The City of Regina’s budget options for 2026-2027 will impact you, the Art Gallery of Regina (AGR) and other services you value.

 

City Council will consider options for reducing the City’s budget in a bid to cut property taxes. The options considered in the formal budget process, taking place December 15-19, include slashing programs and services.

 

HOW THE BUDGET COULD AFFECT THE ART GALLERY OF REGINA:

There are 2 items in the budget options that could have an immediate, negative impact on the AGR;

1. Eliminating the Community Investment Grants Program (CIGP), grants that fund social development, culture, sport and recreation, among others.

2. Closing the Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre (NBCAC).

 

  THE EFFECTS:

• Community Investment Grants are a key part of the AGR’s funding. These grants help AGR secure additional support from other agencies and donors.

• Losing this funding would prevent the AGR from fulfilling commitments to existing funders, risking the loss of complementary provincial, federal, and private funds.

• Without City grant funding, the AGR would face major service cuts and operational changes.

• The AGR rents its purpose-built gallery space in the NBCAC. Shutting the centre down would likely force the AGR to shut as well.

• If the NBCAC’s funding or staff were cut significantly, the AGR would struggle to maintain its presence and operations without this supportive relationship with its landlord.

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A few hundred dollars saved on property taxes is insignificant, but losing our treasured cultural institutions will have an immediate and lasting negative impact on the quality of life in our city.

 

WHAT IS THE MILL RATE?

Misinformation is fueling panic about property taxes.

The mill rate is not a 15% increase in property tax.

• A mill rate is the amount of tax levied on a property for every $1,000 of its assessed value. For example, if the mill rate is 15, $15 of property tax will be charged for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value.

• The proposed increase would amount to approximately $300/year for the average household. Annually, the AGR costs Regina residents less than 30¢ each.

 

WHERE CAN I FIND THE PROPOSED CUTS?

• Many programs and services, 132 to be precise, are being considered for cuts and defunding, not just the Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre or the Art Gallery of Regina.

• The complete list starts on page 483 of the Budget Deliberations Meeting Agenda.

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• Chances are, programs and services you value are among those slated for downsizing or cancellation.

   

   

WHAT CAN I DO?

1.) Write to your city councilor about the importance of Community Investment Grants using a tool prepared by Sask Arts Alliance (find links below).

 

2.) Write to your city councilor telling them why the Art Gallery of Regina and the Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre matter to you. Find your Ward and click the corresponding button below to fill in their contact. Then simply copy, paste, and personalize our letter! You can also call City Councilors on the phone.

 

3.) Sign up to speak at the meeting on December 15 as a delegate.

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4.) Your presence matters—anyone can attend a City Council meeting. Join us on December 15 and let your silent presence speak volumes in opposition to cuts to the cultural sector. The AGR's Director/Curator has applied to speak as a delegate on our behalf.

 

5.) Start conversations with friends, neighbours, and family about the Budget: explain what’s at stake, highlight how little is gained by these cuts, and make clear what our community stands to lose.

 

This moment is a chance to shape Regina’s future—let City Council know what you value most, and what makes our city unique, vibrant, and worth investing in.

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Take the next step—use the tools below to send your letter now!