Regina’s 11th Avenue reopens, expected to finish under budget

The city expects to finish between $1.5 million and $2 million under budget, although Doney said some final bills are still being processed.

“We’re very happy to announce that this project will be under budget,” Doney said.

The work stretched along 11th Avenue between Broad Street and Albert Street, replacing aging underground infrastructure while giving the downtown corridor a new look.

Fresh pavement, wider sidewalks and upgraded pedestrian crossings are among the improvements along 11th Avenue near McIntyre Street in downtown Regina following the completion of the revitalization project. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)

For businesses along the route, however, getting to this point hasn’t always been easy.

“For four years, many of you have navigated construction zones, changing access routes, noise, dust, and disruptions that no doubt had impacts on your day-to-day operations,” Bachynski said.

“You showed patience, resilience, and commitment to our downtown during a very challenging period.”

Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski speaks at an event celebrating the completion of the 11th Avenue revitalization project in downtown Regina on Oct. 16, 2026. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)

The mayor encouraged residents to return downtown and support businesses that endured years of construction.

“Supporting local businesses is one of the best ways that we can ensure our downtown thrives,” he said.

While drivers and pedestrians will notice rebuilt roads, improved sidewalks and upgraded lighting, much of the work happened underground.

Some of the water and wastewater pipes beneath 11th Avenue had served Regina for more than a century.

“That was critical work that simply could not wait,” Bachynski said.

Doney said the new underground pipes are designed to last another 100 years, helping the city avoid major replacements for decades.

The city also coordinated its work with SaskPower and SaskTel to reduce costs and the need for future construction.

But despite Friday’s celebration, the project isn’t finished.

Benches, heated transit shelters and tree planting remain among the improvements, with finishing work continuing after the roadway reopened.

Doney acknowledged that one of the project’s biggest lessons was the importance of working directly with businesses affected by construction.

City of Regina deputy city manager Kurtis Doney speaks during an event marking the completion of the downtown 11th Avenue revitalization project on Oct. 16, 2026. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)

“Probably the most important thing is building relationships with businesses, having face-to-face conversations with them, talking about what they need to ensure their business is successful,” he said.

He said the city also learned the importance of investigating underground infrastructure before construction begins, particularly in older parts of Regina where crews can encounter unexpected conditions.

“There’s a lot of unknowns in the underground infrastructure and the way that the buildings are built,” Doney said.

The project was completed in phases to help maintain pedestrian access to businesses while construction continued.

Bachynski also pointed to extended construction hours and weekend work as examples of the city adapting how it handles major projects.

The mayor said conversations with Doney about construction practices helped drive efforts to improve how projects are delivered.

Residents can also provide feedback on city construction practices through an online survey open until Nov. 4.

With 11th Avenue substantially complete, the city is considering other downtown streets for similar improvements.

A newly reconstructed intersection at 11th Avenue and Smith Street in downtown Regina following the completion of the city’s revitalization project. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)

Doney identified Scarth Street as a possible location for near-term surface improvements, while Saskatchewan Drive is expected to undergo more extensive underground and roadway reconstruction in the coming years.

Those projects remain dependent on future budgets and council decisions.

“We’re rebuilding our downtown one street at a time, and this is a key corridor in the downtown of Regina,” Doney said.