Regina Minute: Homelessness Funding, Mayoral Forum, and Holy Rosary Park

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

This Week In Regina:

• Federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser says he plans to directly engage with the City of Regina to address homelessness, citing a lack of response from the provincial government regarding a federal funding offer last month. Fraser says the situation has become urgent as winter is approaching, and that municipalities must act swiftly to protect vulnerable lives. The City says it has yet to receive formal communication from the Minister, but that they are open to collaboration.
  
  
• As preparations ramp up for Regina's municipal election on November 13th, the City Clerk says that mail-in ballots are on their way to residents. More than 2,500 mail-in ballot applications have already been received, matching levels seen during the pandemic-affected 2020 election. For the first time, Elections Regina is issuing digital voter IDs to streamline the voting process, which is expected to reduce wait times at polling stations to around three-and-a-half minutes. Full information on the election is available online.
  
  
• Speaking of elections, the provincial election is today! Polls are open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. If you haven’t already voted in last week’s advance polling, today is your last chance. You can find out where to vote using Elections Saskatchewan’s online tool.

Last Week In Regina:

• A Regina homeowner claimed that City-owned trees have caused approximately $20,000 in damages to his property over the years, particularly affecting his lawn and driveway due to intrusive roots. He discovered the extent of the damage during a recent construction project, revealing roots near the foundation of his house. Despite his attempts to discuss tree removal options with the City, the homeowner received little constructive guidance and was informed he would need to bear the costs of any removal. The City of Regina stated that only they can remove City-owned trees under specific conditions. Now, the homeowner is hoping for a review of the City's tree bylaws.
  
  
• The City has agreed to purchase Holy Rosary Park to maintain it as a public green space, responding to community concerns about a lack of outdoor areas following the recent closure of Holy Rosary School. The Regina Catholic School Division initiated the plan to preserve the park, which is adjacent to the now-closed school. The City will acquire the land for $1, plus closing costs, and plans to include it in its park inventory.
  
  
• At a recent forum hosted by the Cathedral Village Community Association, seven candidates vying for Regina's mayoral position presented their priorities. They discussed a wide range of issues, including the future of the Central Library, affordable housing, and plans to eliminate lead water pipes, which are particularly relevant in the Cathedral neighborhood. Candidates expressed differing views on a proposed $245 million Indoor Aquatic Facility, with some advocating for renovations to the existing Lawson Aquatic Centre instead. The discussion also touched on the feasibility of lowering taxes, with several candidates deeming it unrealistic given the City's infrastructure needs. Stay tuned for Common Sense Regina’s comprehensive election coverage!