Regina Minute: Issue 66

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

📅 This Week In Regina: 📅

• There are no Council or Committee meetings this week. Meetings will resume on July 22nd, when the Regina Planning Commission will meet.
  
  
• Regina Public Schools has approved a budget for 2025-26 that includes a $450,000 cut to its elementary band program as part of efforts to eliminate a $2.65-million deficit. The restructuring plan will reduce the number of band teachers while still maintaining band instruction for students in Grades 6 to 8. The division emphasized that the program is not being eliminated, but “restructured” to improve efficiency. Despite assurances of no job losses, the changes have raised concerns about diminished access and quality in music education. One trustee voted against the budget, and the final decision awaits approval from the Ministry of Education. Protests from students, parents, and teachers took place earlier in the month, urging the board to protect the band program.
  
  
• The City of Regina has voted to fund $75.4 million in wastewater infrastructure upgrades to support housing growth in northwest neighbourhoods. This move departs from the City’s “growth pays for growth” model, which usually requires developers to cover infrastructure costs. City Council approved the plan after hearing concerns that the current system was stalling development in areas like Westerra and Coopertown. The two new lift stations will replace aging infrastructure and support an additional 18,000 planned housing units, including urban reserve developments. Regina will apply for nearly $49 million from the federal Canada Housing and Infrastructure Fund, with the remainder coming from development charges, reserves, and long-term debt. A temporary mill rate increase in 2026 and 2027 will help cover interest costs, with the final amount depending on federal funding. Mayor Chad Bachynski described the decision as a return to previous practices where the City played a larger role in enabling growth. 
  
  
• Starting July 1st, Regina is updating its residential blue cart recycling program to reflect changes approved by Council in March. Glass and Nespresso pods will no longer be accepted in blue carts, but new items like ice cream containers, coffee cups and lids, gift bags, floss containers, and tape dispensers will be allowed. Flexible plastics, such as plastic bags and wraps, must now be taken to SARCAN instead. These changes come as SK Recycles prepares to take over processing of blue cart materials. City officials will provide more details at a press conference on Monday. The updates aim to improve recycling efficiency and follow similar expansions to the blue cart program since it began in 2013.
  
  
• Construction on 11th Avenue in downtown Regina, from Broad Street to Lorne Street, has caused significant traffic disruptions as the City replaces underground infrastructure dating back to 1913. Mayor Chad Bachynski says he acknowledges the frustration but emphasizes the work is necessary for long-term improvements. The closure covers a large area because both City crews and SaskPower are working simultaneously on different sections of the avenue. Once SaskPower finishes their part near Albert to Lorne Street, the City will reopen that area and continue their work. Bachynski describes the project as transformative, promising that the temporary inconvenience will lead to lasting benefits. Meanwhile, construction on Dewdney Avenue is also underway, with hopes to finish before winter despite challenges with old infrastructure.
  
  
• Council has approved a new program that will reward local volunteers with free access to City recreation facilities. Starting in 2026, individuals who volunteer with eligible non-profit organizations will receive three free passes per year to use at City-owned pools and leisure centres. The initiative, called the Volunteer RECognition Pass program, is the first of its kind in Canada and aims to strengthen community involvement and recognize volunteer contributions. Eligible organizations must promote community inclusion and have operated for at least one year. Approved volunteer work includes participation in events like youth sports, arts festivals, and cultural celebrations. Facilities included in the program are the Fieldhouse, Lawson Aquatic Centre, and several outdoor pools and leisure centres. Councillor Mark Burton, who spearheaded the initiative, said it’s a way to give back to those who dedicate their time to the community.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

We don’t usually ask for donations in these Minute emails, but summer is a challenging time for non-profits like ours, and your support makes all the difference.

If you value the work we’re doing, now’s a great time to chip in and help us stay on track: