Regina Minute: Issue 95

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

📅 This Week In Regina: 📅

• Regina’s long-running free sand program for icy sidewalks has been discontinued in 2026 as part of City budget cuts, saving an estimated $150,000. All 21 sand bins have been removed, and residents are now encouraged to use eco-friendly alternatives to keep their sidewalks safe. The program, which ran for more than 15 years, saw an average of 200 tonnes of sand used annually. City Council cited rising material and staffing costs as reasons for ending the program. Despite the change, property owners remain responsible for clearing sidewalks under the city’s Clean Property Bylaw and could face fines or City charges if they fail to do so.
  
  
• Regina’s finalized 2026 budget produced mixed outcomes for community grant programs after Council approved a 10.9% mill rate increase. The Community Investment Grant Program, which supports neighbourhood community associations across the city, was initially considered for cuts but instead had its funding preserved and set to rise with inflation starting in 2027. While groups welcomed the decision, some expressed concern about how close the program came to being reduced and described the process as stressful and lacking transparency. In contrast, the Heritage Incentive Program avoided elimination but saw its annual funding cut nearly in half, from $260,000 to $130,000. Supporters of heritage preservation warned the reduction could accelerate building deterioration and lead to long-term economic and cultural losses. 
  
  
• The Regina Police Service has promoted Laurel Marshall to Deputy Chief of Operations, taking over the role vacated by the newly appointed Chief of Police, Lorilee Davies. Marshall, who has been with RPS since 1998, has experience in both uniformed and investigative roles, most recently leading the Investigative Services Division. Known for her people-first approach and dedication to staff wellness, she has served on the Critical Incident Stress Management Team and Peer Support Team, and has a background in training recruits. Marshall was also a founding board member of Saskatchewan Women in Policing and continues to advise the organization. In her new role, she will take on more public-facing duties and collaborate with community partners. 
  
  
• Regina Transit is launching a pilot program to install digital real-time arrival boards at four busy downtown bus stops, aiming to provide more accurate and accessible information for riders. The signs will display arrival times, service disruptions, and current service status, helping passengers plan their trips and reducing the need for calls to Transit Rideline. Currently, Regina Transit operates with about 88% schedule adherence, but delays from weather, traffic, or accidents can occur. The pilot responds to feedback from riders who find schedules inconsistent and app information sometimes inaccurate. If successful, the City plans to expand the program citywide, following similar initiatives already in place in Saskatoon and Winnipeg. The City hopes to have the boards installed by the end of 2026, enhancing convenience and reliability for all transit users.
  
  
• MayBell Developments is in the final stages of completing a 12-home project in downtown Regina designed for low-income single mothers. Located next to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and adjacent to Lilium Childcare, the homes are three-bedroom, one-bath units intended for families to stay two to five years, with rent capped at under 30% of income. The program pairs housing with individualized support plans, including budgeting, job skills, tenancy training, and educational programming, to help residents transition out of low-income situations. Currently, four units are occupied, with a waitlist of 30 applicants being processed through application, income verification, and interviews. The $3.45 million project, funded through CMHC, the City of Regina, and community contributions, began construction in January 2025 and is expected to finish by the end of February 2026. MayBell sees this as a pilot project, with plans to expand over the next five years, emphasizing supportive housing to prevent residents from cycling back into financial hardship. The project also includes on-site support from a women’s support worker to guide families toward long-term stability.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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