Regina Minute: Issue 60

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

📅 This Week In Regina: 📅

• On Tuesday, at 4:30 pm, the Accessibility Advisory Committee will meet. The City of Regina is advancing an initiative to prioritize accessibility upgrades to its recreation facilities, driven by community feedback and aligned with provincial and federal accessibility legislation. City Council has allocated $500,000 annually for five years, extended to six years, to fund these improvements. The Accessibility Advisory Committee is being asked to provide feedback on a draft prioritization tool designed to identify which facilities and specific upgrades will have the greatest impact. First, facilities are grouped into broader categories or “systems” such as Major Facilities, Arenas, and Neighbourhood Centres. Each system is scored based on community and council priorities, alignment with strategic plans, usage levels, and adapted program participation to identify which facility types should receive focus. Next, individual facilities within those systems are evaluated using criteria including the viability of short-term upgrades, attendance, cost to improve accessibility, planned capital projects, and audit results, helping to pinpoint specific sites for upgrades. Finally, once priority facilities are identified, specific upgrades are ranked by urgency, potential impact, ease of implementation, and budget feasibility to ensure the most effective improvements are made.
  
  
• On Wednesday, at 1:00 pm, there will be a meeting of City Council. Administration will present 2025 Expenditure Reduction Options, created in response to Council’s directive to cut $1.55 million from the budget - an amount equal to a 0.5% mill rate reduction for residents. Administration has 13 options grouped into four categories: general savings, reserve transfer reductions, internal service reductions, and public service reductions. General savings include $600,000 from the removal of the carbon tax on electricity. A $500,000 savings could come from reducing a transfer to the Transit Fleet Reserve, despite projections that the reserve will fall into a $6 million deficit by 2028. Internal cuts target technology, workplace and facility improvements, consulting, and custodial services, saving over $600,000. Public service reductions include cuts to mosquito control, dust suppression, and downtown washroom operations, totalling over $640,000. Council will consider these options to try and find savings.
  
  
• A Notice of Motion will be brought forward by Councillors Shanon Zachidniak and Sarah Turnbull. The motion proposes changes to how non-residents of Regina can participate in City Council or committee meetings. Under the proposed changes, non-residents would generally be limited to written submissions unless a Council or Committee member requests their appearance in advance. Apparently, allowing non-residents to speak puts meetings at risk of filibustering. Additionally, the motion directs Administration to review the overall delegation process and report back by Q4 2025 with recommendations to enhance meeting efficiency and delegate experience. Potential improvements under review include scheduled time blocks, digital sign-ins, a buzzer system, broadcast lounges, child-friendly areas, and accessibility upgrades.
  
  
• After nearly a decade of inactivity, Regina is moving ahead with plans to redevelop the former Taylor Field site. On May 14th, the Executive Committee approved a motion to apply for federal funding through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund and to enter a cost-sharing agreement with the federal and provincial governments. The City estimates it will cost $20.9 million to install necessary infrastructure like water and waste systems. If approved, Regina could receive $10.5 million in funding, with the City covering the rest. The plan would open up at least seven acres of land for new housing. City officials and Councillors admitted the delay has hurt public trust, but said they’re optimistic the site can now become a desirable neighbourhood, especially with nearby investments like the new aquatics centre.
  
  
• Regina officials are optimistic that a new direct United Airlines flight to Denver will boost business and tourism in Saskatchewan. The first flight departed Regina International Airport with a nearly full cabin, linking the city to one of the world’s busiest airports. Despite ongoing tensions between Canada and the U.S., local leaders believe the connection will support trade, attract conferences, and stimulate economic growth. Regina Airport CEO James Bogusz noted that each flight could add millions to Saskatchewan’s GDP. Economic Development Regina is leading a trade delegation to Denver to build business relationships and promote the province. The delegation includes representatives from major institutions and businesses like the University of Regina, Pro Metal Industries, and the City of Moose Jaw. The new route also enhances international travel options for Regina residents via Denver’s extensive global network.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

Common Sense Regina is keeping a close eye on City Hall.

We're continuing to monitor Council and Committee meetings and hold local officials accountable. As part of this work, we want to make sure we're focused on the issues that matter most to you.

What would you like to see more information about? Hit reply to this email and let us know your top priorities!

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

This week's sponsor is you! We don't have big corporate backers, so if you like what you're reading, please consider making a donation or signing up as a monthly member.

Having said that, if you are a local business and are interested in being a sponsor, send us an email and we'll talk!