Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is calling on Regina’s newly elected city council to reject the idea of a hotel tax, arguing it would place an unnecessary financial burden on visitors.
Documents obtained by the CTF reveal that city officials were supportive of a hotel tax in the summer of 2024. While it is currently illegal for Saskatchewan municipalities to charge such a tax, the provincial government sought Regina’s feedback on the matter last year.
“The last thing any Saskatchewan taxpayer needs is another tax to pay,” said Gage Haubrich, CTF Prairie Director. “The city should not be punishing Saskatchewanians from out of town for visiting Regina and spending money in the city to see a Rider game or a concert.”
The documents state that “the City would support including a provision in The Cities Act that would provide city council with [the] option of imposing an accommodation tax.”
The November 2024 municipal election resulted in a significant shake-up of Regina’s city council, with nine new members, including Mayor Chad Bachynski, taking office. Despite the change in leadership, concerns over rising taxes and city spending remain.
The city is already proposing an 8.5% increase in property taxes this year—the highest hike in a decade. Meanwhile, some spending decisions have raised eyebrows, including the failed “Experience Regina” rebrand, which cost taxpayers approximately $30,000 before being scrapped due to backlash over controversial slogans.
“Does the new Regina city council seriously think it isn’t taxing people enough?” Haubrich said. “Bachynski and the rest of city council need to reject a hotel tax.”
With property taxes set to rise and the city’s financial priorities under scrutiny, all eyes are now on Regina’s council to see whether they will move forward with a hotel tax or listen to taxpayer concerns.
