Campaign costs revealed in Regina referendum

Now that results are officially in, the groups that have campaigned for both sides of Regina's referendum are revealing Friday just how much their efforts cost. 

People took to the polls Wednesday to vote on how they thought Regina's wastewater treatment plant upgrade should be paid for and operated. The Yes side voted for a traditional design-bid-build plan, while the No side voted for a public-private partnership (P3). 

The Regina and District Chamber of Commerce said its "Vote No" campaign cost between $125,000 and $130,000. 

That's on top of the $340,000 the City of Regina paid to get people to vote for a P3 funding model.  

CUPE Saskatchewan was helping pay for Regina Water Watch's "Vote Yes" campaign, which cost them $180,000. 

Voter Turnout

Out of 49,013 of people who voted in the referendum 57.1 per cent or 27,988 voted for the No side, meaning they wanted a P3 funding model. 42.9 per cent or 21,025 voted for the Yes side, supporting the traditional design-bid-build plan. 

Not included in the total votes — 69 people spoiled their ballot, 13 people marked both options and seven people left their ballot blank.