Public utility services are part of residents’ everyday lives

Below are five key highlights from public utility services in 2025:

1. Conditions for sustainable mobility improved: Winter maintenance on the main walking and cycling routes was stepped up, attracting a great deal of positive feedback and encouraging more people to walk and cycle. In addition, Teirinkatu and Itäinen Kasarmintori were refurbished, the cycle path on Huutoniementie was overhauled, and Paperisilta Bridge was renovated.
2. Access to local nature and recreational opportunities increased: A 220‑metre‑long accessible nature trail was built in Onkilahti Park, and a zip wire and climbing tower were installed in the nearby playground. Vaasa’s outdoor activity routes, spanning approximately 70 km, were connected into a single, unified network.
3. Vaasa’s position as a frontrunner in sustainable mobility was strengthened: Vaasa was named ‘Walkable Municipality of the Year’ and received Unicef’s Child Friendly Municipality recognition. These achievements were largely driven by improvements in conditions for sustainable mobility.
4. Vaasa Port’s flagship project was completed ahead of schedule: The widening of Vaasa’s fairway and port was completed and formally accepted ahead of schedule in September 2025.
5. Public Utility Services experienced both financial successes and challenges: Core operations remained firmly under financial control, but the overall picture was weakened by the transfer of port revenues to the Real Estate Office, changes in the allocation of employment costs, and a substantial budget provision for environmental liabilities linked to the closed Suvilahti landfill. Maintenance costs for traffic areas have risen significantly during the 2020s, which meant that Public Utility Services had to apply for additional funding last year, as in previous years.

Overall, 2025 was a successful year that made everyday life smoother for Vaasa’s residents in many ways. At the same time, we turn our attention to the future: maintaining service levels will require even sharper prioritisation and more realistic resourcing. Looking ahead, there are new projects to deliver, continuous improvement to pursue, and a need to balance finances with service levels. Public Utility Services faces these challenges with great confidence.

Our goal is to be carbon neutral by the end of the 2020s. Transport is already a major source of emissions, and efforts are being made to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by increasing cycling and walking. Vaasa’s work for sustainable development has also gained international recognition: the city was selected as a European Green Leaf City for 2026. The European Commission awards this recognition annually to cities that promote sustainable development and work actively to protect the environment and climate.

In addition, UNICEF has recognised the City of Vaasa as a Child-Friendly Municipality. In a child-friendly municipality, children’s wellbeing and rights are top priorities. This is reflected in all aspects of the municipality’s daily operations and decision-making.