What Regina’s 2025 Budget Proposal Means for Residents
The City of Regina has unveiled its proposed 2025 budget, and it comes with a significant price tag for residents. If approved, homeowners could see an increase of approximately $320 per year due to a combined utility rate hike of 5.82% and a mill rate increase of 8.5%. The highest in recent memory.
City Manager Niki Anderson explained that Regina has long been delaying necessary increases, leading to a financial shortfall. She noted that previous mill rate hikes have been kept artificially low, making it difficult to keep up with the city’s growing demands. Of the 8.5% increase, 1.9% is earmarked for city administration.
One of the biggest priorities in the proposed budget is infrastructure. City officials argue that a higher mill rate will lead to a safer and more efficient city. The budget includes $96 million for Regina’s roadway network and $59 million for transit improvements. These investments will go toward projects like the revitalization of 11th Avenue, enhanced park lighting, and the replacement of aging transit vehicles.
Chief Financial Officer Daren Anderson emphasized that delaying these projects any longer would only increase costs in the long run. He pointed out that the city has already been relying on external sources to maintain infrastructure and that it’s time to take action.
The budget also proposes an increase in utility rates to fund the replacement of Regina’s aging water infrastructure. Anderson highlighted the need to ensure the long-term viability of underground systems that have been in place for decades.
City council will begin deliberations on the budget starting March 17. Although the current council will cast the final vote, Anderson stressed that much of the financial plan reflects decisions made by the previous council. She described the budget as a “financial snapshot” of commitments already in place.
Among the major investments is a long-anticipated indoor aquatics facility. The city has allocated $27 million toward the project in 2025, with an expected opening date in 2028. The new facility will replace the nearly 50-year-old Lawson Aquatic Centre, which the city says has reached the end of its lifespan.
As budget discussions unfold, Regina residents will be watching closely to see how these financial decisions impact their daily lives and the future of their city.
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