City council looking for alternatives to road closure for Regina's Eastgate Drive

Rather than proceed with a road closure, city council will discuss other options with business owners along Eastgate Drive in east Regina and come back with a solution in October.

Hours of debate and fierce opposition from businesses has the city taking another look at a suggested road closure in Regina’s east end.

Administration had previously put forth a proposal that would see a portion of Eastgate Drive right-of-way between Eastgate Drive and Coleman Crescent permanently closed. It’s related to ongoing road-widening construction along Victoria Avenue.

A number of business owners relayed their concerns on to city council Monday night. Many are worried about access being further cut off for potential customers if the street is closed for good. Even with it currently open and construction nearby, some businesses have watched their sales fall by 25 per cent over the last few months since roadwork originally started in June.

The mayor and councillors listened to delegation after delegation and ultimately decided that city administration should have a public consultation with businesses and other affected parties to discuss a number of options on how to best proceed with construction. A recommendation is expected to be put forth by city staff during an Oct. 8 meeting of council.

Universal Bus Pass

The city has approved a universal bus pass for University of Regina students.

Earlier this month the city’s executive committee voted in favour of the proposal and on Monday night city council passed the proposal. The U-Pass is estimated to cost students between $70 and $90 each semester for unlimited bus use.

The plan would require the city to spend $2.75 million on five new buses, meaning enhanced service for some existing routes along with an entirely new route serving the city’s southeast.

Pending approval by the University of Regina Students’ Union Board of Governors, the program would take effect in the fall of 2016.