The City of Regina has unveiled a preliminary budget for 2026 that includes a significant property tax rate increase, sparking discussion among homeowners and city officials alike.
Breaking Down the Proposed Tax Hike
According to a report released by city administration, the draft 2026 budget estimates a 15.69 per cent increase to the property tax rate. This substantial jump comprises two main components: a 13.49 per cent increase required to cover basic city operations and an additional 2.2 per cent dedicated to funding the Regina Police Service.
If approved during budget deliberations scheduled for next month, this tax rate increase would have immediate financial implications for Regina residents. For the average homeowner with a property assessed at $324,000, the change would mean an additional $33.04 per month in property taxes, totaling nearly $400 annually in extra municipal taxes.
Impact on Homeowners and City Services
The proposed tax increase comes alongside other rising costs for Regina residents. The budget also estimates a 7.82 per cent utility rate increase for 2026, which would add approximately $14.05 per month to the average homeowner's utility bills.
City officials emphasize that the tax increase primarily serves to maintain current service levels rather than fund new initiatives. The report indicates that the additional revenue would help preserve the status quo for municipal services that residents currently receive.
Understanding Property Tax Calculations
The property tax rate, often referred to as the mill rate, represents the amount of tax payable per dollar of a property's assessed value. In Regina's system, mills equal one-tenth of a cent, or $0.001. This rate is adjusted annually by taxing authorities, including the city and province, to generate the necessary revenue to fund municipal budgets and services.
The city's budget process continues to evolve, with final decisions expected in the coming weeks as council members review the proposed spending plan and its implications for taxpayers.
