Regina Minute: Warming Space, Flag Protocol, and Emergency Shelter Opposition

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

This Week In Regina:

• There will be a City Council meeting on Tuesday at 1:00 pm. Council will discuss implementing a new Flag Protocol that stipulates that only specific flags - those of Canada, Saskatchewan, the Union Jack, the City of Regina, Treaty 4, and the Métis Nation - are permitted to be flown in the courtyard of City Hall and in the Council Chamber. The protocol discontinues the practice of raising flags of other nations to honour their National Days, except in cases where an official dignitary from a nation recognized by Canada visits City Hall. Additionally, it allows for the raising of flags from charitable or cultural organizations, provided they meet specific criteria and do not represent commercial or political interests. The existing Proclamations Policy will be amended to reflect similar restrictions regarding the issuance of proclamations for National Days. Council will discuss an operating grant for Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) as well as the permanent emergency shelter location. (More on both of those items below!).
  
  
• A new rent-to-own housing program is being launched in Regina’s North Central neighbourhood. The initiative, developed by the City of Regina, the Saskatchewan government, and Silver Sage Housing Corporation, will offer affordable homeownership opportunities. Starting with 10 homes transferred from the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, the program is designed for households with an annual income of at least $50,000, with ownership options after 10 to 15 years. This effort is part of the broader North Central Revitalization Initiative, which aims to address social and housing challenges while avoiding gentrification.
  
  
• The City of Regina and the provincial government are allocating a total of $400,000 to Carmichael Outreach to establish an 80-person warming space, scheduled to open by November 1st. The funding includes $100,000 from the City and a one-time grant of $300,000 from the Ministry of Social Services. This initiative is part of Regina's cold weather strategy, aimed at ensuring access to warm spaces and services during winter. The City will also provide information on additional warming locations throughout Regina in October.

Last Week In Regina:

• The Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) approached the Executive Committee seeking a $4-million operating grant to address its financial struggles. The request comes as the organization nears its $6.7-million line of credit limit. Without this funding, REAL risks financial collapse, leaving the City responsible for $16.7 million in loan repayments it guaranteed. While the majority of Committee members supported the funding proposal, it still requires final approval from Council on Tuesday. The grant would provide REAL with cash flow to continue operations into early 2025. But, the question needs to be asked - what do they do after that?
  
  
• The proposed purchase of the Eagles Club in Regina for a permanent emergency shelter was met with significant opposition from nearby business owners. They expressed concerns about the lack of consultation and the potential negative impact on their businesses, citing issues such as proximity to services for individuals with complex needs. City Administration recommended the $2.6 million purchase, with an additional $3 million allocated for renovations, funded by federal and provincial contributions. A final decision will be made at tomorrow’s Council meeting.
  
  
• Ward 4 Councillor Lori Bresciani has announced her candidacy for mayor in Regina’s upcoming municipal election. First elected in 2016, she is stepping down from her Council position to focus on her mayoral campaign, centered on fiscal responsibility and curbing debt for large projects. Bresciani said she is committed to collaboration and accountability, and criticized the current City Council for overpromising and overspending. She pledged to avoid conflicts of interest and not accept campaign donations from developers. Bresciani's candidacy adds to a field that includes six other contenders, including incumbent Mayor Sandra Masters.