Norris promises one-time tax break for sports and arts groups

Saskatoon mayoral candidate Rob Norris is promising a one-time tax break for sports, arts and recreational groups with a total cost of $5 million.

Norris made the announcement from his Wall Street campaign office on Tuesday, with less than two weeks to go until the Nov. 9 civic election. 

Norris said the tax break is meant to offset the economic sting of the COVID-19 pandemic to groups that run facilities. 

"They are essential for, well, frankly, not simply the physical health of a broad swath of Saskatoon, from seniors to students to families, but they're also essential for our mental well-being and our sense of community," Norris said.

To fund the initiative, Norris said the city would decrease how much it spends every year on new vehicles by one third, although police vehicles would remain a priority.

"We're going to say this year we're going to defer some of those vehicle expenditures and we're going to help the citizens and organizations of Saskatoon," Norris said.

Clark, Atchison react

Incumbent Charlie Clark, who is seeking a second term, said Norris' announcement is "another big election year promise" that, combined with Norris' promise for a one-per-cent property tax increase for 2021, would put the city $12 million in the hole.

"At a time when we're already facing huge uncertainties with our finances from COVID," Clark added. 

Don Atchison preceded Clark as mayor for 13 years and is seeking to reclaim his former perch. He said Norris' offer "is only a one-time solution."

"For the arts community and for the sports community, the groups that have been struggling over the years, they need a more long-term permanent solution," Atchison said.