Regina Minute: Street Team, New Name, and an Outdoor Event Space

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

This Week In Regina:

• The Audit and Finance Committee will meet tomorrow at 4:00 pm. The Committee will look to update the City of Regina's Reserve Policy to ensure that surplus funds from tax reserves first go to reserves with deficits, prioritizing the General Fund Reserve and then the Asset Revitalization Reserve. After covering these deficits, any leftover surplus can be transferred to other reserves as suggested by Administration. Later in the day, at 5:30 pm, there will be a meeting of the Development Appeals Board.
  
  
• On Thursday, at 2:00 pm, the City Centre Core Development Advisory Committee will meet. The Committee will discuss the vision and implementation plan for Regina's Warehouse Business Improvement District.
  
  
• The Regina Street Team, which assists with non-emergent needs in the community, is set to expand thanks to new provincial funding. The Saskatchewan government has pledged $325,000 annually starting in 2025, with an immediate $205,000 for the rest of 2024. This support will help the team, which was previously funded by the City of Regina, extend its services beyond downtown to more neighborhoods. The Team offers various services including food distribution, basic first aid, and connecting individuals with social supports.

Last Week In Regina:

• The park formerly known as Regent Par 3 Golf Course has been renamed. It is now called Māmowimīwēyitamōwin Park, which means “gathering of happiness and joy” in Cree. This new name was revealed during an Indigenous ceremony that included a pipe ceremony, feast, and round dance. The park, which was revitalized and opened in 2022, features a playground, off-leash dog park, spray pad, and other amenities. The renaming is part of the City of Regina's effort to include Indigenous names for new public spaces.
  
  
• Local business owners spoke out about the construction on Dewdney Avenue and the significant disruptions it has been causing. Some have reported reduced sales due to poor signage and limited access, making it hard for customers to find them. The City of Regina acknowledges the challenges and says the project is halfway complete, with future plans to enhance the area with better sidewalks and lighting. Despite the current difficulties, business owners are hopeful that the completed revitalization will attract more visitors and improve the area's appeal.
  
  
• The Regina Downtown Business Improvement District (RDBID) has received City approval to transform the site of the former Gordon Block into an outdoor event space. The 1,000 square meter area, including parts of Pat Fiacco Plaza and Cornwall Street, will host various events and include amenities such as eating and drinking areas, with potential for a food truck program. The space will accommodate up to 250 people and feature on-site washrooms and security. RDBID plans to announce more details by late 2024, with hopes to open the space in 2025. The former Gordon Block was destroyed by a fire in September 2023, which was determined to be arson.