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Saskatoon could well see the overall proportion of property tax paid by businesses reduced if city council candidates’ responses to a survey accurately reflect their intentions.

The North Saskatoon Business Association (NSBA) asked all 40 candidates for city council and mayor where they stand on a proposal to shift property tax from businesses to residents.

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The StarPhoenix also followed up with candidates whose responses were not posted on the NSBA website.

The NSBA asked the following question: “Do you support a lowering of the municipal property tax ratio of commercial and industrial taxpayers from its present premium of 175 per cent to 143 per cent over an extended period of time (i.e. 16 years)?”

Sixteen candidates expressed support for the move, including two who are running for mayor, while nine said they oppose the move. Another 15 gave unclear answers or did not respond.

Saskatoon lowered the commercial-to-residential tax ratio from 241 per cent to 175 per cent between 2001 and 2010, which resulted in about $4.7 million in increased taxes annually for residential property owners.