Regina Minute: Final Service, Sustainable Restaurant, and Happy New Year

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

This Week In Regina:

• There are no Council or Committee meetings this week. Regularly scheduled meetings will resume at the end of January.
  
  
• Tuesday is New Year’s Eve! Regina Transit will offer free bus service on New Year’s Eve between 7:00 pm and 2:00 am to help people get home safely.
  
  
• As we ring in the New Year, we’re reflecting on the work we’ve accomplished and the challenges ahead. To kick off 2025 strong, we’ve set a goal to raise $10,000 by midnight on December 31st. This crucial fundraiser will ensure we can continue our mission in the coming year. If you’ve valued our efforts and want to see us achieve even more, please consider making a donation today. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference, and we’re incredibly thankful for your support. Click here to donate and help us start the year on the right foot. Thank you and Happy New Year!

Last Week In Regina:

• Regina Police Chief Farooq Hassan Sheikh reflected on his first year in the role, highlighting progress in proactive policing and resource allocation to address crime. He acknowledged challenges like homelessness, mental health, and addiction but credited significant drug busts in 2024 to effective intelligence and community support. Sheikh plans to implement Neighbourhood Watch programs and a camera registry system in 2025 to enhance safety and streamline crime prevention. The registry would allow residents to voluntarily share camera locations, aiding swift responses to incidents.
  
  
• Canada's first sustainable Tim Hortons opened in the Greens on Gardiner neighbourhood and is designed to minimize environmental impact. The restaurant features low-carbon concrete, improved insulation, and a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation, with plans for electric vehicle charging stations and a green roof. There is also a moss wall showcasing the company logo, crafted by local artists using recycled materials. The store will be monitored to assess the success of its sustainability measures, with potential for these innovations to influence future Tim Hortons locations.
  
  
• Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Regina held its final Christmas Eve service after 118 years of worship. The decision to close was made by the congregation earlier this year in light of declining attendance. Pastor Sarah Dymund said that the closure is an opportunity to repurpose the building for continued community support, including programs like the TLC Pantry and potential housing projects for women fleeing violence.