The Budget includes new strategic investments to achieve significant community outcomes that will make Regina a more vibrant community, improve safety and well-being for residents, and drive economic prosperity and environmental sustainability. Approximately $9 million in operating and $75 million in key capital investments are proposed over the next two years to support these priorities.
The five-year general capital plan includes $157 million in 2023, with an overall investment of $741 million between 2023 and 2027.
Note: This links to the proposed Budget, dated November 21, 2022.
The City continues to find savings and operational efficiencies to minimize the impact to residents resulting from inflation and other economic pressures.
The 2023-24 Budget Advances…
Community safety, economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, vibrant community and operational excellence.
The desired outcome of this strategic priority is a healthier and more inclusive community. The City will achieve this by advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility through programs, initiatives and policies; advancing affordable and social housing in Regina, and working with partners and the community to improve safety and well-being of all residents.
The 2023-24 Budget includes:
- $110 million in 2023 and $116 million in 2024 for Regina Police Services
- $44.6 million in 2023 and $45.5 million in 2024 for Regina Fire & Protective Services
- $1.7 million annually for Community & Social Impact Regina funding NEW
- $258,000 annually plus $500,000 in capital for the Adapted Recreation Plan, including facility accessibility improvements NEW
- $80,000 for Corporate Accessibility Planning (Age Friendly City) NEW
- $860,000 annually for Property Tax and Water Utility Affordability Program NEW
- $615,000 in 2024 for Southeast Fire Station NEW
The City is focused on advancing economic growth opportunities for Regina and area, which includes promoting initiatives from Regina’s 2030 Economic Growth Plan, promoting Regina as a leading destination for visitors, talent, businesses and investment, and building infrastructure for long-term economic growth.
Capital Fund Highlight:
The proposed five-year capital budget outlines investments to renew street and underground infrastructure in the downtown area. These include Scarth Street, 11th Avenue, and Dewdney Avenue and Saskatchewan Drive corridors; projects that will beautify streetscapes, transform transportation networks and improve pedestrian safety.
The 2023-24 Budget includes:
- $29.9 million in 2023 and $32 million in 2024 for street infrastructure renewal and residential road renewal
- $6 million in 2023 for rail line development to support Viterra development and future Ring Road rail relocation
- $5.5 million in 2023 for Saskatchewan Drive Corridor
- $4.8 million in 2023 and 2024 for 11th Avenue
- $2 million in 2023 and 2024 for Dewdney Avenue
- $1.2 million in 2023 and 2024 for Scarth Street
- $230,000 annually for Indigenous and Sustainable Procurement initiatives NEW
- $420,000 in 2023 and $720,000 in 2024 for Economic Development Regina (EDR) additional funding to address priorities NEW
The City is committed to achieve net-zero emissions and become 100 per cent renewable by 2050. This includes leading by example with municipal operations and working with partners and the community to implement the Energy & Sustainability Framework approved in 2022.
The 2023-24 Budget includes:
- $20.6 million for facility upgrade to support City bus electrification NEW
- $2.2 million for facility upgrades related to advance Renewable Regina 2050 goal NEW
- $1.5 million for a light-duty vehicle electric charging station NEW
- $325,000 in 2023 and $425,000 in 2024 to administer the Energy & Sustainability Framework NEW
- $150,000 in 2024 for Urban Forest Master Plan NEW
- $106,000 annually for increased parks maintenance NEW
The City’s priority is to make Regina’s city centre a great place to work, live and visit. This includes planning for the future of Regina, building recreational and cultural infrastructure, providing and encouraging year-round programs and services, and improving our transportation network.
Capital Fund Highlight:
An additional $18.1 million will be available by 2024 to advance the Recreation and Culture Master Plans through the dedicated 0.5% mill rate for recreation infrastructure and annual $3 million contribution to the Recreation/Culture Capital Program.
The 2023-24 Budget includes:
- $8.6 million dedicated toward future Indoor Aquatic Facility
- $3 million for pickleball courts
- $2.4 million for replacement of North East Community Centre
- $458,000 annually, plus $365,000 in capital for Winter City Strategy, including long-term funding for Frost Regina, Rick Hansen Skating Loop and Winter Hub, and A.E Wilson Park Winter Hub NEW
- $625,000 for Official Community Plan (OCP) 10-year update NEW
- $747,000 annually for new Wascana Pool
- $216,000 in 2023 and $646,000 in 2024 for Transit On-Demand service NEW
- $460,000 annually for Accessible Taxi Service Improvements (funded through fee revenue) NEW
- $300,000 annually for an intensification incentive program NEW
- $241,000 annually for community clean-up and debris pick-up programs NEW
- $120,000 annually for Heritage Conservation policy and incentives
The City is focused on transforming to a service and performance culture that builds resident trust by continuously improving service delivery, strengthening workplace culture, achieving long-term financial sustainability, making decisions based on data and strategic alignment, and achieving Mission Zero.
The 2023-24 Budget includes:
- $1.4 million for new procurement software NEW
- $1.2 million in 2023 to address a backlog of sidewalk repairs
- $224,000 annually to support an Internal Audit NEW
- $180,000 annually for additional Data Team resources to support corporate data priorities NEW
- $100,000 annually to support telematics NEW
Utility Fund Highlight
The 2023-24 Budget includes $232.4 million in 2023 and 2024 for infrastructure renewal, new construction, and maintenance of Regina’s water, wastewater and stormwater systems. Regina’s Water Utility operates on a full cost-recovery basis and ensures Regina residents enjoy safe and reliable water, wastewater and drainage services. A rate increase of 4.5 per cent is approved for 2023 and 4.0 per cent proposed in 2024.
Understanding Your Taxes
The City of Regina provides more than 60 services that residents depend on every day; approximately 55 per cent is funded through property taxes. A 3.67% mill rate increase is approved for 2023. The proposed 2024 budget has been received and filed with a proposed mill rate increase of 4.66%.
Mill Rate Increase Breakdown (table is based on proposed 4.67% mill rate increase)
|
|
|
2023 |
2024 |
|
Civic Operations |
Current Operations |
0.14% |
0.05% |
|
Advancing Strategic Priorities |
1.91% |
2.03% |
|
|
Service Partners |
0.24% |
0.10% |
|
|
Recreational Infrastructure Dedicated Mill Rate |
0.50% |
0.50% |
|
|
Police Operations ($110 million of expenditures) |
1.88% |
1.98% |
|
|
Total Mill Rate Increase |
4.67% |
4.66% |
|
Impact of Property Taxation Increase per Household
|
|
2023 |
2024 |
||||
|
Monthly Cost of Mill Rate Increase |
Impact per $100K of Assessed Value |
Impact per $315K* of Assessed Value |
Impact per $500K of Assessed Value |
Impact per $100K of Assessed Value |
Impact per $315K* of Assessed Value |
Impact per $500K of Assessed Value |
|
Civic Operations |
$1.36 |
$4.28 |
$6.79 |
$1.35 |
$4.26 |
$6.76 |
|
Recreational Infrastructure Dedicated Mill Rate |
$0.30 |
$0.93 |
$1.48 |
$0.31 |
$0.98 |
$1.55 |
|
Police Operations |
$1.12 |
$3.51 |
$5.58 |
$1.23 |
$3.87 |
$6.14 |
|
Total Property Taxation |
$2.77 |
$8.72 |
$13.85 |
$2.89 |
$9.11 |
$14.46 |
*Average assessed home value in Regina
Motion to Address Homelessness
As per Council motion, the proposed budget identifies, for consideration, full operational funding to "solve homelessness" throughout the City using a housing first, supportive housing model. The chart below outlines the additional mill rate increase that would be required, as well as the impact to taxpayers.
Homeless Motion Costs
Based on a point-in-time count conducted in 2021, to provide the needed 488 supportive housing units is estimated to be approximately $122.5 million, $98 million of which would be capital costs. The City currently invests up to $7.9 million annually toward programs and initiatives related to homelessness, social development and well-being.
|
Monthly Cost of Mill Rate Increase |
Addressing Homelessness Motion |
|
|
2023 |
Mill Rate Increase |
21.73% |
|
Impact per $100,000 Assessed Value |
$12.89 |
|
|
Impact per $315,000 Assessed Value |
$40.59 |
|
|
Impact per $500,000 Assessed Value |
$64.44 |
|
|
2024 |
Mill Rate Increase |
4.24% |
|
|
Impact per $100,000 Assessed Value |
$3.78 |
|
Impact per $315,000 Assessed Value |
$11.90 |
|
|
Impact per $500,000 Assessed Value |
$18.90 |
Pre-Budget Consultation
In 2022, Regina residents were invited to identify their spending priorities and important considerations to help shape the 2023-24 Budget. An online pre-budget survey ran from April 28 to May 11 on Be Heard Regina and received 1,604 responses. Public feedback was invited again in October following a presentation to City Council which provided an update on budget development and potential new investments being considered.
View the breakdown of the budget by numbers.
By the Numbers:
- $1.25 billion - the amount that will be invested in infrastructure renewal over the next five years through both the General and Utility Funds
- $741 million - for General Fund capital projects
- $510 million - for Utility Fund capital projects
- $84 million - key investments supporting the City’s five strategic priorities
- $0 - the amount of new debt the City of Regina will assume in 2023 and 2024
- 67 per cent and 4.66 per cent – the proposed mill rate increases in 2023 and 2024, respectively, which consists of:
- 29 per cent (2023) and 2.18 per cent (2024) for civic operations
- 5 per cent for continuation of the previously approved dedicated mill rate for the Recreation Infrastructure Program
- 88 per cent (2023) and 1.98 per cent (2024) for the Regina Police Service (RPS)
- $8.72/month in 2023 and $9.11/month in 2024 - the added amount an average homeowner with a home assessed at $315,000 will pay for the proposed mill rate increases
- 5 per cent and 4 per cent - the proposed Utility rate increases for 2023 and 2024, respectively, to maintain Utility operations, fund the renewal of the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant, and offer the new affordability program for low-income seniors and people with disabilities
- $3.65/year - the total of the Council-approved $0.01 per day charge for the High Efficiency Water Retrofits Program that all Utility customers will pay.
- $7.32/month in 2023 and $6.60/month in 2024 - the added amount the average Regina family of four will pay for the proposed Utility rate increases (includes $0.01 per day charge)
- $542 million - projected General Operating Revenue/Expenditures for 2023-24; an increase of $30 million or 5.9 per cent from the 2022 Budget
- 55 per cent - the portion of total revenue the City projects to raise from property taxes
- 5 per cent - the previously approved dedicated mill rate for recreation infrastructure, which are included in the 2023-24 Budget as the final two years of the five-year commitment.
Find common questions and answers about the budget.
What changes to City staffing are in the 2023-24 Budget?
City staffing increases included in this budget are of 29.1 FTE positions in 2023 and 13.6 FTE positions in 2024.
What is the City spending to advance Strategic Priorities?
Key capital and operational investments (more than $84 million) are proposed over the next two years specifically to support the City’s five strategic priorities - Economic Prosperity, Environmental Sustainability, Community Safety & Well-being, Vibrant Community, Operational Excellence. Some of these include:
- $20.6 million for facility upgrades to support City bus electrification
- $2.2 million for facility upgrades to advance the Renewable Regina 2050 goal
- $1.5 million for a light-duty vehicle electric charging station
- $1.7 million annual funding for Community & Social Impact Regina
- $458,000 annual funding plus $365,000 capital funding for Winter City Strategy, including long-term funding for Frost Regina, Rick Hansen Skating Loop and Winter Hub, and A.E Wilson Park Winter Hub
- $758,000 annually for Adapted Recreation Plan
- $646,000 for Transit On-Demand service
What is the City spending on capital projects in the 2023-24 Budget?
The City’s five-year general fund capital plan totals $741 million between 2023 and 2027, with $157 million in 2023
What has been saved through the Efficiency Review so far? What savings are projected in 2023 and 2024?
During 2022, the City realized $520,000 in ongoing savings which were accounted for in the 2023 Budget. A further incremental annual operating savings of $1.0 million have been included in the 2023-2024 Budget to reflect further projected savings, including $500,000 each year in 2023 and 2024. In addition, $3.4 million in cost avoidance was achieved in 2022.
What is the City doing to address homelessness?
As per Council motion, the proposed budget identifies, for consideration, full operational funding to “solve homelessness” throughout the City using a housing first, supportive housing model. Based on a point-in-time count conducted in 2021, to provide the needed 488 supportive housing units is estimated to cost approximately $98 million in capital investment and approximately $25 million in annual operating costs. The City currently invests up to $7.9 million annually toward programs and initiatives related to homelessness, social development and well-being.
Why are water rates increasing again this year?
A 4.5 per cent rate increase is proposed for 2023, followed by a 4 per cent increase in 2024, to maintain the Utility operations, fund the renewal of the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant, and offer the new affordability program for low-income seniors and people with disabilities.
How flexible is this budget to change in 2024?
The City’s multi-year budget approach is to obtain Council approval for the first year of the two-year operating budget and year one of the five-year capital plan, as well as approval in principle of the second year. This means that Council will fully approve the second year (2024) budget in 2023 with the opportunity to make changes to the 2024 Budget that are significant that were either not anticipated or reflect changes in Council direction.
