The City of Regina is proposing an 8.5 percent property tax increase and a 5.82 percent hike in utility rates in its upcoming budget, citing the need to support a growing population.
The city has been “playing catch-up” for many years, while keeping property tax increases below what is needed to support the community’s growing demands, said Regina city manager Niki Anderson said in the proposed budget, released March 4.
The proposed property tax increase is nearly three times higher than last year’s 2.85 percent increase. The extra dollars, the city said, will allow it to support essential services and invest in projects to make Regina “a more vibrant and attractive place to live.”
“While our municipal taxes remain the lowest in comparison to provincial, federal tax, we are at a critical juncture,” said Anderson. “This budget reflects Administration’s dedication to delivering the services and infrastructure residents value while ensuring we remain an affordable and attractive place for all.”
For the average residential property, this year’s proposed property tax hike would amount to an additional $204 per year, while the utility rate increase for a typical home would result in an additional $116 annually, according to the budget document.
Property taxes are the city’s largest source of revenue and are expected to account for 40 percent of the city’s total operating revenues in 2025.
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Higher property taxes, along with higher investment income, increases in the Municipal Revenue Sharing Grant from the provincial government, and expected growth in the municipal surcharge from the province’s electricity supplier would contribute to an increase in the operating budget of about $84 million this year.
City council will begin budget deliberations on March 17.
The city said this year’s budget will be “impacted by international, national, and local economic factors.” The draft budget identifies U.S. tariffs on Canada, which came into force on March 4, and Canada’s retaliatory tariffs as significant sources of economic impact for the city, given a potential decline in Saskatchewan exports.
Proposed investments include $155 million in the city’s roadway network and transit system, including $23 million to replace outdated transit vehicles and $3.2 million to support bus electrification. The city is also planning to invest $6.3 million in a new fire station it says will expand emergency services.
The Regina Police Service has requested nearly $7 million in additional funding for police operations, the city said.
The city is also pledging $27 million to continue construction of a multi-purpose indoor aquatic facility, which will open in 2028 and replace the nearly 50-year-old Lawson Aquatic Centre.
