Regina Minute: Snow Plans, Theatre Renovation, and Council Sworn In

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

This Week In Regina:

• There are no Council or Committee meetings this week. The next meeting at City Hall will be a meeting of the Executive Committee, which takes place on December 4th.
  
  
• The City is moving forward with their snowfall response plan. During "storm mode," crews will prioritize plowing emergency routes, major intersections, and transit stops while addressing sidewalk clearing and ice control. A systematic plowing phase will follow within 24 - 48 hours after snowfall, focusing on high-traffic roads, school zones, and industrial areas. The City will then enter a maintenance phase, continuously addressing problem areas and preparing for future storms. The City shared the information through an infographic on social media.
  
  
• The Globe Theatre is reopening its newly renovated third and main floors at MacCorquodale Place with Peter Pan as its inaugural show, despite ongoing construction. After four years of performing at alternative venues, the $45-million renovation, funded by government support and donors, aims to revitalize both the theater and Regina's downtown. The show, which runs from November 27th to just before Christmas, marks a new chapter for the Globe. Future plans for the venue include book readings, play workshops, and a theater school.

Last Week In Regina:

• Regina's 36th mayor, Chad Bachynski, and the new City Council were officially sworn in during a ceremony at Henry Baker Hall. The 2024 election results brought two re-elected Councillors, Shanon Zachidniak and Jason Mancinelli, and eight first-time Councillors. Mayor Bachynski acknowledged the whirlwind of his new role and expressed excitement about getting to work. Councillor Mancinelli noted a shift in public sentiment during the election, highlighting a desire for significant change. Newly elected Councillors emphasized their enthusiasm for collaboration and focusing on improving the City. The new Council will begin training sessions before their first meetings in December, with budget discussions planned shortly after.
  
  
• Regina musician Jeffery Straker received a personal note of thanks from King Charles for his coronation song, Better Than What We Found. The song, written for the King's coronation celebration at Government House in Regina in 2023, encourages people to leave the world better than they found it. Saskatchewan’s Lt.-Gov. Russel Mirasty facilitated the gift of Straker’s album, Great Big Sky, to Buckingham Palace, with Canada’s high commissioner personally delivering it. King Charles expressed his appreciation in a letter, noting his delight with the song and wishing Straker success on his tour. Straker described the acknowledgment as a deeply moving career highlight.
  
  
• As heavy snowfall continued to blanket Regina, emergency shelters were overwhelmed, leaving many vulnerable residents without refuge. Organizations like the YWCA and Regina Waterston Ministries report full capacity, with alternative housing options scarce. The city recently approved the creation of a permanent homeless shelter, but it won’t be operational until next summer, leaving immediate needs unmet. Cold weather has spiked demand for shelter beds, which are typically full year-round, exacerbating the strain on resources. Advocates are calling for systemic changes to address gaps in social assistance programs and long-term housing solutions.