CONCLUSION
It has been the practice for the PCC, REAL, EDR and the RPL to provide the Executive Committee with a presentation outlining their work plan and budget request for the coming year. For PCC, REAL and EDR the purpose is to inform the Committee of the community investment that is being requested by these organizations for future budget deliberations by City Council. For the RPL the purpose is to present their budget and request a mill rate for the upcoming year to be deliberated and approved by City Council.
BACKGROUND
On December 9, 2019, City Council will discuss Administration’s proposed 2020 General Operating Budget. Included in this budget will be the Community Investment Allocation to Executive Committee, which includes annual funding to REAL, EDR and the PCC. The proposed 2020 budget report will also include the RPL mill rate ask for 2020.
DISCUSSION
Provincial Capital Commission (PCC) – Appendix A
In 2017, The Wascana Centre Act was replaced by The Provincial Capital Commission Act. Under this Act, the Government of Saskatchewan established a Board of Directors representing Wascana Centre’s three participating parties. The Board contains three representatives from the Government of Saskatchewan and one each from the City of Regina and University of Regina. PCC provides oversight and stewardship of 2,300 acres of land within the City of Regina, including land owned by each participating party and occupied by diverse tenants.
The majority of PCC’s revenue is in the form of grant contributions from the PCC’s participating parties: Government of Saskatchewan, City of Regina and University of Regina. The 2019-20 fiscal year will continue as a transition year for the PCC as discussions continue on a new operating and funding model for the future.
PCC has presented a total request from the City of Regina of $2,719,000, which is the same as their 2019 request which was included and approved in the 2019 budget. This includes an operating funding request of $2,119,000 and a capital request of $600,000 in 2020.
Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) – Appendix B
The Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) is the non-profit corporation that is responsible for the stewardship, development, promotion and overall management of Evraz Place for the City of Regina. REAL is a large, multi-purpose event complex boasting over 1.2 million square feet of fully connected indoor space and over thirty (30) acres of outdoor usable space located in the heart of Regina – in close proximity to the Regina International Airport and downtown.
REAL is requesting $100,000 in funding in 2019, which is a reduction of $100,000 over 2019 approved funding.
Economic Development Regina (EDR) – Appendix C
EDR’s mandate is to create and implement an economic development strategy to grow and sustain prosperity in the Regina region; encourage the retention, development, attraction and growth of business and tourism products and services for those who live, work, visit and invest in the Regina region; and market and promote the Regina region for business and tourism.
EDR is requesting funding of $1,848,240 in 2020, which is an increase of $36,240, or 2%, over 2019. This increase is reflective of cost of living and inflationary pressures to maintain core services and support day-to-day business.
Regina Public Library (RPL) – Appendix D
The Regina Public Library promotes and supports cultural, economic, educational and recreational development in the City through collections, programs and services.
Under Section 22(1) of The Public Libraries Act, the Board of the Regina Public Library is required to ask City Council for approval of the mill rate request. The 2020 Library mill rate request is 0.74971. This represents a 2.3% mill rate increase over 2019. This increase is due to inflationary pressures to deliver the same services.
RECOMMENDATION IMPLICATIONS
Financial Implications
The 2020 budget allocations for the PCC, REAL, EDR and the RPL mill rate will be determined by City Council through future budget deliberations.
Environmental Implications
None with respect to this report.
Policy and/or Strategic Implications
None with respect to this report.
Other Implications
None with respect to this report.
Accessibility Implications
None with respect to this report.
COMMUNICATIONS
The Provincial Capital Commission, Regina Exhibition Association Limited, Economic Development Regina and the Regina Public Library will be advised of the decision of City Council.
DELEGATED AUTHORITY
The recommendations contained in this report require City Council approval.
Respectfully submitted, Respectfully submitted,
{Signature}
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