Yorkton residents packed the Owl’s Nest Restaurant at Deer Park Golf Course on June 17, 2026 to hear Mayor Aaron Kienle deliver his first State of the City address. The sold-out crowd reflected what Kienle called growing excitement about the city’s direction, as he outlined a nearly $71 million budget and major infrastructure projects on the horizon.
Kienle presented a 2026 municipal budget that breaks down to $60 million for day-to-day operations and $11 million for capital work. To pay for it, council approved a 3.85 per cent tax increase, with 2.75 per cent going toward operations and 1.1 per cent dedicated to fixing roads, pipes and other infrastructure. The mayor tied the spending to a broader vision of strengthening core services while building for growth.
Economic indicators backed up the optimistic tone. The city has seen 122 new business licence applications this year, 29 commercial building permits valued at $15.74 million, and now counts more than 1,000 active businesses. Council also approved $139,524 in tax abatements earlier this year through two bylaws aimed at encouraging development, a move Kienle said shows residents and businesses are investing in the community.
Two massive price tags dominated the capital planning discussion. The H.M. Bailey Water Pollution Control Plant, built in 1991 and nearing the end of its life, requires a $204 million upgrade to keep pace with population growth, support industry and serve a future hospital. At the same time, the province has earmarked $1.8 million in the 2026-27 budget for pre-design work on a new regional hospital, and Kienle noted the city’s share of that project has been cut from 20 per cent to 10 per cent.
More immediate improvements are already underway. This year’s paving program covers 16 street sections. The Park Street Reservoir has been revitalized to add 4.5 million litres of water storage, and the fire department took delivery of a new multi-purpose vehicle. Recreation got a boost with $1.5 million in upgrades at the water park, renovations to Kinsmen Arena, and new pickleball courts built through community partnerships. The mayor also pointed to over 1,000 trees planted in three years, roughly 1,000 tonnes of organic waste diverted from the landfill each year, and a sharp increase in recycling since blue bins were introduced.
