REGINA — The City of Regina is projecting a utility rate shortfall of $17.4 million.
On Friday, council will be presenting a report forecasting a utility rate increase of 7.82 per cent to ensure the city can continue providing current service levels for water, wastewater, etc.
City administration believes roughly $205 million will be required for the 2026 utility budget, increasing from approximately $188 million in 2025.
In the report, administration has also outlined budgetary changes for different utility departments for 2026/2027.
Corporate transactions:
Corporate transactions are not limited to one specific operating area. Instead, they’re a corporate responsibility and include revenues and expenditures.
This delivers “organizational forecasting, payment and oversight of revenue and expenditures paid at a corporate level.”
The city works with stakeholders on corporate transactions, including SaskPower and Regina City Police.
The department is forecasting a total expense budget of $115.8 million, a 12.62 per cent increase from 2025.
The department includes costs allocated via support services, which include work carried out from utility fee-funded services.
This helps deliver items like planning services, performance and service improvements, communications and engagement.
The department is forecasting a total expense decrease of $8.3 million in 2026, or 0.70 per cent from 2025.
Stormwater:
The city maintains and operates a stormwater collection system to ensure public safety, protect the environment, and safeguard community capital investments.
“[Regina’s] stormwater system collects stormwater from residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial customers. Collection is done through a network of underground pipes and detention/retention ponds with stormwater lift pumping stations located to help move the stormwater through the storm channels and creeks to downstream users.”
There are currently over 1,000 km of stormwater piping in the city, with 22,000 storm drains and 13 stormwater lift stations.
The city is forecasting a slight increase of $4.4 million (0.01 per cent) for the 2026 budget.
Water:
The City of Regina oversees critical water infrastructure, including pumping stations, water metres and fire hydrants.
“This essential service operates under strict regulations to safeguard public health and preserve our water resources year-round,” states the city.
The city is forecasting an expense increase for water of 7.25 per cent in 2026 ($22.6 million).
Wastewater:
Wastewater is the city’s commitment to public health, stewardship and infrastructure longevity.
This is provided from operations of a “cohesive wastewater network that channels sewage from homes, institutions, businesses and industries through underground pipes and strategically placed lift stations.”
The department delivers maintenance, repair and operations of the collection system. This ensures wastewater is effectively moved from homes and businesses to the treatment plant.
Wastewater is projected to have a total expense of $23.7 million in 2026, an increase of 6.74 per cent from 2025.
Utility billing:
Asset and property revenue services are responsible for the billing, collection and management of utility bills.
“The area ensures accurate and timely invoicing, flexible payment options and accessible customer support for residents and property owners. This area maintains accurate account records and ensures regulatory compliance.”
In total, Regina’s asset and property revenue services maintain an inventory of nearly 87,000 properties in the assessment roll, managing over $510 million in property taxes for various types of properties and over $190 million in waste and wastewater charges.
The department is forecasting a total expenses budget of $30.5 million in 2026, an increase of 6.80 per cent from 2025.
All budgets won’t be finalized by the city until December.
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