The Regina Police Service (RPS) has put forward a significant request for increased civic funding over the next two years, a move that would represent the largest single contributor to a potential property tax increase for residents. The proposal is outlined in the City of Regina's recently released preliminary budget package for 2026-2027.
Breaking Down the Budget Request
For the 2026 fiscal year alone, the police service is seeking a six per cent increase over its 2025 funding level. This translates to an additional $7.2 million, bringing its total requested operating budget from the city to $116.1 million. Looking ahead to 2027, the RPS has tentatively projected an operating budget of $141.7 million, with $123.5 million requested from municipal coffers.
To meet its total projected operational costs of $131.8 million for 2026, the RPS plans to source an additional $15.7 million from outside channels. This external funding is expected to come from provincial and federal governments, as well as revenue generated from tools like red light cameras.
The Direct Impact on Regina Taxpayers
The police funding request is a major component of the city's overall financial picture. The RPS's ask accounts for 2.2 per cent of an estimated total mill rate increase of 15.69 per cent that the city says is needed just to maintain current service levels.
If city council approves the proposal, the average Regina homeowner will feel the impact directly. For a property assessed at $324,000, the police portion of the tax bill would rise by approximately $4.63 per month in 2026.
This request stands out as the largest single item driving the proposed mill rate hike when compared to other major service partners and capital projects. It outpaces the eastern Water Network Expansion project (1.73% of the mill rate) and the new Indoor Aquatic Facility (0.5%). Other partners, like the Regina Exhibition Association Limited and Economic Development Regina, combine for a much smaller 0.2 per cent impact.
Where Would the Additional Funds Be Directed?
According to a summary from the Board of Police Commissioners, the vast majority of the requested increase is attributed to rising operational costs. A full 1.9 per cent of the 2.2 per cent mill rate impact is tied to salaries and uncontrollable operational expenses.
These necessary expenditures include software maintenance, increased costs for contract services, and proposed staffing increases to maintain service levels. The budget deliberations, where this request will be debated alongside other city priorities, are scheduled to take place later this month, giving councillors and the public a chance to scrutinize the details.
