Regina Minute: Issue 69

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

📅 This Week In Regina: 📅

• At 9:00 am on Wednesday, there will be a meeting of the Executive Committee. The  Committee will discuss hosting two major events in 2028: the Can-Am Police-Fire Games and the Jeux de la Francophonie Canadienne (Canadian Francophone Youth Games). For the Can-Am Police-Fire Games, the City could provide up to $200,000 in cash funding from the Events, Conventions & Tradeshows Reserve Fund, contingent on a solid event plan, budget, and a formal agreement that limits the City’s financial risk. For the Francophone Games, the City could contribute up to $100,000 in cash and $50,000 in in-kind services, also contingent on planning, budget approval, and a contribution agreement. If the Committee approves this spending, Council approval will be sought at the July 30th meeting of City Council.
  
  
• Also, the Executive Committee will consider whether to increase the budget for Regina’s new Indoor Aquatics Facility by $40 million, bringing the total project cost to $285.1 million. A report recommends covering the overage by reallocating $30 million from other recreation projects and adding $10 million in new debt. Cost pressures from market conditions and detailed design work have pushed the project over budget. Administration recommends maintaining the full project scope, which includes leisure and competition pools and a geothermal heating system. The proposed facility is expected to meet future demand, enhance accessibility, and support national-level aquatic events. Two alternative scope-reduction options will also be presented to the Committee.
  
  
• Two more trees in Regina’s Wascana Centre were removed after testing positive for Dutch elm disease. The disease is caused by a fungus spread by beetles that burrow into elm trees, damaging them. Wascana Centre staff monitor beetle activity with insect traps and have noticed an increase in beetle presence this year. The Provincial Capital Commission (PCC), which manages Wascana Centre, runs a control program involving surveillance, prevention, and removal of infected trees to protect the area’s elm population. Elm trees form a significant part of Regina’s canopy.
  
  
• Speaking of the Wascana Centre, the final draft of the 2025 Wascana Centre Master Plan has been released, outlining future improvements to the park surrounding the Saskatchewan Legislative Building and the University of Regina. The plan, updated every 10 years, includes upgrades like expanded pathways, renewed picnic sites and washrooms, more benches, and potential seasonal road closures to improve access and enjoyment. The goal is to preserve and enhance Wascana Centre as a cherished destination for both locals and visitors. Founded in 1912 and officially designated as Wascana Centre in 1962, the park has long been a gathering place. The new shoreline updates and continued investments aim to support recreation, nature appreciation, and community connection.
  
  
• Regina’s EVRAZ steel mill is set to be sold to US-based Atlas Holdings after years of uncertainty linked to sanctions on its Russian parent company. Premier Scott Moe acknowledged the irony of an American purchase amid US trade tensions but said there’s a clear path forward for the industry. Moe expressed optimism about the plant’s future and praised its workers after meeting with them this week. The union representing local employees welcomed the sale, calling it a relief after a challenging period. EVRAZ employs thousands across North America, including many in Regina. The sale, worth up to $500 million, is expected to close later this year. Meanwhile, the federal government announced new steps to protect Canada’s steel sector from cheap imports. Local workers say they’re ready to keep producing high-quality Canadian steel.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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