December 7, 2021

Moose Jaw, SK – The City of Moose Jaw has released its proposed 2022 Budget, which includes investments in roads and water infrastructure, recreation facilities and programs.

“Our residents have told us that roads and water infrastructure, along with business attraction, are their top priorities, and that the loss of recreation programming has been the most negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jim Puffalt, City Manager. “This is the 3^rd Budget that has been impacted by the pandemic. However, we’ve maintained our focus on our very successful long term growth plans, investing in the infrastructure our residents need and the programs and services they want and need.  Finally, this the fourth consecutive year that the Budget has been built on progress of previous years, in accordance with the guiding principals of the Budget Policy and will be presented and reviewed before Christmas.”

The proposed Budget accounts for an almost $ 2,500,000 drop in revenue, a 2.78% increase in Municipal Operating Expenditures and will fund multiple projects, including:

• Phase Seven of the Water Main Replacement Program
• Solid Waste Concept Plan
• Parks & Recreation projects including: Moose Square playground replacement, Memorial Field backstop replacement and roof repair/replacement at multiple facilities.

Budget deliberations will also see the presentation of new initiatives, including:

• Climate Action Plan
• New Pickleball Courts
• Parks & Recreation Master Plan
• Thunderbird Viaduct Rehabilitation Phase 1

The proposed increase is broken down as follows (annual/monthly increase to the average Moose Jaw property in brackets):

• 25% to cover municipal operations ($48.36 per year/$4.03 permonth)
• 61% to cover the proposed Moose Jaw Police Service Budget ($24 per year/$2 per month)
• Increase the annual infrastructure levy by $35 to $100 ($35 per year/$2.92 per month)

The Budget also proposes a 3% increase to water rates and a 3% increase to sewer rates. The entire Budget can be viewed at: www.moosejaw.ca/financial-budget-reports/.

2022 Budget deliberations are scheduled for Wednesday, December 8 at 4:00 p.m., Monday, December 13 at 6:00 p.m. and Wednesday, December 15 at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, 2^nd floor of Moose Jaw City Hall.

Budget deliberations are open to the public and anyone wishing to attend must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a recent (within 72 hours) negative test. All Budget meetings will be broadcast live to Shaw Cable 10 customers in Moose Jaw and will be streamed live on the City’s website with this link: http://download.isiglobal.ca/moosejaw/live.html.