REGINA — Businesses in Regina say decisions made at city hall are creating barriers to investment and growth.
A survey done by roughly 100 members of the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce pointed to municipal spending, rising property taxes, and a lack of fiscal accountability as key challenges affecting their ability to invest.
“Businesses are really looking for that affordability and predictability to make further investments into their company,” explained Regina & District Chamber of Commerce CEO Mike Tate.
While recent mill rate increases have created challenges for businesses, Tate said the city needs to provide more predictable infrastructure spending to give businesses greater certainty.
“Beautification, those types of areas, those are very important to a vibrant city. They're very important to attracting investment.”
Tate added that this type of investment is essential on the Prairies, where Saskatchewan’s climate can make it more difficult to attract residents and workers.
Tate said recent examples of “positive wins” include the Dewdney Avenue Corridor Revitalization Project and the city looking to re-develop the empty Yards area into a neighbourhood.
“This is how slowly an area grows into a vibrant part of our city, and that's really what our businesses are looking for. Property values are going to rise; more traffic is going to be there. Any way we can invest in more traffic and more ability to attract is essential.”
As long as businesses see value in their tax dollars, Tate said companies feel their money will go towards a long-term benefit.
Looking ahead to the future, Tate said the city could benefit from more business improvement districts.
“It can enable us to work together in partnership to make sure that we're targeting the right incentives and we're spending money in the most efficient way possible that's going to drive the best results.”
He also suggested the city consider privatizing certain operations, including landfill services and the asphalt facility.
“Is that the best spend that our city could perform, or is there a different way and a more efficient way if you were to go to the private market?”
Tate said examining these options would show businesses and taxpayers that the city is exploring different approaches to improve operations and accountability.
Recently, Regina’s city council approved the sale of buildings at the Regina Exhibition Association Limited to Brandt.
However, in a statement sent to SaskToday, the city said a deal like this is very unique.
“It is fair to say that the recent Brandt deal occurred under unique circumstances that may not occur again.”
As for allocating resources from recent savings from the Brandt deal (roughly $79 million over five years) and federal funding for the Southwest Sewer Upgrade Project ($29 million), the city is considering this in its upcoming five-year capital plan.
“As part of this process, the city will consider all opportunities to efficiently use funding, including grants from other levels of government.”
