The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says Saskatoon taxpayers can’t afford a double-digit tax hike.

CTF Prairie Director Gage Haubrich says the projected deficits for the next two years would result in a 17 per cent property tax increase in 2024 and a six per cent increase in 2025 if city councillors don’t find savings.

The CTF calculates that the average home price in Saskatoon is about $381,000. That means a homeowner would pay $630 more per year in property taxes by 2025 with the proposed city property tax hikes.

Haubrich points to the city’s own spending saying the city spent $100,000 on a back alley light display that’s only use is providing a better view of the dumpsters behind a bar. It also spent $67 million buying land for a new arena that hasn’t been approved.

The City of Saskatoon announced Wednesday that with increased revenue-sharing expectations from the province and other adjustments, the prior released funding gaps of $52.4 million and $23.2 million are now $50.9 million and $21.7 million for 2024 and 2025. There will be a special budget meeting to deal with the deficit on Wednesday.