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Regina’s executive committee is expected to get an update on the city’s consultations with nearby residents and property owners about the new emergency shelter coming to Halifax Street.
Residents who live or own property within 250 metres of the shelter were invited to a series of consultation sessions.
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Previously, some property owners voiced concerns about the potential for a jump in crime and vandalism that could come along with the new shelter.
The City of Regina is considering some type of compensation plan for businesses in the area that may be affected by the shelter when it opens, and will hear from delegates on Wednesday.
The permanent emergency shelter is expected to be up and running this summer.
Parking meter hours
Meanwhile, city administration is looking to reduce the window for paid meter parking by one hour. The change would see meters running from 8 a.m to 5 p.m., rather than the current hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The extra hour of free parking is meant to invite more visitors to Regina’s downtown core, in an effort to spur economic growth.
The agenda report said many downtown businesses have struggled with decreased foot traffic and inflationary pressure since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report estimated the revenue lost due to the bylaw change would add up to about $39,000 per year, but if the change is approved, administration would redirect parking enforcement to focus on other areas, such as bus lanes and no-parking zones.
“Fines issued for violations in these areas are expected to offset reduced ticket revenue,” the agenda read.
Taxi bylaw update
Regina’s executive committee is also expected to examine options on improving accessible taxi services within the city.
That includes the possibility of increasing the number of accessible taxis available, and making sure all cab companies in the city have at least one accessible taxi in service at all times.
Additionally, all accessible taxi drivers could be required to complete mandatory training as prescribed by the city’s license inspector.
2025 property assessment revaluation
City administration has recommended that council endorse a set of tax policy principles that were initially approved by the previous council in July, related to the 2025 property assessment revaluation.
Revaluation takes place every four years, and reflects a base date of a two-year lag – meaning the 2025 revaluation is based on property sales before January 1, 2023.
One of the recommendations administration is making is ensuring that the share of property taxes between residential and non-residential properties does not change due to revaluation.
Administration also recommended a revenue-neutral “phase-in,” which would gradually be implemented over the span of three years (2025-2027).
Transit fare adjustments
Council members are also expected to discuss a new four-month transit pass for post-secondary students, as well as changes to transit fares.
The four-month pass is intended for students at institutions that don’t have a U-pass program.
If approved, the passes will be sold by the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Student Association, the University of Regina Students’ Union and the Transit Information Centre for $260 – though the report said it won’t impact the U-pass system at the university.
Wednesday’s agenda noted that the new pass would save students an extra $52, with no additional operating costs to the city.
The recommended transit fare amendments would allow students to buy “stored value” and load it onto their mobile app or reloadable cards. Those paying electronically would pay $2.90 per trip, regardless of age.
If approved, the new transit pass would be available August 24, and the fares would take effect May 1.
The meeting is set to take place at 9 a.m.
