On Friday, Regina city councillors approved the city’s $472.2 million operating and capital budget for 2020 which will give a boost to infrastructure, recreation and culture.
Regina ratepayers will see an increase of 3.25 per cent on their property taxes for the year which translates to an extra $5.60 per month for every home assessed at $350,000.
“It is a base to support the growth of our city and it’s a way to move our city forward,” said Mayor Michael Fougere who voted against the 3.25 per cent increase. He wanted a mill rate increase closer to 2.8 per cent for 2020.
“In the view of council, this is the best budget we could put forward for 2020,” said Fougere.
Regina’s 2020 capital budget includes $12 million for the construction of outdoor pools, $41 million for roads, $10.5 million for city facilities and $8.8 million to complete the Waste Management Centre.
Other priorities include $96 million for the Regina Police Service, $44 million for Regina Fire and Protective Service and $40 million for transit services.
Another $1.3 million has been allocated for the redevelopment of the Regent Par 3 golf course and another $1 million for the Ring Road Railroad Relocation Project.
The city allocated $3 million for the establishment of an ongoing culture and recreation program. This money will be used to fund spray pads, accessible playground hubs, multi-use pathways, a public art program and renovations at the Globe Theatre.
Ward 2 Councillor Bob Hawkins called it the “best budget” he’s seen in seven years as a Regina councillor.
In addition to the budget, utility rates will increase by three per cent in January. For the average homeowner this means a monthly increase of $4.14 in 2020.