Regina Minute: Issue 67

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

📅 This Week In Regina: 📅

• There are no Council meetings this week, though there are several meetings of the Board of Revision. Regular activity will resume at City Hall on July 22nd, when the Regina Planning Commission meets.
  
  
• Regina’s Urgent Care Centre (UCC), open for over a year, has yet to transition to 24/7 operations as originally planned. Initially, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) launched the UCC with limited hours to allow staff to adjust, with a second phase intended to expand to full-day service in fall 2024 - a step that still hasn’t happened. Instead, the UCC’s hours were further reduced in mid-June to 8:00 am to 4:00 pm without explanation. Despite this, SHA officials say the centre is meeting patient needs and has been successful in providing non-emergency care, easing pressure on hospitals. The $18.7 million facility includes 130 staff and offers services such as mental health support, casting, X-rays, and minor emergency treatment. It is designed to treat serious but non-life-threatening issues and to divert patients from overcrowded emergency rooms. The SHA has not provided a timeline for 24-hour operation but is continuing to evaluate needs. A similar urgent care centre is also being developed in Saskatoon.
  
  
• Businesses and property owners in the city centre now have a new incentive to revitalize their spaces. The City of Regina launched its City Centre Incentive Program, offering matching grants of up to $50,000 and property tax exemptions for up to five years. The program is designed to help cover costs for storefront improvements, tenant fit-ups, and even the development of vacant lots in the downtown area. City officials say the goal is to boost economic growth, create a more active core, and support sustainability efforts. Applications for the 2025 intake will be accepted until August 20th. Local businesses and tenants interested in applying can find full details on the City’s website.
  
  
• Birdwatching is becoming increasingly popular in Regina, supported by local initiatives like the Regina Public Library’s birding backpack program. Available to library cardholders, these backpacks include high-quality binoculars, a Saskatchewan bird field guide, and even space for a lunch, making birdwatching accessible for beginners of all ages. The backpacks can be borrowed for up to three weeks and include a one-week visitor pass to any Regional Park in Saskatchewan. Meanwhile, Malty National Brewing in Regina’s Heritage neighbourhood is hosting a month-long birdwatching competition to engage the community, with a final event featuring trivia and a meet-and-greet for bird enthusiasts. The competition encourages friendly participation and has drawn new visitors to the brewery.
  
  
• Dutch elm disease is causing growing concern in Regina, with 17 confirmed cases this season, including seven reported in just one week. The disease, caused by a fungus spread by elm bark beetles, disrupts a tree's nutrient flow, leading to wilting and death of branches. City crews are actively monitoring, removing infected trees, and testing nearby trees to prevent further spread. The season for Dutch elm disease has started earlier than usual, raising concerns about a longer outbreak period. Residents are urged to report any suspected infections, avoid transporting or storing elm wood, and refrain from pruning elm trees in spring or summer.  

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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