Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce asks for longer property tax, utility payment deferral

A business advocacy group wants the City of Saskatoon to extend its property tax deferral by an additional three months.

Last month, the city announced a plans to allow individual householders and businesses to defer their property tax payments without penalty until September 30 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city also suspended utility disconnections until the end of September and said it would not be charging late fees for non-payment until then.

The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce applauded the city for these actions, but it also asked for more time.

"Our business community has been impacted in an unprecedented manner," chamber CEO Darla Lindbjerg said in a news release.

"We need to ensure that all levels of government assist these businesses through extended resources and programming."

However, the city said it's premature to look at changing the system.

"Right now, it's too early to make adjustments to the current financial relief program," said Chief Financial Officer Kerry Tarasoff in an emailed response.

"As the situation may change we will, of course, reassess the need to adjust the current program."

The chamber also asked for extended relief from city-owned utilities, including water and power bills.

Since much of the city is serviced by SaskPower, the chamber also sent a similar request to the provincial government.

Finally, the chamber asked that unpaid taxes and utilities be bundled together in a program that would allow businesses to repay the amount owing over the next two to three years.

Lindbjerg's letter is expected to be discussed by the city's governance and priorities committee on Monday. 

The City of Regina also initiated a six-month property tax deferral.