Each year, the City of Regina releases our Annual Report and consolidated financial statements, which supports the City’s commitment to financial transparency and accounting to taxpayers. The financial statements reflect the status of the City’s consolidated financial position as of December 31 of the previous fiscal year, which includes entities that are accountable to and controlled and/or owned by the City.
Summary
In 2021, the City had an operating surplus of $6.5 million and a consolidated annual surplus of $88 million, which includes all assets as well as some non-cash items. The general operating surplus is transferred to the General Fund Reserve, which is used mainly to fund planned capital projects and assist with emergency situations. The City’s reserves also ensure flexibility to address unexpected needs. For a summary of the City’s financial position as of December 31, 2021, view the Annual Report Highlights.
2021 Annual Report Highlights:
Responsive Recovery & Investment
The Annual Report reflects the City’s operational and financial performance and highlights achievements that have been made over the past year to enhance City services and advance the goals of the Official Community Plan and priorities set in the previous budget.
Responsible, Inclusive Government
The City recognized the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2021. Employees and residents were encouraged to observe a day of quiet reflection and to participate in, or support, community events focused on understanding the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools.;
Council endorsed renaming Dewdney Pool and Park to Buffalo Meadows, recognizing the harmful policies of Edgar Dewdney towards Indigenous peoples, including establishing and overseeing residential schools.
The City continues to maintain its AAA credit rating from S&P Global, demonstrating long-term financial planning strength.
Advancing Economic Development
2021 was an extraordinary year for economic development. Close to $3 billion of new private investment was announced in the greater Regina area.
- Agricultural Technology led the way with confirmation of several major developments:
- Red Leaf Pulp - wheat straw pulp mill
- Cargill - canola processing facility
- Viterra - canola crushing facility
- The City supported local small - and mid-sized businesses through the Regina Economic Recovery Grant program.
- Since August 2020 more than $1.7 million in matching grants have helped 319 local businesses to adapt or transform their operations in response to COVID-19. Over $1.3 million was distributed in 2021.
Strengthening Partnerships
The development and implementation of a Winter City Strategy led to the inaugural Frost Winter Festival event announced in December 2021. The project was led by the Regina Winter Festival Committee and service partners.
The City developed a Community Safety & Well-being Plan in collaboration with the Canadian Municipal Network on Crime Prevention, Regina Police Service and other community partners.
Investing in Infrastructure
In 2021, the City invested a total of $176 million toward capital infrastructure and facilities, including $30.9 million using provincial funding from the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP). MEEP-funded projects included Residential Road Renewal, the new Wascana Pool, redeveloping the Municipal Justice Building, and repairing/constructing sidewalks.
Other 2021 Investments
- Resurfaced 10.1 km of pavement and replaced 13 km of sidewalks on major roadways
- Refreshed 3.7 km of multi-use pathways and 1 km of on-street bike lanes
- Improved sidewalks and access to transition Park Street
- Relined 23 km of sewer mains and renewed 10.4 km of water mains
- Replaced 41 hydrants, as well as 153 water service connections
- Inspected and cleaned more than 80 km of large and small diameter sewer mains
- Dredged 9 km of creek and improved storm channels
- Installed one new pedestrian corridor with five more renewed
- Completed 15.2 km of permanent markings
- Planted 477 trees in parks or along roadways
Environmental Sustainability
Regina’s Energy & Sustainability Framework was developed. It outlines a path for Regina to become a renewable, net-zero community by 2050.
- About 2,800 households took part in a Food & Yard Waste Pilot, diverting 300 tonnes of residential waste from the landfill through the fall and winter of 2020-21. This successful pilot led to the approval of a citywide service expected to divert up to 24,000 tonnes of waste every year while reducing annual emissions by 10,000 tonnes.
- The $5.3 million Maple Leaf Pool reopened in June, prioritizing accessibility and sustainability. Solar panels generate enough electricity for half of the facility’s needs, and a new filtration system reduces water consumption by 90 percent. Similar features will be included in the new Wascana pool.
- After significant upgrades, the Landfill Gas to Energy Facility continues to create new sources of renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gases and lessen dependence on traditional energy resources such as fossil fuels.
Twenty additional landfill gas wells were installed in 2021, bringing the total number of active wells onsite to 53. These additional wells are used to capture more landfill gas. Landfill gas capture reduced emissions by nearly 9,500 tonnes in 2021. - A project to monitor energy use in 50 City facilities was initiated and will provide the City with the ability to track energy consumption and make recommendations for energy savings.
