The 2020 Budget makes key investments that will not only benefit residents today but also future generations. The investments proposed will positively impact how we live, move, connect and grow by strengthening the services we rely on each day and contributing to the safety of our community.
Efficiency and Value of Property Taxes
The proposed 2020 Budget provides value for Regina residents’ property tax dollars. By focusing on areas to improve operating efficiency, the City realized $3 million in ongoing savings, which combined with savings over the previous two years, amounts to $15 million.
Investment in Infrastructure
Over the next five years, the City will invest close to $1 billion to renew aging infrastructure and support long-term community growth. In 2020, $110 million will fund infrastructure renewal, maintenance and new construction. A one-time increase in Gas Tax funds provides a unique opportunity to invest $12 million in capital projects.
Quality of Life
The proposed Budget establishes a dedicated 0.5 per cent mill rate for each of the next five years to invest in recreation infrastructure. In addition, a new Recreation/Culture Capital Program will advance the Recreation Master Plan, starting with a $3 million investment in 2020.
The 2020 Budget Supports...
How we live, move, connect and grow.
The City of Regina provides more than 60 services that residents rely on each day at home, at work, and in the community such as water, garbage and recycling collection. We work to continually introduce new and innovative ways of delivering services and creating efficiencies; invest in infrastructure maintenance and renewal; and adopt proactive and sustainable long-term financial management.
Keeping Regina Neighbourhoods Safe
- $96 million for Regina Police Services – an increase of $3 million over 2019
- $44 million to fund Regina Fire & Protective Services which responds to more than 9,000 incidents each year
Total capital investments (General and Utility Fund)
- $180 million for infrastructure renewal and new construction, maintenance of Regina’s water, wastewater and drainage systems. This includes:
- $8.8 million toward the completion of the new Waste Management Centre, which centralizes garbage and recycling operations for greater cost-efficiency
- $10.5 million to support the Facilities Asset Management Program which is designed to extend the life of City-owned facilities and reduce expenses in the future
- $26.5 million toward water and wastewater infrastructure renewal
Regina’s Water Utility operates on a full cost-recovery basis and ensures Regina residents enjoy safe and reliable water, wastewater and drainage services. On January 1, 2020, there will be a 3 per cent increase to water rates. This is the second of three consecutive increases that began in 2019 as approved by Council last year. This proposed multi-year approach to rates means we will achieve long-term infrastructure investment goals at a reasonable cost to consumers.
How well residents and visitors are able to move and travel throughout Regina depends on the quality and dependability of our roads and pathways as well as the availability of transportation options.
- $31 million to improving roadways throughout the city. This includes:
- $17 million dedicated to residential roads renewal
Of the funding toward the Residential Roads Renewal Program, $12 million reflects the capital funds that were built up as a result of the 1 per cent dedicated mill rate increase that ends in 2019 after five years. This investment is ongoing and will be used to improve the condition of the City’s residential roads in the future.
- $1 million for a preliminary design for the Ring Road Railroad Relocation project which will improve the safety and travel experience for motorists
- $40 million for City Transit which operates 21 routes throughout the City and has increased ridership each year since 2017 and is projected to show a 6 per cent increase in 2019
Parks, recreation and cultural services are essential to providing a higher quality of life for residents. They provide meaningful opportunities to become connected with our neighbours and enhance our overall well-being.
Recreation Infrastructure Program
- $1.25 million will be generated from the 0.5 per cent dedicated mill rate in 2020
- $4.5 million for Maple Leaf pool construction
- $7.5 million for Wascana Pool design and construction (remaining $7.5 million funded in 2021)
- $1.3 million for Regent Park Par 3 redevelopment into a neighbourhood recreation hub
- $20 million for maintenance of 1,600 hectares of parks and more than 160,000 trees
- $12 million for Community Investments grants that support economic development, culture, sport and recreation and social development
Recreation/Culture Capital Program
- $3 million will fund a spray pad/accessible playground hub, multi-use pathways, a portion of the City’s contribution to renovations of the Globe Theatre, and a civic art program. This ongoing capital program will allow investments to be made annually to advance Regina’s Culture and Recreation Master Plans, and other initiatives that enhance quality of life.
Healthy and sustainable communities are created through population growth and complete neighbourhoods for residents of all ages to live, work, and access the services they need. This is influenced by community planning, funding new and renewable infrastructure, and supporting economic development.
General Fund Allocations to Capital (2011-2020)
Since 2011, the City has more than tripled its commitment to reduce Regina’s infrastructure deficit. In 2020, more than $55 million in capital expenses will be paid from the General Fund. This means the City is able to invest in current and future infrastructure renewal with less dependency on external funds or incurring debt.
Understanding Your Taxes
The proposed 2.75 per cent mill rate increase and dedicated 0.5 per cent mill rate for recreation is Regina’s lowest property tax increase in a decade. For the average household valued at $350,000, this 3.25 per cent increase amounts to $5.60 per month to support and maintain City services. The chart below illustrates what makes up the mill rate.
| Proposed Mill Rate Increase (%) | |
| Civic & Regina Police Service Operations | 2.30 |
| Stadium | 0.45 |
| Recreation Infrastructure Program | 0.50 |
| Proposed Mill Rate Increase | 3.25 |
Get Involved
The proposed 2020 Budget and any amendments will be considered at the City Council meeting on Monday, December 9 and Tuesday, December 10. Residents are invited to attend at 5:30 p.m. in Henry Baker Hall at City Hall.
Anyone may appear as a special delegation on December 9 by filing a written brief with the Office of the City Clerk no later than 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3. These submissions will be made public via Regina.ca by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4. More information on preparing a submission is available by contacting the Office of the City Clerk at 306-777-7262.
