REGINA, SK: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski and the rest of city council to not impose a hotel tax. Documents obtained by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation show that the city was in favour of a hotel tax in the summer of 2024.

“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 say that “the City would support including a provision in The Cities Act that would provide city council with option of imposing an accommodation tax.”

Currently, it is illegal for municipalities in Saskatchewan to charge hotel or accommodation taxes.

The Saskatchewan government asked for feedback from Regina on a potential hotel tax in the summer of 2024. The election in November 2024 saw nine new members, including a new mayor, elected to city council.

The new council is already hiking taxes. The city of Regina is proposing to increase property taxes by 8.5 per cent this year. That’s the highest proposed hike in 10 years

Meanwhile, the city’s spending is questionable. For example, the city wasted about $30,000 on its failed “Experience Regina” rebrand that was cancelled after unveiling slogans deemed inappropriate, such as “the city the rhymes with fun” and “show us your Regina.”

“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.”