Regina Minute: Patio Wasps, Exhibition Numbers, and a New Speed Limit

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

This Week In Regina:

• The Regina Planning Commission will meet on Tuesday at 4:00 pm to discuss a proposed zoning amendment at 1176 Wascana Street. On Wednesday, at 9:00 am, there will be a meeting of the Executive Committee. The Committee will discuss requesting a $230 million increase to the City’s debt limit, which would establish the limit at $890 million instead of the current $660 million. In addition, the agenda includes a discussion about approving a cost increase of $84.4 million for the new Indoor Aquatics Facility.
  
  
• Starting today, the Cathedral neighbourhood will see a new 40 km/h speed limit as part of the City’s first Community Safety Zone. The new speed limit, amended from an initially proposed 30 km/h, was prompted by two pedestrian deaths on 13th Avenue last year. New signage will be installed at the Zone’s entrances and exits, with the total cost of the change estimated at $15,000. School zones will continue to have a 30 km/h limit, while other areas within the Zone will adopt the new speed limit.
  
  
• Regina businesses are dealing with two big environmental issues. The first is the unpleasant smell from the City's composting program, which is affecting nearby businesses and making it difficult for them to operate, especially on warm days. The second issue is a significant increase in wasps around local patios, which is disrupting dining experiences and causing frustration for restaurant staff and customers. There's no suggestion the two are connected, but let's hope the air clears soon!

Last Week In Regina:

• Construction has begun for a new joint-use school in Regina’s Harbour Landing neighbourhood, designed to accommodate up to 850 students and 90 childcare spots. The facility will serve 500 students from Regina Public Schools and 350 from Regina Catholic Schools. It will be located on 11 acres at Gordon Road and Campbell Street. Current work includes preparing roadways, sidewalks, and utility connections, led by PME Construction. The project aims to address overcrowding issues at Harbour Landing School, where 200 students will be relocated. The new school is expected to open in 2026.
  
  
• Brandon Abtosway, a 27-year-old field technician with SaskTel, has announced his intention to run for Mayor in the upcoming civic election. He is challenging incumbent Mayor Sandra Masters, who is seeking a second term. Abtosway is critical of the current Council’s priorities and emphasized issues like debt, infrastructure, and spending. He aims to focus on essential City services and balance the budget while cutting unnecessary expenses. Voter registration for Regina's municipal election is currently open. Polls will be open during the week of November 13th.
  
  
• There were over 220,000 mini donuts sold at this year's Queen City Exhibition (QCX)  and attendance reached more than 262,000. The event featured nearly 30 new foods, including dill pickle cotton candy. Highlights included competitive eater Joey Chestnut setting a world record by eating 343 mini donuts in eight minutes, the debut of the Saskatchewan’s Strongest Man Competition, and the QCX Midway 5k race. The event also showcased performances by Ludacris, Our Lady Peace, and Trooper, and introduced an indoor Memory Lane exhibit celebrating the QCX's 140-year history.