WEYBURN – Weyburn Mayor Jeff Richards expressed enthusiasm for key allocations in the 2025-26 Saskatchewan provincial budget unveiled at the legislature.
Among the highlights, Richards noted the impact of increased municipal revenue sharing and funding for local infrastructure projects.
"It's great to see a balanced budget but also always good to see that municipal revenue sharing piece continue and grow," Richards told Â鶹´«Ã½.
The 2025-26 budget sets a record $362M for municipal revenue sharing, marking an increase of $22M or 6.3 per cent from the previous fiscal year.
"That's about an additional $160,000 a year for the City of Weyburn," said Richards.
The Ministry of Health has received a record $8.1B allocation, up $485M or 6.4 per cent. Richards also welcomed continued funding for Weyburn's new hospital, which is under construction.
"Hopefully we can get that over the finish line in the next 12 months," said Richards.
The budget also prioritizes public safety and justice funding, with increased resources for policing and corrections. The Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety is receiving $798 million, while the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General has been allocated $271 million.
"We're hoping to leverage that down in Weyburn to offset some of the work our guys are doing in the court system and things like that—to keep them on the street where they want to be," said Richards.
Infrastructure improvements also feature prominently in the budget. Richards expressed optimism over plans for five kilometres of highway twinning on Highway #39 and funding for upgrades to the Highway #13 and #39 intersection.
"That's helpful for us as well," said Richards, adding,"it's really important and we're really glad to see it happening."
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