City of Regina considering $2.1M makeover for Confederation Park

Regina city administration is asking for money to help refurbish a piece of green space around the new home of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

City staff would like to use $2.1 million to give Confederation Park a makeover. The 88-year-old park is situated on the grounds of Evraz Place, between the Brandt Centre and the new Mosaic Stadium.

Enhancements to the area have been identified as a priority for 2016.

“It is one of our older parks in the city and is in need of significant upgrades. Also because we expect substantial opportunities to increase for use of the park when the stadium is built,” said Janine Daradich, manager of recreation facility development and partnerships.

She said improvements could include replacing the fountain, along with adding new lighting and seating. The goal is for the park to act as an entranceway to the new stadium, one that’s able to host more and larger events. Daradich said that could even include pre-game Rider festivities.

A variety of groups will be putting on such events, including the North Central Community Association, The Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL), Heritage Regina, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

However, city council has to give the plan its ultimate approval first.

The city made an application to the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program to cover some of the costs. That could knock off a maximum of $500,000. However, at this time the city has not heard back on the potential for that federal funding.