The city of Regina is proposing an 8.5% property tax hike and a 5.82% utility rate hike in its upcoming budget, citing the need to support the growing population.
“Our local taxes remain the lowest compared to state federal taxes, but we are at a critical time,” Anderson said. “This budget reflects the administration’s dedication to providing value for our services and infrastructure residents while ensuring we remain an affordable and attractive place for all.”
For the average residential property, the proposed property tax hike this year is $204 a year, while the typical housing utility rate rises to $116 a year, according to budget documents.
Property tax is the city’s largest revenue stream and is expected to account for 40% of the city’s total operating revenue in 2025.
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Higher property taxes, along with increased investment revenue, will contribute to an increase in local government revenue sharing grants from state governments and expected growth in municipal surcharges from state electricity suppliers, to an increase in operating budgets of around $84 million this year.
The city council will begin budget deliberations on March 17th.
The city said this year’s budget will be “affected by international, national and regional economic factors.” The draft budget identifies US tariffs in Canada, which came into effect on March 4th, and Canada’s retaliatory tariffs will be identified as a key source of economic impact for cities, taking into account the potential decline in Saskatchewan’s exports.
The proposed investment includes $155 million in the city’s road network and transit system. This includes $23 million to replace outdated transport vehicles and $3.2 million to support bus electrification. The city also plans to invest $6.3 million in a new fire station that says it will expand emergency services.
Regina Police Department has requested nearly $7 million in additional funds for the police operation, the city said.
The city has also pledged $27 million to continue construction of a multipurpose indoor aquatic facility that opened in 2028 and replaces the Lawson Aquatic Center almost 50 years ago.
