Regina Mayor Welcomes $51 Billion Federal Infrastructure Investment

Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski has expressed optimism regarding the federal budget proposed by Prime Minister Mark Carney, particularly in relation to municipal infrastructure funding. During a city council meeting on Wednesday, Bachynski highlighted his satisfaction with the budget’s focus on infrastructure support, stating, “I think that it hit a mark.”

Details of the Federal Budget

Unveiled on Tuesday, the 2025-26 federal budget allocates $51 billion over the next ten years, beginning in 2026, through the new Build Communities Strong Fund. This initiative is designed to assist municipalities in expanding infrastructure to accommodate population growth and enhance community services. The funding will be distributed across three key streams: housing-enabling projects such as water infrastructure, health-related initiatives, and educational projects at colleges and universities.

Additionally, the budget rebrands the existing Canada Community-Building Fund, formerly known as the Gas Tax Fund, integrating it into the new program. This restructured fund will account for $27.8 billion of the total budget allocation. Bachynski was part of a delegation of Saskatchewan leaders who recently visited Ottawa to advocate for ongoing cost-sharing measures in light of the impending completion of another federal initiative, the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Fund (ICIP).

Local Implications and Reactions

Bachynski noted the importance of maintaining a constructive dialogue with federal ministers, stating, “I think we put our best foot forward and hopefully we can continue that narrative with them.” While the funding announcement has been met with positivity, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has raised concerns about the adequacy of the budget for long-term infrastructure needs.

“The funding acknowledges that municipal infrastructure is essential to Canada’s productivity and trade,” the FCM stated. “However, it falls short regarding assurances of sustained support.”

According to the FCM, a portion of the $51 billion includes funds that have been “reprofiled” from previous programs, essentially reannouncing investments that municipalities have already included in their long-term planning. Bachynski agreed with this assessment, emphasizing the necessity for further investment to meet the significant infrastructure demands across Canada. “We know it’s not enough,” he remarked, stressing the need for more robust financial support to make generational investments.

When asked if the new funding streams might facilitate any upcoming projects in Regina, Bachynski indicated that city officials have yet to analyze the specific qualifications for the new funding. Regina has previously benefited from federal programs, utilizing funds for various initiatives, including the construction of a new indoor aquatic facility, the acquisition of electric buses, and preparations for redeveloping the former Taylor Field site.

As discussions continue around infrastructure funding, Regina’s leadership remains hopeful that this new federal investment will bolster the city’s capabilities to address pressing infrastructure needs and support sustainable growth.