Ratepayers of municipalities may be struggling financially due
to the adverse effects of COVID-19 on the economy.
While Saskatchewan has announced plans to lift restrictions on
business activities, the financial burden of those restrictions
will continue to impact residents. As local governments,
municipalities have a duty to foster the economic well-being of
their communities and their ratepayers. There are a number of
options available to municipalities in order to relieve the
financial burden of their ratepayers in the current economic
landscape.
The City of Regina has offered residents and businesses the
ability to defer water utility payments for up to six months with
no late payment or interest charges applied. The City of Regina has
also extended the deadline for residential property taxes to be
paid. Similarly, the City of Saskatoon has suspended utility
disconnections and late payments penalties due to utility
arrears.
