2023 | 6:16 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – You may have seen a new shiny piece of equipment out mowing the berms of Medicine Hat lately, however, there is no one pushing this mower, it’s remote controlled.

The city contracted Avara Landscaping to put the mower into action about a week ago. The mower is part of a project to keep the berm looking as nice as it can, with potential for establishment of vegetation.

Dave Genio is the manager of operations and maintenance with the City of Medicine Hat Parks and Recreation Department. Being manned by remote control, Genio hopes it will be a safer option of maintaining the berms, especially the steep ones. Genio says the city is still studying the effectiveness of the equipment, but says its a great opportunity to explore innovative technology.

“The long term benefits, how long the piece of equipment last, the costs from a fuel perspective, efficiency, et cetera, those are all meant to be seen. These type of things are what’s coming up. Technology always improves, it’s continuing to improve. For us, we’re looking at ways to be on that train rather than kind of be in the caboose and try and pick it up at the end,” explained Genio.

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If the city finds the mower successful, they may look into expanding into remote control snow removal and other options.