Regina Minute: Election Day, Community Fridge, and Poll Results Revealed

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

This Week In Regina:

• The municipal election takes place on Wednesday, November 13th. Polls will be open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. You can locate your polling station here. If you haven’t already registered to vote, you can still do so at the polling station. Voters will elect their Mayor, City Council, and School Board Trustees. You can see the complete list of candidates here.
  
  
• A community fridge in Regina's Cathedral neighbourhood, which was destroyed by an arson fire in September, is set to be rebuilt, but not all residents are in favour of its return. The fridge, which provided free food and supplies since 2021, was run by volunteers and served hundreds of people annually. While many neighbours support the rebuild, some are concerned about increased noise and drug use in the area since the fridge's installation. Volunteers argue that the fridge is part of the solution to local issues, not the cause. A community meeting will be held to gather feedback on the future of the fridge and its location.
  
  
• A four-year revitalization project is ongoing, but 11th Avenue is open again to traffic, pedestrians, and transit routes. The project involves upgrading underground infrastructure, streetscapes, and sidewalks, as well as adding new lighting, traffic signals, and transit shelters. Though no more work is planned for 2024, the project will continue in spring 2025.

Last Week In Regina:

• Common Sense Regina commissioned a poll which revealed that 68% of Regina voters want a new mayor. Incumbent Mayor Sandra Masters leads with 31% of decided voter support, closely followed by Councillor Lori Bresciani at 26%, while the remaining votes are split among other candidates. Key issues fueling dissatisfaction include opposition to costly projects like the Lawson Aquatic Centre rebuild and the downtown library, with 65% and 67% of voters opposing these initiatives, respectively.
  
  
• A total of 15,190 people cast a ballot in the advance polls for the municipal election, an increase from the 14,374 who voted early in 2020. Advance polls were held at multiple locations, with the South Leisure Centre and Victoria Square Mall seeing some of the highest turnouts. Additionally, over 3,000 mail-in ballot applications have been received.
  
  
• American Peter Starkel, inspired by a 1990s tourism video, recently fulfilled his decades-long dream of visiting Regina. Despite initial amusement from locals about his interest in the city, he relied on suggestions from residents and Reddit to explore, ultimately attending a Roughriders game and visiting some popular spots. Starkel noted a lack of tourist resources in Regina compared to other areas, though he appreciated the friendliness and support from strangers who helped him have a memorable experience. Reflecting on his trip, Starkel encouraged Regina to better promote its unique offerings to visitors.