Roads, snow removal beat affordable housing in Regina city budget survey

Road construction and repair was the No. 1 budget issue that should be prioritized in City of Regina’s 2025/26 Budget, at least according to respondents to a pre-budget survey.

Just over 1,400 people responded to the survey, which was held in June — a “notable increase in participation, with 30 per cent more residents taking the time to share their priorities and expectations,” according to a news release from the city on Friday.

While roads were top of people’s wish lists — closely followed by crime and snow clearing — affordable housing programs, public transit, and environmental sustainability initiatives were at the bottom.

Most people wanted reductions in property taxes while also wanting the city to increase capital spending for roads, water, sewer and recreation projects.

The city is proposing a one-year budget for 2025, that will be discussed a special meeting on Oct. 1.

Regina’s 2024 capital and operating budget struck a mill rate increase at 2.85 per cent for property taxes, and the base rate increase for utilities was passed at three per cent in December 2023.

Results from the survey can be seen at beheard.regina.ca

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