Property taxes and cost of basic services increasing in 2014

Heading into the New Year with Canada’s lowest unemployment rate and a record population growth, 2014 looks bright for Saskatchewan. But with a new year comes some new challenges, including a hit to your bottom line.

Expect to pay higher taxes and more for basic services including electricity, natural gas, and even internet usage.

“Our economy is booming and we have lots of jobs here and investment,” said Regina mayor Michael Fougere. “But our source of revenue, property tax, doesn’t grow with the economy.”

Homeowners should brace for some sort of property tax hike this year. Fougere would not specify how much of an increase is in store but residents can expect details sometime this month.

“We’ll likely see an increase,” said Fougere. “The days of a zero per cent are difficult to achieve now.”

A 5.5 per cent increase in SaskPower rates kicked in on New Year’s Day, which is an average increase of $5 per month. Residents should also expect an increase in SaskEnergy bills. Fees went up by 2.1 per cent last year and will go up another 1.2 per cent this September.

For the first time in five years, SaskTel customers can expect a hike on their internet bill. The price of many of its packages will go up by $5 per month, affecting about 70,000 customers.

“It’s been in the plans for a little while,” said Michelle Englot, Director of External Communications with SaskTel. “Obviously it’s something that we do from time to time.”

The New Year also brings increased fines for parking tickets in Regina. Vehicles parked illegally or without money in its meter run the risk of a $55 fine, up from $45 in 2013.

The Cornwall Centre parkade will also set you back a bit more this year. Parking for a full-day has gone up from $10 to $18.