Saskatoon, other municipalities in Saskatchewan, facing property tax hikes

Municipalities in Saskatchewan are feeling the crunch of budget time and some leaders say taxpayers are feeling extra pressure due to government cost downloading.

Saskatoon, among other municipalities across Saskatchewan, is feeling the crunch of budget time with raised property taxes. A report from the city suggests some of the blame for the increases is due to the federal and provincial governments downloading costs.

While the province insists support is at record levels, some local leaders argue it’s still not keeping pace with the costs pushed their way.

Saskatoon’s budget overview included a report on provincial or federal government downloading to the City of Saskatoon.

The report states that recent direct downloading and indirect downloading via cuts to vital social programs has resulted in “unreasonable financial burdens.”

“What we’re hearing from municipalities right across our province is downloading is impacting each and every one of them,” says Saskatchewan’s Urban Municipalities Association president Randy Goulden.

Saskatoon and Regina — Saskatchewan’s two biggest cities — are going through the budget process, and both will see increased property taxes. Regina is facing a potential increase of more than 15 per cent.”

Some outreach services say they are feeling the impacts of funding shortages and are relying more on donations to keep up with increasing demand.

“Those costs are trickling down in more ways than just municipality, they are trickling down to individuals,” says executive director of Saskatoon Indian and Metis Friendship Centre Michelle King.