8.5% property tax increase could be coming in 2025 Regina budget

The City of Regina has recently unveiled its proposed 2025 budget, which includes significant increases in utility rates and mill rates that could have a substantial impact on local residents. The city’s administration has recommended a utility rate increase of 5.82 percent and a mill rate increase of 8.5 percent, marking the highest rate hike in recent history. These combined increases are expected to cost the median household an additional $320 annually. City Manager Niki Anderson emphasized that these increases are unavoidable, stating that the city has been “playing catch up” for years, with mill rate increases historically kept below what is necessary to meet the growing demands of the community. Out of the proposed 8.5 percent mill rate increase, 1.9 percent is allocated specifically for city administration.

One of the key areas where the increased funds will be allocated is towards improving the city’s infrastructure and public services. The proposed budget includes investments such as the revitalization of 11th Avenue, enhanced park lighting, and the replacement of the city’s transit fleet. Additionally, there is a proposed investment of approximately $96 million towards Regina’s roadway network and $59 million towards the transit system. According to city officials, these investments are crucial as they have been delayed for too long, and further delays could lead to increased costs and inefficiencies. Daren Anderson, the city’s chief financial officer, highlighted the urgency of these investments, stating that “trying to hold back that cost” has led to inflation over time, necessitating the use of external resources.

Another critical area addressed in the budget is the replacement of Regina’s aging water infrastructure. The proposed utility rate increase will fund the replacement of outdated underground infrastructure, ensuring it remains viable for the long term. This investment is essential for maintaining the city’s water services and preventing potential disruptions or hazards associated with aging infrastructure. The city administration has emphasized that these upgrades are necessary to ensure the continued safety and reliability of essential services for residents.

The proposed budget also includes investments in community facilities, most notably the highly-requested indoor aquatics facility. This multi-purpose facility is set to replace the current Lawson Aquatic Centre, which is nearing the end of its lifespan after nearly 50 years of service. The new facility will receive a proposed investment of $27 million in 2025, with an expected opening date in 2028. This project has been a long-standing request from the community, and its inclusion in the budget reflects the city’s commitment to providing modern and accessible recreational amenities for its residents.

City council is scheduled to deliberate on the proposed budget starting March 17th, and while the current council will vote on the budget, Niki Anderson noted that many of the financial decisions reflected in the budget are a result of commitments made by the previous council. She described the budget as a “financial snapshot” of promises already made, indicating that the current administration is working within the framework established by its predecessors. This highlights the importance of long-term financial planning in municipal governance, as decisions made in previous years have a direct impact on current and future budgets.

In summary, the City of Regina’s proposed 2025 budget reflects a necessary response to years of deferred investments in infrastructure and public services. While the significant increases in utility and mill rates may present a financial burden for residents, the proposed allocations aim to address critical needs in transportation, public safety, and community facilities. The budget also underscores the challenges of maintaining and upgrading aging infrastructure, as well as the importance of fulfilling longstanding community requests. As the city council prepares to deliberate on the budget, residents will be watching closely to see how these proposed increases will be implemented and the impact they will have on their daily lives.