Regina Minute: Childcare Challenges, Home Sales, and Scarth Street Feedback

Regina Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Regina politics

This Week In Regina:

• The Development Appeals Board will hold its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday at 5:30 pm.
  
  
• The Scarth Street Mall "What We Heard" report is now available, summarizing feedback from various engagement activities. Input was gathered through five pop-up events in downtown, 28 stakeholder interviews, and over 2,400 visits to the BeHeard page. You can read the report online.
  
  
• The City is looking for community members to join the Regina Airport Authority. Two vacancies are available, and candidates with expertise in tourism, IT, and governance are being encouraged to apply by January 31st, 2025. More information is available on the City’s website.

Last Week In Regina:

• Childcare centres in Regina, including Prairie Lily’s Sacred Heart, said they are facing financial challenges due to the $10-a-day childcare program, which has strained funding. These centres are at risk of cutting programs and staff or even closing. Operators are asking for sustainable, long-term provincial funding. The government is developing a funding model, but childcare providers stress that changes must happen urgently to prevent a crisis in the city's childcare landscape.
  
  
• Regina experienced a record-breaking year for home sales in 2024, with 3,917 properties sold, according to the Saskatchewan Realtors Association. December alone saw a 5% year-over-year increase in sales, with figures 28% above long-term trends. However, record housing demand has led to a 32% drop in inventory levels compared to 2023, leaving availability more than 40% below historical averages. The benchmark home price in December was $313,400, reflecting a 5% increase from the previous year. Across Saskatchewan, 2024 marked the province's second-best year for sales, with strong demand but fewer new listings contributing to historically low inventory.
  
  
• The City announced the Indigenous Procurement Business Gathering, scheduled for February 25th, 2025, at the Regina Performing Arts Centre. This event aims to support Indigenous businesses by providing networking opportunities, insights into City projects, and guidance on procurement processes. Highlights include a panel Q&A session, presentations, and a keynote speech by Terry Bird. Registration is free and available online, but space is limited.