Prince Albert city council will be asked Monday to consider a policy review that could provide temporary tax relief to properties hit by extraordinary assessment increases, including Minto Rec Centre.
Coun. Tony Head gave notice of the motion at the Sept. 14 council meeting after correspondence from Minto. Head said the business had received a 187 per cent assessment increase and asked whether the City had the assessment right and whether there were “any kind of relief measures that we can put in place.”
The motion asks administration to prepare a report on options for a temporary assessment impact mitigation or phase-in relief policy for properties affected by classification-driven increases.
In a letter included with Monday’s agenda, Minto owners Derek and Mark Hlewka said the business’s annual tax bill rose from $35,827.30 to $88,178.18 after the assessment change, and reached $92,347.08 in 2026. They said the change resulted from the property moving into a different commercial classification rather than new construction or a major renovation.
They are asking council to consider a 50 per cent reduction in municipal taxes for the next two taxation years, until the next revaluation.
Council will also consider changing how municipal and police towing and Impound services are delivered.
Administration is recommending a five-year agreement with Lakeland Towing beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Under the proposed model, Lakeland would provide towing services for the City and Prince Albert Police Service on an exclusive basis and pay the City $250,000 per year.
The report says the change would remove the City from operating the SGI Vehicle impound Program and municipal impound lot. Lakeland would be expected to meet a standard 20-minute response time within city limits and provide secure storage access for police.
The proposed rates also include 50 free tows per year for City and police vehicles under five tons.
Another item returning to council is the Little Red River Park Toboggan Hill Improvement Project.
Council previously approved a $109,969.50 contract with Snake Lake Construction Ltd., plus applicable taxes, for a total project value of $122,066.15. The work included earthworks, an accessible walking path, topsoil, seeding and cedar fencing. The project included a $100,000 contribution from the Rotary Club of Prince Albert’s 2025 Lobsterfest fundraiser.
Administration is now asking council to cancel the purchase order because the contractor Cannot complete the work during the 2026 construction season. The city plans to re-tender the work in spring 2027 and confirm Rotary’s contribution remains designated for the project.
Other items on Monday’s agenda include the proposed 10-year Mann Art Gallery support agreement, a five-year operating agreement with the Prince Albert Nordic Ski Club and the annual review of the City’s new construction incentive program.
Council will also consider purchases of two street sweepers and a sewer jet truck, an upgrade to the E. A. Rawlinson Centre’s Event management software, a cornerstone Blvd. license agreement and deputy mayor appointments.
Coun. Blake Edwards’ motion asking administration to prepare options to prevent and deter vehicle stunting at the Art Hauser Centre parking lot is also on the agenda.
The regular council meeting begins at 5.p.m. Monday at the Prince Albert City Hall.
arjun.pillai@paherald.sk.ca
