New incentives to get out and walk are coming from the City of Regina in 2026! Of course that’s an extreme statement. But if you come downtown by car or take transit, you’ll be salting away some extra money for your chosen mode of transport.
Parking is just one of the things that will change in the new year when it comes to increases for the City of Regina. It is time to tighten the belt and take note that the cost of everything is going up. Included in this, an increase of 10 percent for transit fares as of April 1st. Parking tickets will increase by $10 come April 1st. Parking meter fees go up fifty cents per hour to $2.50 April 1. NO FOOLING the parking meters downtown will be removed, so download that parking app now and get used to the non-cash method. OH and no free parking at the Wascana Pool. So, I guess the parking lots behind Darke Hall and the College Avenue U of R Campus buildings will be paid parking.
Here’s some of the other things. Less park maintenance per month. I wonder if that means they won’t be planting seasonal flowers. Maybe neighbours will have to get together to do that. In the winter, twenty sandboxes will be removed for ice control. Just in time for another rainstorm followed by dropping temperatures. We just got into Winter!!
No one wants a safer, friendlier city than the residents of Regina. And I’m sure the people in City Hall feel the same, but there will be and has been much conversation about this increase in taxes. So, when it comes to safety, the budget focus includes 131 million dollars for Regina Police Services and 55 million for the Regina Fire and Protective Services, these increases cannot be denied.
Rental rates escalate. property taxes take jumps, buildings are knocked down, commercial rental space is empty. Restructuring is taking place at a rapid rate. All these things are not just in the larger centres, they are part of our daily life. Added expenses for water, sewage and energy. All good topics of discussion around the family meal. A reminder that the lights need to be turned off, keep the temperature low, that’s right – wear a sweater!!! And, cut out those long showers!!
If anything, 2026 might just make us walk more and get back to the basics of life!!!
(City of Regina has released break-downs of budget)
Get ready to walk
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